Santa Barbara Winery Recs?

[GilliC]

We're planning a day of wine touring in Santa Barbara County next week. We only have one day, and we'll be based in Santa Barbara, so I'm thinking Santa Ynez or Los Olivos.

Since we don't have a lot of time, does anyone have favorite wineries that they'd recommend?

I'm not after any particular varietals and enjoy trying those that are most typical to the region. Mostly I'm just after small-scale, low-key wineries or tasting rooms, where the staff is excited about explaining their process and operation.

ETA - We're visiting on a cruise with my family, so I'd like to avoid the tasting rooms in Santa Barbara itself. I expect they'll be crowded and overrun with cruise ship passengers that day.

[starlily]

Check out Alma Rosa.

[steph196]

Lincourt is a cute, little spot in Solvang. It's about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara. I think the Los Olivos area is about the same distance away. I love Lincourt's Pinot Noir!

When we were in SB, DH and my parents went on a wine tour with this company, Dee Tours. I stayed at the rental house with our 5 day old daughter, while they went out and had a blast. They really enjoyed the tour guide and all of the wineries they went to. 

[Deleted]

Love Koheler! Also lincourt, gainey, Kalyra, sunstone and Oreana. All great places!

[madisen]

www.blackjackranch.com/location.asp

Blackjack - totally low key and about the process.

[nabum]

The tasting rooms in Los Olivos would be a good choice.

[cheezer]

We recently did wine tasting in both downtown Santa Barbara and Solvang. In Solvang I liked Carivintas and Sevtap.