Santa Ynez Valley Area Information

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The Santa Ynez Valley is located in Santa Barbara County, California, about 130 miles north of Los Angeles between the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north. The Santa Ynez River flows through the valley from east to west. The Santa Ynez Valley is separated from the Los Alamos Valley, to the northwest, by the Purisima Hills, and from the Santa Maria Valley by the Solomon Hills. The Santa Rita Hills separate the Santa Ynez Valley from the Santa Rita and Lompoc Valleys to the west.  It’s a 40 minute drive from Santa Barbara, here’s an idyllic combination of ranching tradition and blossoming Southern California Wine Country- a perfect weekend get-away for Southern Californians.

Traditionally a ranching community, the Valley has become a primary source of fine dining, shopping, and Southern California wine tasting - as well as a center for equine enthusiasts, artists and musicians. The Valley is also home to people who work in the neighboring cities of Santa Barbara and Santa Maria, a population of over 20,000 residents.

Within the Santa Ynez Valley are the townships of Ballard, Buellton, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, and Solvang - each having its own unique character. The Valley is noted for some of the best weather conditions in the USA, and has hosted the filming of several movies, such as Mayberry USA and Sideways.

Access to the Valley is provided by coastal Highway 101, which passes through Buellton at the intersection of Highway 246, as well as Highway 154 from Santa Barbara across the San Marcos Pass. Santa Ynez Valley is also served by the Santa Ynez Airport.

The wine industry is a major part of the Santa Ynez Valley's economy. The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association lists over 70 wineries and tasting rooms on their website. Besides grapes, the valley also has numerous apple farms, many of them with roadside apple stands or "pick your own" programs. It is the location of the Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Area.

Tourists often visit the valley for its attractions including numerous art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and antique stores as well as resorts such as the Alisal Guest Ranch, Lake Cachuma, PCPA's Theatrefest, and the Chumash Casino. Because of good weather year round, many participate in outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Los Padres National Forest or bicycling throughout the valley.