Touring the Santa Rita Hills Wine Country
The Santa Rita Hills appellation is located on the California central coast and runs east to west between Lompoc and Buellton, east of the 101 freeway. Head west on the 246, and you'll have just a few wineries to choose from to visit. It's a good day trip from Santa Barbara. When you get to the small town of Lompoc, you can visit the Mission La Purisma if you like. Or drive through the town and see all the painted mural scenes on walls of the buildings. The Santa Barbara County Vintner's Festival is held at River Park, which is lined by the flower fields, fully in bloom in April. When you're ready to head back, take the fairly remote, curvy Santa Rosa Road back towards Buellton. It is extremely scenic, with trees, ranch land and a few more wineries.
The following wineries have tasting rooms open to the public:
Babcock Winery & Vineyard 5175 East Hwy 246, Lompoc 805-736-1455 Fri-Sun 10:30-4, Mon 12-4 Clos Pepe Vineyards Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyards Foley Estates Vineyard & Winery Lafond Winery Melville Winery Mosby Winery Sanford Winery & Vineyards
The Santa Rita Hills wine country is a lot less crowded than the more popular Santa Ynez Valley, which lies inland to the east. Of course, there aren't as many wineries, but the drive itself is enjoyable. For local lodging options, see Lompoc hotels on TripAdvisor.
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