Essential Food and Wine Experiences in Santa Barbara (AFAR)

Santa Barbara anchors a wine-growing region with one of California’s preeminent terroirs, thanks largely to the Santa Ynez Mountains, which run parallel to the Pacific Ocean. Not only do they make a dramatic backdrop for the city, but they also create microclimates where grapes thrive. As a result, touring area wineries is one of the highlights of any Santa Barbara getaway. But you don't need to travel far to get a taste of Santa Barbara’s vintages. Downtown is full of tasting rooms, working wineries, and wine bars, along with restaurants that have top-notch wine lists and serve up refined cuisine, too—entrées inspired by the seasons and featuring daily fresh-caught bounty from the sea. ... (continue reading)