Are you planning a trip to Californiaâs Central Coast and looking to explore the best Solvang wineries?
This historic town is known as âThe Danish Capital of America.â The charming streets are lined with Danish-themed architecture. And more than a half-dozen bakeries dishing out delicious Danish pastries.
But did you know the town is also home to more than 20 wine tasting rooms? These boutique and family-owned wineries serve up some incredible wines from throughout Santa Barbara wine country.
You might be thinking,âWith so many options how do I choose which ones to visit?â As an American Wine Expert and WSET-certified wine blogger, Iâm here to help.
I personally did the research for you and spent days sampling my way through the region. So, letâs dive into the pour-by-pour on the best wineries in Solvang you wonât want to miss.
10 Best Solvang Wineries
1. Alma Rosa Winery
If youâre a Pinot Noir lover, Alma Rosaâs downtown wine tasting room should be your first stop.
Richard Sanford was the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita Hills. And after founding two wineries, he and his wife Thekla launched Alma Rosa in 2005. Their estate vineyard was also the first to be certified organic in Santa Barbara County.
Since 2014, Bob and Barb Zorich have carried on their legacy. And winemaker Samra Morris, supported by consultant Tony Biagi, crafts small-batch wines with a focus on sustainability. Stop by to taste cool-climate styles of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Grenache.
What I Like: Outstanding wines, educational tasting, knowledgeable staff, friendly hospitality, beautiful tasting room and patio, sustainable practices
Wines to Try: Donât miss the Pinot Noir Caracol, with beautiful red fruits and a chalky minerality. I also loved the Pinot Gris and the Grenache rosĂ©.
Tasting & Tour Options: Regular tastings include a rotating list of 5 wines. Private tastings and vineyard hikes available at the nearby ranch.
Food: Cheese plates available for purchase.
Visiting Tips: Reservations recommended. Groups of up to 8 welcome.
Alma Rosa Winery, 1623 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA
2. Rusack Vineyards
Ten minutes up the road from downtown Solvang, this Ballard Canyon winery specializes in estate-grown Syrah.
Youâll also find Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their Santa Catalina Island vineyard. And they source from high-quality growers in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley AVAs.
Geoff and Alison Rusack founded the winery in 1995 and oversee the vineyard. While winemaker Steven Gerbac has been producing their exceptional wines for nearly 20 years.
What I Like: Outstanding wines, stunning vineyard views, peaceful patio, exceptional hospitality, knowledgeable staff, flexible tasting options
Wines to Try: The vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and the richly textured Chardonnay are delicious. And the Syrah Reserve is a beautiful balance of fruit, earth, and spice.
Tasting & Tour Options: Choose from seasonal pre-set flight options or create your own with individual tasting pours. Want more? Dive deeper with the Rusack Experience, a private, educational tasting.
Food: Cheese and crackers available for purchase. Or plan ahead to pair your tasting with charcuterie and caviar, available with 48-hours notice.
Visiting Tips: Reservations required. Call ahead for groups of 6 or more. Dogs are welcome!
Rusack Vineyards, 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd, Solvang, CA
3. Rideau Vineyard
Located five minutes from downtown, this one-time ranch and guest house is now the home of RhĂŽne varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Viognier.
Iris Rideau became the first female African American winery owner in the U.S. when she founded Rideau Vineyard in 1997.
Martin and Isabelle Gauthier purchased the boutique winery in 2016. And Sonoma-raised Adrienne St. John oversees making their world-class wines.
Grapes from the organic vineyards are hand-harvested. And wild yeast and whole cluster fermentation keep the wines true to their roots.
What I Like: Outstanding wines, beautiful grounds, historic tasting room, friendly and knowledgeable staff, sustainable practices
Wines to Try: The Viognier is stunning. I also loved their smooth Syrah with subtle spice notes. And they make a great Pinot Noir too.
Tasting & Tour Options: Taste through a flight of 5 wines from their signature or Adobe series. Or book the Rideau Estate Experience to enjoy food pairings and a private winery tour.
