There are so many wonderful downtown Los Olivos wine tasting rooms, and each promises the quality of Sonoma County and Napa, but at a fraction of the cost. While you have the option to visit dozens of vineyards and wineries in Los Olivos, here’s a little travel secret: some of the best wine tasting is right in charming downtown.
If you’re ready for a new wine country adventure, take a look at this guide to the best downtown Los Olivos wine tasting rooms. When you’re ready to grab a bite, take a look at this Guide to the Best Los Olivos Restaurants!
Best Downtown Los Olivos Wine Tasting Rooms
Los Olivos is a charming historic town in California’s Santa Ynez Valley wine region, and it is home to nearly 30 wineries, many of which have tasting rooms in the heart of it’s adorable, artsy downtown.
This means, you don’t need to hop in the car to experience the best wine tasting that Los Olivos has to offer. Unique wine tasting experiences can be found in this compact, 5 block downtown area.
Picture this: you can spend an entire weekend exploring Los Olivos wine tasting rooms without a map. You can step into one of the many quaint local restaurants in between your wine adventures (Mattei’s Tavern is one of my favorites), and then you can walk back to your hotel in minutes to rest up for dinner – and more wine! Everything is so close!
Spending the weekend downtown is a great way to keep things walkable, and it also means you don’t have to rely on a map. As your trust wine copywriter and guide, I have tested this itinerary, and it’s easy-peasy!
Walkable Map of Downtown Los Olivos Wine Tasting Rooms
Stolpman Los Olivos Patio
Stolpman Vineyards is home to one of the most popular tasting rooms in downtown Los Olivos. Once you sample their Central Coast Syrah, Roussanne, Grenache, and Rhone-inspired GSM blends, you will understand why this spot is so buzzy.
Other features worth noting: they are dog-friendly, the patio has misters (great for when the weather is warm), the staff is wonderful, and it’s not uncommon to see winemaker and owner Tom Stolpman helping out behind the scenes.
It’s a good idea to make a reservation if you go. I’ve done walk-in tastings at Stolpman, but you’re really chancing it, based on how busy things get. If you plan to visit on the weekend, always reserve a space.
When and how to visit
Open Daily
11am to 4pm
Reservations Required
Learn more about Stolpman here
So Fresh Garage
Stolpman’s So Fresh wines have their very own tasting room! If you can’t get enough of the Love You Bunches rosé, the Crunchy Rôastie, or their yummy Pet Nat, then this spot is a must. The grapes used to make these wines are harvested early, which gives them a lighter, fresher (hence the name!) profile than the brand’s single vineyard estate wines, and they are a joy to sip.
If you’re into low-intervention wines that ferment with native yeasts and don’t use sulfur, do plan to stop here.
Pro tip: If you’re going to purchase just one bottle, let it be the GDG Gamay (Gosh Darn Gamay). It’s a personal favorite.
When and how to visit
Open: Friday-Tuesday
11am to 4pm
Reservations Required
Book your reservation for Stolpman or the So Fresh Garage here.
Story of Soil
Dry and refreshing Rieslings, delicate Pinot Noirs, a crunchy Gamay with lots of red fruit, and a killer Gruner Veltliner are just some of the wines produced by winemaker Jessica Gasca at Story of Soil.
This wine tasting room is located just off of Alamo Pintado Avenue, the main drag in downtown, and the space is pure light-filled serenity. Ferns adorn walls, they have lots of comfy seating inside, and a pleasant patio where you can sample under big, shady trees.
Is there a better setting to sip single vineyard, single varietal wines?
Learn more about Story of Soil and book a reservation
When and how to visit
Open 7 days a week
11am – 4pm (last reservation is at 3:30pm)
Walk-ins are accepted, but reservations recommended
Solminer Wines
Solminer is a Los Olivos winery that produces natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. The wines crafted by owners Anna and David Delaski have a captivating vibrance to them. Their skin-contact Gruner Veltliner is layered with lush textures. The Linus rosé is crisp, dry, and has notes of refreshing strawberry. And, the Carbonic Syrah is a delightful chillable red wine.
The tasting room staff is a lovely, engaging, and so knowledgeable. Oh, and don’t forget to grab a candle before you leave! The coconut is to die for.
More information about Solminer
Know before you go:
Open 7 Days a Week
11am-5pm
Walk-ins accepted
Dreamcôte Wine Company
Dreamcôte is a boutique-sized producer of low alcohol, low sulfur wines. Their line-up of wines is the epitome of easy-drinking. Think carbonic-style red wines, pet nats, and some fun hard ciders infused with botanicals from their garden. The wines change every vintage, but expect to see them making Pinot Noir, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cab Franc and Gamay.
Do you like Syrahs? The Dark and Luscious Cool Climate Syrah from the Santa Rita Foothills is positively dreamy. And, if you’re feeling adventurous, they even produce a Fizzy Prickly Pear Hard Apple Cider – talk about cool! This Los Olivos tasting room is dog-friendly, and offers indoor and outdoor seating.
Imagine if the whole coastal grandma vibe traveled back in time and decided to become a Southern California winemaker. That’s the vibe here. And, bonus points for this spot being one of the few downtown Los Olivos wine tasting rooms that highlights natural wines.
When and how to visit:
Open Thursday-Monday
11am to 5pm (last pour at 4:30)
More information about Dreamcote Wines and easy reservation booking.
Storm Wines
If you start asking the locals who work the tasting rooms in Los Olivos where to sip, there is one name you will hear over and over again: Storm Wines. I kid you not, two concierge and three tasting room employees all recommended winemaker Ernest Storm’s Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc.
These site-specific wines from Santa Barbara County are a huge hit with those in the winemaking scene here, and they are right next to Story of Soil.
Discover more about Storm Wines or reserve your tasting.
When and how to visit
Open Thursday – Monday
11am to 5pm
Tips
What to wear wine tasting?
Plan to dress “upscale casual” when you go wine tasting. Winery outfits are kind of a broad category, depending on what time of year you go tasting. In warmer months, wear a sun dress with sandals, or shorts with a cute blouse. You can go off-the-shoulder, spaghetti straps, long-sleeve or short.
In cooler months, try jeans, slacks or cute trousers – I’m kind of obsessed with the Mason pant from Reformation right now – and sweaters, or dresses with boots.
FAQs
How many wineries are in Los Olivos, CA?
There are 27 wineries in Los Olivos, and 24 downtown tasting rooms. With so many choices, it just goes to show why this town is a top destination in the Santa Ynez Valley,
Where is Los Olivos?
This historic town is located just 10 minutes north of Solvang, and about 45 minutes from Santa Barbara and Montecito. The town itself sits within Santa Ynez Valley, and the Los Olivos AVA is part of the broader Central Coast AVA.
What wine is Los Olivos known for?
Wow, where to start. One you visit one of the many downtown Los Olivos wine tasting rooms that call this small wine region home you can expect to taste Rhone varietals like Grenache, Syrah, and Mouverdre, but also French grapes like Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. We cannot forget about Gamay, a grape that is showing up on all kinds of tastings right now.