Planning your first wine-tasting adventure to visit Santa Ynez Best Wineries? The hills north of Santa Barbara is one of the world’s best wine regions, full of incredible tasting experiences for new comers or seasoned tasters.
From the well known estates to the hidden gem, boutique vineyards, this area has something for everyone. Learn about the winemaking process, take a tour, or keep it casual and soak in the sun as you enjoy delicious wine.
In this article we explore our Top 10 Santa Ynez Best Wineries for first time visitors.
To make your experience seamless and worry-free, book a designated driver, allowing you to sip the best wines when in Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara’s scenic region.
Although we have many more favorites up our sleeve, these are some of the most winning spots for an introduction to the reagion.
Here are the Top 10 Santa Ynez Best Wineries for your first time to the valley:
1. Sanford Winery – A Santa Ynez Valley Classic
Discover the captivating charm of Sanford Winery in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country. A pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Sanford is known for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grown in the cool-climate vineyards that helped put the region on the map.
For the wine-curious, a visit to Sanford offers a casual experience with exceptional vineyard views – from the moment you step into the rustic, elegant tasting room to your final sip overlooking the picturesque rolling hills of La Rinconada and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards.
Enjoy a guided tasting flight highlighting estate-grown wines, each glass telling the story of the land, the vintage, and the winemaker’s touch.
With a welcoming atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and breathtaking views, Sanford invites you to slow down and connect with the spirit and history of the valley. Reservations are recommended but they usually accept walk-ins.
Book your tasting today and experience firsthand the heritage and beauty that make Sanford Winery a destination worth remembering.
2. Babcock Winery
Visit Babcock Winery, a fantastic first stop for newcomers looks for Santa Ynez best wineries. Babcock has a rich family heritage and deep roots in the region. Founded in 1978 by Walter and Mona Babcock, the winery spans a diverse 110-acre estate in Santa Ynez Valley.
Their son Bryan, a UC Davis‑trained vintner, helped pioneer the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in the early 2000s—transforming the area into a world-class region for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and more.
Visiting Babcock gives you a tangible sense of California wine history. From its humble beginnings planting Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc to now producing award-winning varietals across a variety of microclimates.
Beyond the wine itself, Babcock offers a tasting experience in a super fun, decorated environment. Lisa’s “Soulstruck Vintage” vision transforms what was once a barrel warehouse into a mid-century modern/artistic space.
It overflows with global vintage finds, fashion-forward décor, vinyl music, and conversation-starting curiosities. First-time visitors will feel welcomed like family while exploring a unique blend of artistry and top notch wines.
3. Vega Vineyard – Come for lunch!
Vega Vineyard & Farm is another outstanding first stop for visitors to the Santa Ynez. Established on Rancho de la Vega—originally granted as early as 1853—the property preserves the original 13-room adobe while showcasing nearly 20 acres of estate-grown vines and a modern winery operation.
The Loizides family, inspired by their ancestral ties to Cyprus and Zimbabwe, revived this 206‑acre site to build a true farm-to-table estate that welcomes everyone.
With a seamless mix of hospitality, history, and wholesome fun, Vega is excellent for first time visitors. Enjoy carefully crafted wines—ranging from Pinot Noir to Italian varietals like Dolcetto and Nebbiolo—under the guidance of seasoned winemaker Steve Clifton.
Meanwhile, the onsite restaurant sources produce straight from the farm, with seasonal menus and experiences like Greek Nights, brunches, and farm dinners offering creative culinary pairings.
Families are especially welcome here: there’s a dedicated kids’ area (Pops Place), friendly farm animals you can interact with for free, picnic cabanas, and tractor rides—plus even lodging options in a rustic adobe or vineyard casita.
Plus, Vega is right off the 101 in Buellton. Very easy to get to!
4. Roblar Winery – also come for lunch!
Roblar Winery & Vineyards is an ideal pick for first-time visitors, and one of Santa Ynez best wineries. With excellent wine, food, and an aesthetic indoor and outdoor atmosphere right off the 154, this winery is rightly popular.
Roblar sits among oak-studded estate vineyards spanning around 21–40 acres. The property has a ranching past, and transitioned from horse breeding to grape-growing in the late 1990s.
Visitors are welcomed into a spacious 5,000-square-foot tasting room with an inviting indoor-outdoor stone fireplace and an adjacent trellis-covered patio overlooking the garden.
What sets Roblar apart as a first-time destination is the combo of farm-to-table and vine-to-glass experiences. Under the guidance of their Executive Chef, the onsite restaurant serves dishes crafted from organic produce harvested daily from the adjacent farm, perfectly paired with estate-grown wines such as Cabernet Franc, Syrah, and Pinot Noir from the nearby Sta. Rita Hills.
Beyond wine, the estate offers curated experiences like guided vineyard tours, farm-to-fork tastings, live music, and private events in captivating spaces such as the Potting Shed or Wisteria Pergola—ensuring that every visitor, whether on their first or fifteenth visit, leaves feeling warmly embraced.
5. Beckmen
Beckmen Vineyards is a captivating choice for first-time visitors to the Santa Ynez Valley, with a cozy and scenic tasting overlooking a small pond. Founded in 1994 by Tom and Judith Beckmen and later led by their son Steve, the estate was the first in Santa Barbara County to embrace biodynamic farming—treating the vineyard as an interdependent ecosystem free from chemical sprays.
Their two estate vineyards—Thomas & Judith Beckmen in the Los Olivos District (with gravelly, warm soils ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon and Rhône varieties) and the high-elevation Purisima Mountain Vineyard with rare limestone subsoil—showcase precisely where the fruit is grown.
