Wine Information

Santa Barbara wine-tasting and need your input?

Do you have advice about very good/the best vineyards/wineries in the Santa Barbara area? I would like a place where my friends and I can wine taste for free or cheap ( we are all a bit broke..and I've never done this so i don't know if they are usually free with at least a few bottle purchases, or if you have to pay for wine tasting seperately). We will probably buy a few bottles anyway. Also, can we bring our own stuff and picnic there? do people do that? is that an additional fee? I'm not sure if we want a tour of the vineyard or the wine making process, buts a nice option to have. I just don't know anything. But i do want a nice place with an awesome ambience to have a great time with friends..and hope that it won't cost an arm and a leg. I appreciate any advice about specific places in the area. I would also appreciate advice about facts to consider and anything about how things are do

Public Comments

1. Go here: http://www.sbcountywines.com/wineries/wineries.html I live in Virginia and it's generally about $5 for tastings, you sample 5 to 10 wines, and you keep the glass. You don't have to buy anything. Some places have snack stuff available for purchase and allow you to picnic on their property.
2. I would go to Firestone. It's a great one. I've been to others, but can't recall the names. I'll post a followup if I remember.
3. You can bring your own food and picnic at LaFond, that is what I recommend doing. You are actually in the vineyard and it's beautiful. Usually places are $5 and I think after you picnic you should go to Los Olivos. There are a lot of tasting rooms in the town. Especially since you will get the vineyard experience at LaFond. Be sure to go to Longoria, Consilience, and Andrew Murray. They stand out.