8 must visit wineries in Los Olivos

Los Olivos California has to be one of the most picturesque small towns in the whole state. Add fantastic wine into the mix and world class restaurants and it’s a stop you don’t want to miss if you’re visiting Santa Barbara Wine Country. Springtime brings about wildflowers as far as the eye can see and fall ushers in golden grass hills that look like a painting.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy here so we’ve rounded up 8 of our favorite wineries and tasting rooms for you to visit in and around Los Olivos while wine tasting.

1. Demetria Estate

Be prepared to fall in love with the views from Demetria located just outside downtown Los Olivos. Reservations are required to taste here so make sure you plan ahead.

You’ll approach the estate driving for about 10 minutes through rolling vineyards and farms to set the mood. Once you arrive you’ll see why Demetria is a local favorite. The big lawn makes for a perfect picnic spot or if you have kids to let some energy loose.

Known for their biodynamic farming practices, Demetria makes lighter food friendly wines that are of a more old world style. Their Grenache, Syrah and Rose are all fan favorites that are grown on property while they also produce some Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills. Demetria is a spot you can’t miss and will be wanting to go back to as soon as you leave.

Varietals known for: Grenache, Syrah, and Pinot Noir

Average tasting cost: $25

Address: 6701 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Link to book

2. Brewer Clifton

Winemaker Greg Brewer has been a local name since the ‘90’s in Santa Barbara County and won the prestigious Winemaker of the Year award from Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 2020. It’s fair to say that you can expect to taste some of the best wine in all of Santa Barbara County at Brewer Clifton’s cozy tasting room in downtown Los Olivos.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are going to be the predominant varietals you’ll taste here with recent vintages receiving 95+ points from well known wine critics including Robert Parker. While these varietals deservedly get a lot of attention, don’t count out the cool climate Syrah that Brewer Clifton is creating as well. Reservations are required here prior to visiting.

Varietals known for: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Average tasting cost: $35

Address: 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Link to book 

3. Andrew Murray Vineyards

Syrah is king at Andrew Murray Vineyards. You’ll have a couple options for tastings, you can taste at their estate just a few minutes up the road from downtown Los Olivos, or at Andrew Murray’s downtown Los Olivos location if you’re short on time. Personally, we’d recommend taking the drive up Foxen Canyon Road and enjoy the recently renovated and modern tasting room at the estate.

Varietals known for: Syrah

Average tasting cost: $25

Address: 2901 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Link to book 

4. Stolpman Vineyards

There can be a dizzying variety of wines at Stolpman available to taste. Whether you like big bold Syrah’s or more natural wines Stolpman has something everyone will enjoy. The So Fresh label has become popular for good reason. The “Love You Bunches” red blend will have you wanting to sip a chilled red by the pool all summer long while their estate Syrah’s will make you want to fire up the grill for a steak.

There’s 2 tasting options for Stolpman Vineyards. The first being the classic estate tasting and the second being their Fresh Garage tasting. Both locations are right next to one another in downtown Los Olivos so you can try both quite easily. Reservations are recommended as it is a smaller space and can fill up quickly.

Varietals known for: Syrah and Rhone blends

Average tasting cost: $20

Address: 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Link to book

5. Storm Wines

Hailing from South Africa, head winemaker and owner Ernst Storm has carved a name out for himself making top quality Pinot Noir in an already ultra competitive region with establish names. As a small production independent winemaker Storm Wines embodies the spirit of Santa Barbara County winemakers who strive to make it on their own with high quality wine.

Expect to be wow’d by the variety of Pinot Noirs sourced from all over Santa Barbara County. The Rose and Sauvignon Blanc are also big crowd favorites for those warm summer days in Los Olivos as well. Reservations are not required.

Varietals known for: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir

Average tasting cost: $20

Address: 2948 San Marcos Ave APT 101, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Link to book

6. Piazza Family Wines

Located a stones throw from downtown Los Olivos in Ballard Canyon, Piazza Family Wines has been helping to spearhead the natural winemaking movement in Santa Barbara County. The result is some food friendly wines that accurately reflect the environment the grapes were grown in. Reservations are required to visit.

Varietals known for: Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah

Average tasting cost: $50

Address: Tapadero Rd, Solvang, CA 93463

Link to book

7. Rusack Vineyards

Located in the middle of Ballard Canyon Rusack Vineyards tasting room might have one of the best views on this list. Roughly 10 minutes outside downtown Los Olivos, Rusack Vineyards specializes in producing high quality Sauvignon Blanc (their Icon Sauvignon Blanc is a must try), Pinot Noir, and Syrah. They’re also able to claim something on other winery is able to, that they source and produce a Pinot Noir from Catalina island a couple hundred miles south. Reservations are required here as they do not take walk ins.

Varietals known for: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah

Average tasting cost: $30

Address: 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd, Solvang, CA 93463

Link to book

8. Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

The original Fess Parker who played Davy Crockett in the 1950’s eventually purchased and built the current wine estate in the 1980’s. Having recently gone through a modern renovation, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is a great stop for anyone visiting Los Olivos. From the big lawn for a picnic, to some truly outstanding Pinot Noir Fess Parker delivers a great tasting experience.

Note that Fess Parker also has 2 other labels, Epiphany and Festivity which have tasting rooms centrally located in Los Olivos. The latter of which focuses exclusively on sparkling wine if you’re looking for a change.

Varietals known for: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Average tasting cost: $25

Address: 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441

Link to book 

Los Olivos Wineries Map

We’ve included the below Google map for you to utilize to plan our your trip in and around Los Olivos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common wines in Los Olivos?

Since Los Olivos is in between the Sta Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley you’ll be able to experience the diversity of wines present in Santa Barbara County wine country. From Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah you can expect to taste a wide spectrum of wines during a stroll through Los Olivos.

Where should we eat in Los Olivos?

Despite its small size Los Olivos packs a punch in terms of fine dining and food options. If you’re looking for a quick bite and something more casual Panino is a local favorite sandwich shop. For more upscale dining Bar le Cote or Nella Kitchen & Bar are hard to beat with each offering their own take on Californian cuisine.

Do we need reservations to visit tasting rooms or wineries?

Yes and no. Most tasting rooms that are centrally located in downtown Los Olivos you will likely be able to find availability if you simply walk in. However, if you’re planning to visit a winery or estate we’d recommend booking in advance as space can fill up quickly on the weekends.

Discover the best Los Olivos tasting rooms and wineries and make your visit here an unforgettable experience. If you found this helpful, consider subscribing to our weekly newsletter where we highlight all things central coast wines and interview local winemakers and business owners.