A Pinot Lover’s Guide to Santa Barbara

A deep dive into Santa Barbara’s Pinot Noir country, including travel tips and more!

A view from above of the Frequency/DiPalermo tasting patio in Santa Barbara, California
The Frequency/DiPalermo tasting patio in downtown Santa Barbara sits on the site where the city first hoisted an American flag, in 1846. (Jessica Sample)

Our editors have plotted out a town-and-country tour that explores Santa Barbara’s prolific wine scene through the lens of the region’s most exciting grape: Pinot Noir. Start or end your trip beachside, where the downtown area offers stylish tasting rooms and restaurants, while an easy drive northwest puts you in the heart of the county’s top vineyards. Learn all about the region and how to plan your trip!

Member-Only Content

Premium Subscription

Join today and get immediate access to this article, and to our entire database of more than 400,000 wine ratings. It only takes moments—but it will help you drink better all year long.

Start Free 30-day Trial

Already a member? Sign In

Try Winespectator.com Free for 30 Days!

Full access to our database of more than 425,000 wine ratings

Early access to reviews on our editors' favorite just-rated wines

Wine and food pairing tool,
chefs' pairing recommendations

Best value wines and winery intel

Subscribe today

You Might Also Like

Spain’s San Sebastián: Seaside Splendor

Spain’s San Sebastián: Seaside Splendor

Where to dine and stay in Spain’s seaside oasis

Oct 15, 2024
Day Trips Through Sonoma County

Day Trips Through Sonoma County

Travel with our senior editors around the valleys of Sonoma 

Jun 30, 2024
Healdsburg's Big Moment

Healdsburg's Big Moment

Small-town America meets wine country luxury in this vibrant village in Sonoma County

Jun 30, 2024
Seattle: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

Seattle: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

Of course, no trip to Seattle is complete without an elevator ride to the top of the Space …

Nov 30, 2023
Santa Barbara: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

Santa Barbara: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

Dubbed the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is a sophisticated and artistic Southern …

Nov 30, 2023
Phoenix: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

Phoenix: U.S. Food and Wine Destinations

The population of Phoenix is growing faster than that of any other major U.S. city. …

Nov 30, 2023