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Top Wineries on the
Santa Ynez Wine Trail - Alamo Pintado Rd
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Our starting point for this wine tour description
is the town of Los Olivos. Head out of town to the south and
turn right at the stop sign towards Solvang. Turn left onto Alamo
Pintado Rd. On this tour we head out to the farthest winery first
and then head back towards Los Olivos. About five miles along
Alamo Pintado Rd., turn left on Highway 246 towards Santa Ynez.
Turn right on Refugio Rd. Drive one and a half miles to the entrance
to the Sunstone Winery.
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Sunstone Winery
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Winery Descriptions, Driving directions, Tasting Room Hours
Sunstone Winery & Vineyards
Are you in Santa Barbara or France? The winery, tasting room, courtyard,
and gardens resemble a Provencal countryside. The setting is absolutely
beautiful and serene. The focus at Sunstone is on reds, producing
several award winning wines. All the vineyards on the Sunstone estate
are 100 % certified organic vines. We found the wines to be absolutely
delicious. This is a favorite spot among the locals. This is also
a wonderful choice to have your picnic lunch and the perfect escape spot
Tasting Room Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Phone: 805-688-9463. email: ashley@sunstonewinery.com, Sunstone
Kalyra Winery
Australian-born winemaker Mike Brown is the owner and winemaker
of this Santa Barbara winery, which is a bit out of character
from the other Santa Barbara wineries. The unusual name of Kalyra
is an aborigine term that means“ a wild and pleasant place.” The
winery offers up a fare of Australian wines under the Brown
label. The grapes actually come from Australia for these wines.
The other two lines of wines are from selected vineyards in
the Santa Barbara wine region. The winery also produces several
interesting and very good dessert wines. Kalyra is located off
Refugio Road just a short distance from Sunstone.
Tasting Room Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Phone: (805) 693-8864, email: info@kalyrawinery.com Kalyra
Gainey Vineyards
The Gainey Vineyards is another very beautiful spot on this tour.
It’s a tough choice between Sunstone and Gainey for the best
picnic choice. The Gainey picnic area is extensive with a great
view of the surrounding mountains. In 1962 the Gainey family acquired
600 acres of land and today 85 acres are vineyards. They produce
a modest 20,000 cases of wine per year. The tasting room is elaborate
with all types of wine merchandise available. There is a demonstration
vineyard just outside the tasting room. Short wine tours are available
that end with a tasting in the barrel room. The vast picnic area
is also used for summer concerts, attracting many well-known musicians
and musical groups. To get to Gainey, head back on Refugio Road
for about one mile. Turn right on Highway 246 and travel about 1.75
miles. Gainey will be on the left coming from this direction.
Tasting Room Hours: Open daily, 10 am – 4 pm
Phone: (805)688-0558, email: info@gaineyvineyard.com, Gainey
Buttonwood Farm Winery
From Gainey, drive back on Highway 246 for 3.5 miles. Turn right
on Alamo Pintado Rd. for about two miles. The Buttonwood Winery
is a warm and friendly place reflecting the lifestyle of its 86-year-old
owner Betty Williams. Betty Williams purchased the property in the
1960’s and began growing grapes in the early 80’s. Today,
the winery produces 8000 cases of wines per year from 39 acres of
vineyards. Mike Brown of Kalyra Winery is also the winemaker here.
The Sauvignon Blanc is a great wine, delicious and refreshing. The
Syrah is also an excellent wine.
Tasting Room Hours: Open daily, 11 am – 5 pm
Phone: (805) 688-3032, email: info@buttonwoodwinery.com, Buttonwood
Rideau Vineyard
A long and attractive entranceway of English gardens and lawns leads
to the Rideau tasting room. The tasting room alone is reason enough
to visit this charming winery. The tasting room is a refurbished
country landmark known as the Alamo Pintado Adobe. Originally built
in 1884, it now has the look and feel of New Orleans. That is due
to the Creole background of the owner Iris Rideau who purchased
this property in 1989. The winery specializes in Rhone varietal
wines. The winery is highly regarded for its production of high-end
quality wines. The tasting fee is $10.
Tasting Room Hours: Open daily, 11 am – 4:30 pm
Phone: (805) 688-0717. email: rideauvineyard@aol.com, Rideau
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