Visit Central California And Discover An Underrated Wine Region
By Leslie Veliz
VACATIONS
California accounts for 81% of wine made in the U.S. Most of its popular wine destinations are in Northern California, but one Central California wine region is very underrated.
The Santa Ynez Valley is in the Sierra Madre Mountains and has optimal weather conditions for growing wine grapes. As such, the valley has over 100 wineries.
Travelers can visit three of these wineries via Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours. It offers a 5.5-hour Wine Lovers Tour for under $200 and includes lunch.
Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez will transport you to the French countryside. Five-flight wine tastings are offered daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and cost $25.
Rideau Vineyard features a picturesque tasting room surrounded by flora. Wine tastings are available daily, and the winery offers a Signature Flight and an Adobe Flight for $25.
Another quaint alternative is Stolpman Vineyards in Los Olivos. Tastings on its patio are offered daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for $25, and online reservations are available.