Visiting Tips: Walk-ins welcome. For groups of 8 or more, book in advance. Kids can join too. Check the events page for a schedule of live music.
Rideau Vineyard, 1562 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA
4. Buttonwood Winery
For farm-to-table treats and fantastic wines, head next door to Buttonwood Farm Winery.
Betty Williams founded this working farm in the â60s. Starting with horses and vegetables, the vineyard was added in 1983. Buttonwood is known for Bordeaux varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. And more recently theyâve added RhĂŽne varieties.
The beautiful farm is the perfect place to relax and enjoy their estate-grown wines. You can also pick up products like homemade peach preserves. And peruse co-owner Seyburn Zorthianâs artwork in the wine tasting room.
What I Like: Outstanding wines, picturesque setting, farm-to-table food, exceptional hospitality, knowledgeable staff, sustainable practices, local artwork
Wines to Try: I loved the zesty New Zealand-style Sauvignon Blanc. And if youâre a fan of Chablis, try their similar-style Chardonnay. Plus, theyâre known for Cabernet Franc so itâs a must try.
Tasting & Tour Options: Enjoy a flight of 5 wines or order by the glass.
Food: Farm-to-table menu available on Saturdays and Sundays, including cheese plates, charcuterie, salads, and sandwiches.
Visiting Tips: Reservations recommended, especially on weekends. Call ahead for groups of 11 or more. Family and pet-friendly.
Buttonwood Winery, 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd, Solvang, CA
5. Dascomb Cellars
For one of the OG Cabernet Sauvignon producers, check out Dascomb Cellars.
Don Dascomb planted this sun-loving variety in their East Valley Vineyard back in 1974. Located in whatâs now the Happy Canyon AVA, these vines were among the first to reveal the regionâs potential for Bordeaux grapes.
After years of refining, the family has perfected their Bordeaux-style wines. Today, Donâs son David carries on the signature style. And heâs expanded Dascombâs lineup to include RhĂŽne and Burgundy-style wines.
What I Like: Excellent wines, great hospitality, relaxed vibe, comfortable tasting room and patio
Wines to Try: Donât miss their age-worthy Petit Verdot. The Grenache was a favorite too. And for a sweet treat, try the vintage port-style wine with a bite of dark chocolate.
Tasting & Tour Options: Taste through a pre-set flight of 6 wines. Or order by the glass or bottle.
Food: Check out a selection of cheeses, crackers, and crisps.
Visiting Tips: Walk-ins welcome. Make an appointment to visit outside regular hours.
Dascomb Cellars, 1623 Mission Dr., Suite E, Solvang, CA
Pin for Later!
6. Sanger Family of Wines
For a taste of the Mediterranean on Californiaâs Central Coast, check out Sanger Wines. Here, you can sample wines from three brands, each with a unique style.
The Consilience label focuses on RhĂŽne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux varieties. Marianello honors Italian heritage with Super Tuscan-style red blends. And Tre Anelli features wines made with Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian varietals.
Grapes come from Sangerâs Los Olivos District estate vineyard. Plus, sourced from other sites throughout Santa Barbara County. Winemaker Brett Escalera brings it all together in the winery in partnership with owners Bill and Jan Sanger.
What I Like: Diverse wine selection, sustainable farming methods, engaging tasting experiences, modern tasting room, cozy patio with firepits
Wines to Try: My favorites were from the Tre Anelli label, including the spicy Tempranillo and crisp, tropical Verdelho. The Marianello Nebbiolo was delicious. And from Consilience try the Cabernet Sauvignons.
Tasting & Tour Options: Choose from a rotating list of flight options including 6 wines. And donât miss the estate-grown olive oil tasting.
Food: Seasonal snack options and charcuterie boards available for purchase. Or bring your own food and non-alcoholic bevys.
Visiting Tips: No reservations required for 5 or less. Groups of 6 or more call ahead. Kids and pets welcome!
Sanger Family of Wines, 1584 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA
7. Toccata
If youâre a fan of Italian wines, donât miss Toccata. This Tuscan-style tasting room features traditional Italian varietals like Sangiovese, Barbera, and Pinot Grigio.
