With its gently sloping hills, winding roads, sweeping spans of horse ranches, roads dotted with wineries, and friendly year-round climate, The Santa Ynez Valley is a wine lover and road-tripper paradise. If you’re heading north from Santa Barbara, take 154 along the Santa Ynez wine trailto the 246 turn-offwhere you’ll find 11 prominent California wineries in close proximity. Take the turnoff and you’ll find yourself in Solvang, the quaint105-year-old “Danish Capital of America.”
When you arrive, book a room at one of the sweet European-style Inns and leave the car behind because this is the perfect place to take an afternoon strolling the sweet streets and appreciating the Danish-influenced architecture through the town square and old church. A vintage motorcycle museum, trolley tours, and a park and museum devoted to the famous children’s author Hans Christian Anderson are only a few of the town’s attractions and activities. If you’re up for a festival, “Danish Days” takes place each September, where you’ll see a whole host of folk dancing, music, a parade and even aebleskiver-eating competitions. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike and touring the countryside’s churches, antique stores and wineries with the wind in your hair.
As far as local flavors go, there’s plenty of food and wine not to be missed. Don’t leave without sampling a traditional Danish puffed pastry called an aebleskiver. Be sure to take the wine walk as there are plenty of tasting rooms. For breakfast, try a traditional breakfast of Danish pancakes and sausage at Paula’s Pancake House. For lunch or dinner, consider sampling the meats while sipping a local wine at the Succulent Café Wine Charcuterie. Drive a little further North on the 154 and you’ll come across the five-star Blackjack Ranch which you’ll recognize from the movie Sideways.The pride and joy of proprietor Roger Wisted, the France-inspired winery has been his passion for 30 years and creates top scoring Syrah and Chardonnay. Try the high-rated Billy Goat Hill Merlot or taste the Maximus Syrah featured in the film.
