Santa Ynez Valley, California: A Perfect Weekend Getaway

Every Californian should find their summer and winter getaways. California has so much variety within a few hours of wherever you are. For me, summer is for the Santa Ynez Valley. Here's your recipe for a perfect weekend getaway.

Day 1. Cruise up Pacific Coast Highway at sunset. For non-Californians, this is the highway that hugs the coastline. You'll avoid traffic and watch the ocean sparkle as the suns dips below the horizon, while the sky glows in magnificent hues of orange and pink. 

Upon arrival, head to Los Alamos for dinner at Pico. Most importantly, it has the best food in the valley. Second most importantly, it is pretty much the only eatery open past nine. Win, win! You MUST order THE[sic] mushroom salad. And anything else on the menu that strikes your fancy. It is all delicious. If you're lucky, the charming chef will stop by for a visit. We've been so honored a couple of times. 

Day 2. Pool time, baby. It get's hot in the summer, so you'll want it! Plus, can you imagine anything better than sipping rose while floating in a unicorn pool raft? I cannot. We always stay at Sogno del Fiore. There are two adorable casitas, separated by a private pool and jacuzzi, in the middle of a vineyard. Plus, there's a bocce court and wine tasting on the property. 

Wine time! We usually squeeze in a tasting or two each day (it's tough, with the pool calling). Los Alamos has a favorite, Casa Dumetz. Owned and operated by tiny, vivacious blonde named Sonja. You can enjoy some delicious and creative wines there. Los Olivos is positively teeming with tasting rooms. One of our favorites is Tensley. White, rose, red, its all fantastic. We also checked out Pence, in Buellton, last time we were in town, and loved all their reds. Plus they have super cute pups roaming around. 

Hungry after all that wine and sunshine? Me too! Grab dinner at SY Kitchen, in Santa Ynez. Never been wowed by minestrone soup? That's about to change. Order it. Plus all the salads and pizza. If you're feeling a little wined-out, their cocktails are ah-mazing. We also love the casual ambiance and creative food down the road in Buellton at Industrial Eats. Something to look forward to for night three! Top off the night with star-gazing, and call it a perfect day.

Day 3. Rinse and repeat!