Santa Barbara is a region with different climates. The coastal areas can be cold, rainy, and a bit temperamental, adding to the romantic ambience and incredible views. The sight of angry waves crashing against craggy boulders against a steel gray sky is hauntingly beautiful and surprisingly peaceful.
As you move inland, however, the climate softens and gentles. The temperatures stay warmer, and in this region protected from the cool ocean breezes, the ideal spot for winemaking has been created. Delicious, silky, and smooth wines of all varieties start their humble beginnings in this mountainous terrain, offering yet another reason that Santa Barbara is our favorite place on earth.
Fortunately, it's not an either/or type situation. There are just as many fun things to do in Santa Barbara's inland& as there are in its coastal area. You can spend part of your time coast side, enjoying the activities and experiences that are uniquely Santa Barbara, and you can spend part of your time inland, traveling from vineyard to vineyard, getting a true taste of what a California vacation can be. But it's not just about the wine.
Inland Santa Barbara is a great place to visit for a chance to get back to nature. Whether you are hiking, biking or just taking a Sunday drive through the Santa Ynez Valley, the peace and beauty of this section of the country will steal a piece of your heart. The temperatures vary greatly from day to night, so be sure to bring a sweater or jacket if you are planning on being around after dark. The temps can drop by as much as 30 degrees once the sun falls behind those mountains.
We might have exaggerated a bit when we said it not just about the wine. Santa Barbara is home to some of the best vineyards in the nation, after all. Every wine is different, and the multiple micro-climates we experience here means multiple grape varieties not only survive here, they THRIVE here. Grapes for all sorts of wondrous varieties of wine flourish inland, like pinot noir, chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot.
One of the best things to do in Santa Barbara is to take a day and tour the different vineyards sampling their wares-just make sure you have a designated driver! If all members in your party want to partake, never fear. There are numerous companies in the area that offer wine tours. They do the driving; you do the drinking-it's a win-win situation!
After a day of wine tasting you may find the room swirling just a bit. Isn't it great you had the forethought to stay in a luxury Paradise Retreats vacation home, where the beds are soft havens of paradise, book now and experience one of our luxury rentals like Turner Vineyard perfect for recuperating from a day of wine tours. Book yours today and start preparing for the perfect Santa Barbara vacation. A California sunset is included at no additional cost!