Owned by Lucas & Lewellen, the original vine cuttings were brought over from Italy. And grapes are grown on their estate vineyards in the Los Alamos Valley.
Like Toccataâs sister brand, Megan McGrath Gates oversees the winemaking, adding a local twist to these Mediterranean-style wines.
What I Like: Italian varietal specialization, relaxed vibe, knowledgeable staff, personalized tasting experience, sustainable practices
Wines to Try: The Nebbiolo and Barbera blend was a standout. And donât miss the super-Tuscan-style Toccata Riserva.
Tasting & Tour Options: Choose between pre-set flights of 6 wines, with options like traditional, reserve, and white wine only. And if you prefer a sweeter style, go for the sparkling and dessert wines flight.
Visiting Tips: No reservations needed for groups less than 7. Bring the kids and pets, too. Get half off your tasting fee if you also visit Lucas & Lewellen. Check out the events page for wine dinners, special tastings, and international trips.
Toccata, 1650 Copenhagen Drive, Solvang, CA
8. Lucas & Lewellen
After visiting Toccata, pop across the street to its sister winery for half off your tasting. And sample wines from three Santa Barbara County growing areas.
Louis Lucas was one of the regionâs first commercial grape growers. In 1996, he teamed up with former Superior Court Judge Royce Lewellen, a long-time friend and wine enthusiast. The two founded Lucas & Lewellen vineyards, with Royceâs son Michael taking over the family biz in 2009.
The 400 estate acres are spread across Santa Maria Valley, Los Alamos Valley, and Santa Ynez Valley. These diverse growing areas mean they can produce a wide variety of wines, including RhĂŽne, Bordeaux, and Burgundy varieties.
What I Like: Diverse wine selection, knowledgeable staff, educational tasting experience, sustainable practices
Wines to Try: The white wines were the winners for me here, including their unoaked estate Chardonnay and the Loire Valley-style Sauvignon Blanc. For red wines, try the Valley View Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend.
Tasting & Tour Options: Sample a pre-set flight of Lucas & Lewellenâs classic, reserve, white, or sweet wines.
Visiting Tips: No reservations needed for groups less than 7. Kids and pets welcome, too. Get half off your tasting fee if you also visit Toccata. Check out the events page for wine dinners, special tastings, and international trips.
Lucas & Lewellen, 1645 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA
9. Casa Cassara Winery and Vineyard
Step into Casa Cassaraâs tasting room, and youâll feel like youâre part of the family. This festive spot was named Solvangâs 2020 winery of the year.
Dan Cassara and his father Bennie planted the first Pinot Noir vines on the family ranch back in 1992. Initially selling the grapes to Babcock Winery, Casa Cassara produced their first vintage in 1999.
Since then, Dan expanded the wineryâs focus to Italian varieties, honoring the familyâs roots. And he shares his wines with each guest like theyâre old friends.
What I Like: Diverse wine selection, fun and relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff
Wines to Try: I enjoyed the crisp and citrusy Grenache Blanc. From the Italian varietals, the Sangiovese stood out with its spice and smoky notes.
Tasting & Tour Options: Create your own flight of any 6 wines from the menu. Or enjoy by the glass.
Visiting Tips: No reservations needed. Closed on Tuesdays except during the summer.
Casa Cassara Winery and Vineyard, 1607 Mission Dr #112, Solvang, CA
10. Arrowsmithâs Wine Bar
When the other tasting rooms close or youâre looking for an after-dinner spot, head to Arrowsmithâs.
What started as a birthday trip to California turned into a life-changing leap. After just two days in the Golden State, Anna and Tim Arrowsmith decided to leave England behind for sunnier climes.
The cozy bar they founded features Bordeaux varietal wines made from grapes grown in their backyard vineyard. Plus, a wide selection of international wines and beers by the glass that you can enjoy right in the heart of Solvang.