Under Steve Beckmen’s hands-on farming approach and winemaking expertise, the team consistently crafts Rhône-style and estate wines that reflect both terroir and tradition.
Visiting Beckmen is a casual and affordable wine country experience. Their rustic red-barn winery, surrounded by gazebos and tasting decks, provides a calm setting with vineyard views.
For deeper connection, the “Farm to Glass” experience includes a 90-minute guided tour through biodynamic vineyards and barrel rooms, followed by a tasting of five wines.
You can also enjoy relaxed bottle service at the gazebo or pondside lounge, where picnics and dogs on leash are welcome.
Open daily with reservations recommended, Beckmen offers first-timers a friendly, authentic exploration of sustainable winemaking,
6. Buttonwood Farm and Vineyard
Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard offers a relaxed and scenic Santa Ynez Valley experience for first-time visitors. Operating as a working farm, Buttonwood spans 42 acres of vineyards and 106 acres of orchards, gardens, and open space.
The team honors its agricultural roots by growing everything from peaches to peppers alongside wine grapes.
They focus on Bordeaux-style blends, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and other estate-grown varietals. Visitors feel the land’s presence in every glass and enjoy a deeper, farm-centered vibe.
The tasting room sits among fig trees and gardens, creating a peaceful outdoor space for enjoying wine by the glass or bottle.
Guests bring picnics, play lawn games, and explore the grounds on self-guided strolls. Buttonwood hosts seasonal events like peach harvest days, wine release parties, and live music gatherings.
The friendly staff answers questions, shares stories, and welcomes newcomers like old friends.
The experience introduces visitors to the valley’s slower pace, grounded values, and handcrafted wine culture.
7. Lincourt Wines
Lincourt Vineyards is great for first-time visitors looking for Santa Ynez best wineries.
The estate encompasses two hillside vineyards within the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, renowned for its cool-climate conditions ideal for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Guests can enjoy seated tastings under a pergola or in open sun, overlooking picturesque vineyards.
The tasting room, housed in a 1926 Sears Craftsman Kit Home, provides a charming and rustic setting that reflects the region’s agricultural heritage.
Destination Drivers notes that the winery welcomes dogs on leashes and accommodates walk-ins as space allows, though reservations are recommended, especially for weekends.
Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lincourt Vineyards provides a relaxed and authentic introduction to the valley’s wine culture.
8. Andrew Murray Vineyards
Established in 1990, the winery specializes in Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.
Guests can enjoy intimate, seated tastings either on the outdoor terrace underneath shady oaks, or inside the modern tasting room.
The winery offers a range of tasting experiences, including the Estate Tasting Experience and the Wine + Truffle Experience, catering to various likes.
The estate is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with reservations recommended, especially for weekends. Walk-ins are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis as space allows.
Visitors can also explore the E11even Wines tasting room in downtown Los Olivos, offering a curated selection of wines in a boutique setting.
If you’re seeking an unpretentious, high-quality wine tasting experience, Andrew Murray Vineyards offers a memorable introduction to the region’s wine culture.
9. Demetria Estate
Demetria Estate Winery is a favorite of Destination Drivers and a must-see for first-time visitors to the Santa Ynez Valley.
Nestled on a 213-acre property, the estate features 45 acres of high-elevation vineyards, producing biodynamic Rhône-style wines.
Guests enjoy intimate tastings in a unique hilltop setting, with views of the surrounding hills and vineyards. The winery’s commitment to sustainability and holistic farming practices enhances the authenticity of the experience.
Tastings at Demetria Estate are conducted by appointment, ensuring personalized attention. The cost is $30 per person, and reservations are required.
The estate allows well-behaved dogs on leashes and children under supervision. Guests are encouraged to bring their own picnic provisions, as the winery does not serve food except for snacks.
The tasting area features picnic tables shaded by trees, providing a comfortable environment to savor the wines. The estate’s remote location adds to its charm, offering a peaceful retreat away from the more commercialized tasting rooms in the area.
10. Carhartt
Carhartt Family Wines offers a warm, engaging experience for first-time visitors to Santa Ynez. Mike and Brooke Carhart plant their first vineyard in 1996 on the historic Rancho Santa Ynez, and their son Chase joins them as co-winemaker—creating a hands-on, family-led operation.
They farm organically and sustainably across multiple estate vineyards, including the hand-tended Canyon, Mesa, and 11 Oaks sites—each producing a wide variety of Rhône and Bordeaux-style wines, all selling exclusively through their tasting room and wine club.
Guests taste directly in Los Olivos at the cozy “Carhartt Cabin” tasting room, open daily and welcoming walk-ins alongside reservations. Visitors explore around 35 small-batch wines in an intimate vineyard patio setting.
The team cultivates a friendly, relaxed vibe full of storytelling—guests praise the attentive service and vibrant atmosphere. Carhartt Family Wines introduces visitors to the region through its familial commitment, farm-to-glass ethos, and richly varied portfolio—all delivered with California hospitality and genuine character.
They stay open in Los Olivos after 5pm too!
Conclusion: Visit the Best Santa Ynez Wineries for First Time Visitors with Destination Drivers
Exploring Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara as a first-time wine taster is a trip you’ll never forget. With so many wineries to pick from, we make planning a breeze. Our designated driver services ensure you enjoy the best the region has to offer.
Plan your epic first-time wine-tasting tour in Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez valley with the expertise of Destination Drivers!