This first image is misleading as it’s not in Santa Ynez. The Oceana tasting room was only a bike ride away from our hotel in Santa Barbara, The Presidio. They had a great port.
Hey Wisconsinites! Did you know Carhartt’s—the maker of rugged-wear clothing—has their own tasting room in California? They are such a small outfit (400 cases/year) you won’t be finding this in any stores or restaurants. But if you make it Los Olivos, CA, you won’t regret a stop here! They had a great little patio area shaded by HUGE red peppercorn trees.
Above are Laurie & Alex relaxing on the Carhartt patio, and Alex and myself outside a deli in Los Olivos.
Next up, the Fess Parker Winery. Remember Davy Crockett, and Daniel Boone? Did you know those parts were played by the same actor, Fess Parker? Here I am sporting my Daniel Boone look. The baby coon cap on the wine bottle was available for sale too.
The photo (above) shows a picture of Fess Parker, and the other is of the FP vineyard. Laurie said she & Alex were there several years ago when Fess Parker was there signing bottles of wine.
Third on the list: Babcock Winery. Wines were good, but what caught my eye the most were these PENCILS – how fun! I bought some for my trip, now I just need a pencil sharpener. I also enjoyed this energetic, colorful painting on the wall.
Last, but not least, was Curtis Winery. Their tasting room was in high ceilinged warehouse/garage space. Laurie pointed out that it was set up like an Anthropologie store: candles, cards, unbleached dishtowels, fun sayings on things, old cool wooden furniture. Wine tasting and shopping!