What I Like: Diverse wine selection, cozy vibes, delicious food options, friendly hospitality, open late
Wines to Try: From the Arrowsmith label, La Flechette was a standout. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend was nicely balanced with black fruits and hints of spice.
Tasting & Tour Options: Try a flight of 5 Arrowsmith wines. Or order a glass or bottle from the extensive list of international wines.
Food: Cheese plates, meze, croissant sandwiches, and other tasty snacks available for purchase.
Visiting Tips: Open Thursday through Monday from 2-10pm. 21+ only. Check the event schedule for live music, wine classes, special tastings, and holiday high tea.
Arrowsmithâs Wine Bar, 1539 C Mission Drive, Solvang, CA
The Best Solvang Wine Tour
If youâre sticking to downtown Solvang wineries, you donât need to book a tour. The townâs tasting rooms are all within walking distance of each other.
But if you want to visit wineries outside of town, a wine tour definitely has its advantages. You wonât have to worry about driving. Or organizing all the bookings.
This is a great small group tour that includes hotel pick-up, all your tastings at top wineries, lunch, and snacks. Or if you prefer more one-on-one attention, try this private wine tasting tour. Both tours pick up throughout Santa Ynez Valley or even from the city of Santa Barbara.
đ Book the Small Group Tour or the Private Wine Tasting Tour
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Where to Stay for Visiting Wineries in Solvang
For the best value, I recommend the Vinland Hotel & Lounge. This pet-friendly hotel was recently renovated. And it has a pool and an excellent hotel bar. Plus, itâs convenient walking distance to all the tasting rooms.
If you want a little more luxury, go for Corque Hotel. Itâs perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. And it even has its own on-site restaurant.
đš Book the Vinland Hotel & Lounge or Corque Hotel
FAQs About Solvang Wine Tasting
Does Solvang have wineries?
Yes! Downtown Solvang is home to about a dozen tasting rooms. And youâll find many more wineries in the surrounding area just outside of town. While here, you should also check out nearby Los Olivos wineries for more fantastic wine tasting rooms.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Solvang Wineries?
Spring or fall are the best times to visit Solvang wineries to avoid the summer crowds. Being in Central California, winter is also a great option, with temps still in the 60s.
If youâre visiting in October, donât miss the Santa Barbara Vintners Festival with more than 50 local wineries. And in September, Solvangâs Danish Days festival features a parade, authentic food, music, and family activities. Just be sure to book your travel well in advance.
What Wine Is Solvang Known For?
Solvang tasting rooms represent wineries throughout Santa Barbara wine country. As one of the most diverse wine regions in the world, you can sample a wide range of styles from any of the seven distinct American Viticultural Areas.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah are most common. But youâll also find other French varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. And even Italian and Spanish varieties.
Whatâs the Best Way to Get to Solvang?
Solvang is about a 45-minute drive from the city of Santa Barbara. If youâre flying in, thereâs an airport in Santa Barbara. Or you can fly into Los Angeles and itâs a 3-hour drive north from there.
While youâre there, check out these wine tasting rooms in Santa Barbara.
Are Solvang Wineries Open Year-Round?
Most wineries in Solvang are open year-round. Just be sure to check their website before stopping by in the off-season.
Do You Need Reservations for Solvang Wineries?
Reservations are recommended at some Solvang wineries. And a few even require them, especially if youâre visiting the winery property. Check out my guide on winery etiquette.
How Much Does Solvang Wine Tasting Cost?
Most wine tasting fees will run you around $20 to $25. But can be $35 to $45 for premium or reserve wines.
You may be able to get the tasting fee waived if you purchase a few bottles or join the wine club. Find out more ways to save on wine tasting with travel rewards.
Check out More U.S. Wine Destinations
Discover Santa Barbara Wine Country: Essential Guide
10 Best Los Olivos Wineries & Wine Tasting Rooms
4 Best Tasting Rooms in Santa Barbara, California
The Best Wineries in Dry Creek Valley (Wine Tasting Itinerary)
8 Best New Buffalo Wineries in Michigan
Have you visited any of these Solvang wineries? Which one is your favorite?
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