How Far Are Wineries from Santa Barbara?

If you are looking for the best regions for wine testing then you need to check out Wineries in Santa Barbara, which is widely famous for lovely vineyards who also offer a wide variety of wines. 

When planning a smooth wine-tasting itinerary, you need to know each winery’s distance from Santa Barbara, the best routes to take, and what each region offers. 

In this article, we’ll outline the mileage from Santa Barbara to each winery, explain how to get there, and highlight the unique experiences each area provides.

Wineries in Santa Barbara City Limits

You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy the exceptional wine. Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail brings more than 20 tasting rooms together within a few minutes’ walk or drive from downtown. 

Located right in the Funk Zone and Downtown Santa Barbara, typically less than 2 miles from most hotels and attractions. These are the stops includes:

• Municipal Winemakers – Modern, creative blends in a casual atmosphere. 
• Santa Barbara Winery – One of the region’s oldest, located just blocks from the beach. 
• Pali Wine Co. – Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
  

Distance from downtown Santa Barbara: 0–2 miles
Travel time: 5–10 minutes by car or on foot

Wineries in Montecito and Summerland

Just east of Santa Barbara, Montecito and Summerland host charming tasting rooms with ocean views and boutique wines. These areas are perfect for a short afternoon escape without a long drive.

Notable spots include:

• Summerland Winery – Coastal elegance with a focus on small-lot production. 
• Folded Hills Winery – Scenic ranch-style setting, about 15 minutes from the city.
  

Distance from Santa Barbara: 5–15 miles
Travel time: 10–20 minutes

Santa Ynez Valley Wineries

If you are looking for the full-scale wineries with estate vineyards then you should definitely check Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County’s most renowned wine destination. This is where you’ll find the majority of full-scale wineries with estate vineyards.

The valley is made up of Buellton, Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Ballard, each offering unique experiences.

Buellton

Known for its Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay, Buellton is the first major wine hub you’ll reach when heading inland.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 35 miles 
• Travel time: 35–40 minutes
  

Solvang

This Danish-inspired town offers tasting rooms, bakeries, and boutique shopping alongside wine.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 35 miles 
• Travel time: 40 minutes
  

Los Olivos

A quaint town with over 25 tasting rooms within walking distance, offering everything from small-batch Pinot Noir to Rhône varietals.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 38 miles 
• Travel time: 45 minutes
  

Santa Ynez

Ranch-style charm with larger vineyard estates and expansive tasting patios.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 36 miles 
• Travel time: 40–45 minutes
  

Santa Rita Hills Wineries

Santa Rita Hills Wineries, renowned for producing some of California’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are located in the western regions of Buellton and Lompoc. The area’s undulating hills, coupled with the cool oceanic influence and coastal breezes, contribute to its distinctive terroir.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 45–55 miles 
• Travel time: 50–60 minutes
  

Key wineries include:

• Sanford Winery – Pioneers of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. 
• Babcock Winery – Known for bold reds and retro-style tasting rooms.
  

Los Alamos Wineries

A small, artsy town north of Buellton, Los Alamos offers a relaxed wine experience with tasting rooms lining its historic main street.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 48 miles 
• Travel time: 55–60 minutes 

Highlights include:

• Municipal Winemakers’ Sister Location – Quirky and creative small-batch wines. 
• Bedford Winery – Known for Rhône varietals and Zinfandel.
  

Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

Stretching from Los Olivos to Santa Maria, the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail covers a scenic 30-mile stretch lined with vineyards. It’s perfect for an all-day wine trip.

• Distance from Santa Barbara (starting point in Los Olivos): 38 miles 
• Travel time: 45 minutes
  

Notable wineries:

• Zaca Mesa Winery – Rhône-style wines and panoramic views. 
• Foxen Vineyard – Famous for Burgundian-style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
  

Santa Maria Valley Wineries

Santa Maria Valley is situated further north, known for its cooler climate and signature Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. It’s a top choice for those willing to venture beyond the Santa Ynez Valley for a different wine profile.

• Distance from Santa Barbara: 65 miles 
• Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  

Top picks:

• Bien Nacido Vineyards – Legendary vineyard producing grapes for many acclaimed wineries. 
• Presqu’ile Winery – Contemporary design with ocean views.
  

Scenic Routes to the Wineries

Driving to the wineries is part of the experience. There are two main routes:

1. US-101 North – Fastest route to Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Los Alamos, and Santa Maria Valley. 
2. CA-154 (San Marcos Pass) – Scenic mountain road with sweeping views, perfect for a more leisurely trip.
   

Many visitors choose one route to the wineries and the other for the return to enjoy both perspectives.

Guided Wine Tours vs. Self-Driving

The distances vary from just a few blocks to over an hour from Santa Barbara. For guests who are planning to visit multiple wineries, opting for guided wine tours is a great choice for transportation and specially curated itineraries. This will ensure your safety along with no navigation issues.

Facilities like self-driving cars are also available allowing for more flexibility, but it’s important to pace tastings responsibly.

Best Time to Visit Wineries Near Santa Barbara

Wineries welcome visitors year-round, but the best seasons are spring and fall, when vineyard landscapes are at their most beautiful. Weekdays tend to be quieter, with shorter waits at tasting rooms.

Summary of Distances from Santa Barbara to Major Wine Areas

Final Thoughts

There are several options available at Santa Barbara wineries, whether you like to stroll amongst vineyards in the downtown area, sample wine while overlooking the seaside in Summerland, or explore the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Valley including large vineyards and urban tasting rooms.

 All of the locations are within a short drive, a few minutes to an hour outside the city. It’s simple to organize a day or even a week a day in and day out to one of California’s liveliest wine countries.