10 Must-Visit Wine Rooms in Downtown Santa Barbara
Image of Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Craving world-class Santa Barbara wines without the sticker shock? Head to downtown Santa Barbara. Just an hour and a half drive from Los Angeles, our downtown Santa Barbara wine tasting tour promises some seriously great tasting rooms. From classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to diverse options for exploration, Santa Barbara wineries offer a wealth of choices perfect for a weekend getaway. The best part? Most are within walking distance of one another. Here's our rundown of some of the top Santa Barbara tasting rooms for you to visit downtown.
1. Au Bon Climat
A wine tasting tour in downtown Santa Barbara is incomplete without visiting Au Bon Climat (ABC for short). ABC founder and winemaker, Jim Clendenen, has been pivotal in marking Santa Barbara as a world-class wine region. Respected in the industry, he has been creating wine in the region for over 40 years. ABC's Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, crafted using minimal intervention, are outstanding representations of Santa Barbara wineries.
At ABC, you can taste Santa Barbara County's variety, including wines from famed vineyards such as Bien Nacido and Sanford & Benedict. If you're up for a change from Pinot, ABC also offers some "untraditional" varietals.
Varietals known for: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Average Tasting Cost: $20
Address: 813 Anacapa StreetSanta Barbara, CA 93101
2. Summerland Winery
Summerland Winery lets you enjoy a whiff of the ocean breeze with wine and sunshine. It's a great pit stop if you're heading to the valley or to other downtown Santa Barbara tasting rooms. Nearly all of their wines are sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills, offering Rhone and Burundian varietals. The tasting menu rotates, offering an opportunity to try sparkling wine and Cabernet Sauvignon too.
Varietals known for: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Average Tasting Cost: $20
Address: 2330 Lillie Ave, Summerland, CA 93067
3. Pali Wine Co.
Pali Wine Co. is at the heart of the Funk Zone in downtown Santa Barbara, providing an array of wines. With a large outdoor patio and live music, Pali is an excellent spot for an afternoon glass of wine. It's also well-suited for larger groups, and walk-ins are welcome.
Varietals known for: Pinot Noir
Average Tasting Cost: $25
Address: 205 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
4. Grassini Vineyards
Nestled in the historic Presidio Neighborhood, Grassini Family Vineyards is a stop you don't want to miss on your downtown Santa Barbara wine tasting journey. With vineyards in Santa Ynez's famed Happy Canyon, most wines focus on Bordeaux-style wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. If you're a fan of bolder, full-bodied wines, Grassini is a great option.
Varietals known for: Bordeaux blends
Average Tasting Cost: $25
Address: 24 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
5. Margerum Wine Company
Located in the Funk Zone in downtown Santa Barbara, Margerum specializes in Rhone varietals. Here you can taste some of the best Grenache, Syrah, and Rhone blends that Santa Barbara wineries have to offer. They also offer food pairings, such as pizzas and charcuterie, to accompany your wine.
Varietals known for: Rhone varietals
Average Tasting Cost: $50
Address: 19 E Mason St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
6. The Valley Project
The Valley Project is a testament to the incredible diversity of wines that Santa Barbara County produces. Sourcing grapes from the Sta. Rita Hills to Happy Canyon, you'll taste the vastly different climates of this region. Walk-ins are always welcome at this centrally located spot in the Funk Zone.
Varietals known for: Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah.
Average Tasting Cost: $20
Address: 116 E Yanonali St ste b, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Walk in’s welcome.
7. La Lieff Winery
One of the newest tasting rooms in the Funk Zone, La Lieff is entirely women-owned and operated. They are making a statement with their Rhone varietals, especially Grenache. Grapes and vineyards are located in San Luis Obispo County, offering a distinctly different experience from other downtown Santa Barbara tasting rooms.
Varietals known for: Grenache and Syrah
Average Tasting Cost: $25
Address: 210 Gray Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
8. Melville Winery
A veteran in the Sta. Rita Hills, Melville is highly respected for its 90+ points Pinot Noirs and Syrahs. They offer unique wines with bold notes that any wine lover will immediately fall for. You can visit their estate outside Buellton in the Sta. Rita Hills or their tasting room on State Street in Santa Barbara, a few blocks from the ocean.
Varietals known for: Pinot Noir and Syrah
Average Tasting Cost: $25
Address: 120 State St suite c, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
9. Frequency Wine Company
Family-owned and operated, Frequency Wine Company specializes in Rhone varietals such as Grenache and Syrah. Their standout GSM blend (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) sets them apart from other wineries in the area.
Varietals known for: Rhone Varietals and GSM blend.
Average Tasting Cost: $20
Address: 804 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
10. Jamie Slone Wines
Jamie Slone Wines is a husband-and-wife team focusing on high-quality wines across Santa Barbara County. Renowned for their Grenache and Pinot Noir, they offer a range of wines to sample, including bolder varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Santa Ynez Valley.
Varietals known for: Grenache and Pinot Noir
Average Tasting Cost: $30
Address: 23 E De La Guerra St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Places to stay
Looking for places to stay in downtown Santa Barbara? Browse a list of local hotels here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the tasting rooms in Downtown Santa Barbara walking distance?
Yes, many of the tasting rooms are centrally located around one another so they are easily walkable. Most tasting rooms are located in one of three areas: the funk zone, along State street, or in the Presidio neighborhood.
Do I need reservations in advance?
No, many tasting rooms take walk ins and often have room. However, it is known to get quite busy during the summer months on weekends and reservations during this time are recommended.
What types of wines are served in the downtown Santa Barbara tasting rooms?
You can expect to taste a wide variety of wines during your tasting adventures but the most common wines you will come across include sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah.
How far is Santa Ynez and the wine country from Downtown Santa Barbara?
It takes about 45 minutes each way from downtown Santa Barbara to get to the Santa Ynez Valley and other Santa Barbara wine country destinations. If you’re staying in downtown Santa Barbara it’s very easy to do a day trip up to the valley!
How is the Funk Zone related to the tasting rooms?
The funk zone is a general area encompassing a variety of shops, tasting rooms, and art studios right next to the water in downtown Santa Barbara. It was previously a hub for fisherman and artists and has recently been renovated into what you experience today. It’s a great hub for wine, art, beer, and food.
Discover the best of Santa Barbara wineries and make your downtown Santa Barbara wine tasting an unforgettable experience. If you found this helpful, consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter where we highlight all things central coast wines and interview local winemakers and business owners.