We've been to many of the tasting rooms in Los Olivos, Solvang, and the Santa Ynez area and Imagine Wines is our favorite. Not because of the setting--it's just an ordinary room in a strip mall setting--but because of the incredible wine and the wine maker, Ross, who will probably be serving you. We were lucky enough to visit on a sleepy Sunday, right as they opened. Because of this, were were the only ones in the shop and had his full attention. He gave wonderful context for all of the wines, explained how they were made, and explained many things we didn't know (how most champagne is made, the fact that most pinot is a blend, how wines are priced, and much more). We also learned about wine labeling (did you know that each one has pass muster from a governmental agency?). The origin for picture of the tasteful pin-up that graces their wine (the only nude on a wine label in the US) sits right next to the tasting area. Most importantly, his wines are delicious, from start to finish. He makes bold, deep, rich reds. Our favorite was the 2008 Paso Robles Cab--it was incredible! So I highly recommend visiting for the intelligent banter, and the incredible wine. A fun, educational, delcious afternoon! read more

Imagine Wine - The inspiration for the wine labels. - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Buellton, California

I stopped into this tasting room a few weeks ago while I was in town for my WSET3 test. I met Ross during my appointment. He is not only hilarious and is very informative on his wines and vineyards - but he makes EXCEPTIONAL wine! He even pulled a tasting straight from a barrel in back. I was blown away! Being a sommelier, I have tasted a LOT of wines over the years. His wine is such a true expression of each grape! I was so impressed! I brought home my 9 bottles I purchased from him back to WA State and shared with some friends and family after I got home Every single one that was tasted, they all wanted more. I should have bought several cases from him while I was there. I will 100% be back and will be buying from him in the future. read more

We loved this place! The owner is very friendly and knowledgeable, you can tell he has a passion for wine. I enjoyed everything I tasted and would highly recommend! This location has a few wineries, each having their own vibe. We sat in the outdoor seating so we could take in the sunshine while tasting. read more

Their wines are not so great. Their Cabernet Sauvignon reminds me of Two Buck Chuck. The wine maker is a bit arrogant. It was not a wonderful experience. I would not recommend this place. There are other wineries in the area that have higher quality wines and better attitudes. Happy wine tasting. read more

I couldn't speak more highly of the wines. The tasting experience. The owners. It's unique and a special experience - and a quality in wine and distinct flavor unlike any other. Patience in wine making is a virtue :) read more

My boyfriend and I started off our cold winter day at Imagine Wine bar. We were staying local in Buellton, and someone recommended we purchase the $50 winter wine pass (highly recommend). Our first stop was Imagine Wine, where we were greeted by the winemaker himself for our tasting. He was very knowledgeable about the area and the wines we were tasting. The tend to focus on big bold reds, which were all delicious and tasty. I'd recommend going there again! read more

This is by far our favorite winery. Ross has produced some incredible wines that we have shared with friends who have also become members. His cab is held in oak for 7 years before bottling. One of the nicest wines we have enjoyed. A visit to his tasting room is always enjoyable whether you bring friends or go it alone. The conversation is thought provoking and the tasting elegant. Highly recommend. read more

If you like STRONG wines, then this is your place. Everything here features a very bold flavor, but not in a bad way at all. It is clear that the winemaker (who also poured for us) knows exactly what he is doing when he crafts his wines. He was very friendly and gave us a lot of insight into his process. Also, they get a plus for displaying art by local artists (including the winemaker's son). read more

My Husband and I stopped here on our way to Solvang for our one year anniversary trip. I was apprehensive as it was listed as an Art gallery too. I was PLEASANTLY surprised and VERY pleased. Not only were the wines extraordinary, the art was fantastic too. We liked EVERY one of the 6 wines tasted and became Wine club members. Since wine tasting is our favorite thing to do on trips, our rule is we will only become wine club members if we like all of their wines. So we are excited to be receiving shipments every quarter. The person helping us was the wine-maker's wife and she was very friendly, natural, and knowledgeable about the wines. I don't like it when people pour you a glass and walk away. I appreciate her telling us about where the grapes came from for each wine and also the barrels it was aged in and the time it spent in the barrel. I would DEFINITELY recommend this to anyone who enjoys good wine, art and company! read more

Great place to sip wine,see artwork and chat with the owner They educate you on the wine ' the wine is fantastic. they do things the old-fashioned way by really aging the wine in the barrel Thank you so much for a good time read more

These were some of the most delicious wines on our trip from a very knowledgeable winemaker passionate about what he does. Received great service and looking forward to another visit. read more

The owner is a narcissist at very best. I would not recommend coming here. The tasting room is odd, dark and creepy. Wines are ok if you ask me. They're the best you've ever tasted and won every award in wine history if you ask him. Not impressed at all! read more

Enjoyed a nice Cabernet. This place had a very large amount of artwork and a variety of local crafts for sale. Worth a stop, had some beautiful wine bottle labels. Very small tasting bar and the Owner/Winemaker was pouring so very knowledgeable. read more

first stop on our 4 winery day: imagine wine. met ross. learned about wine, his family, his start, local art, and drank some pretty good wines. we loved it. the tasting room looks like an art gallery. lots of natural light. wine tasting is $10 and you get to try 5 wines. fell in love with the chadonnay and bought some bottles. oh, one of their wines is called the panty dropper (we know, we felt the same way) this was a great start to the day. we would recommend coming here for sure. say hi to ross for us. read more

We have not been to the tasting room, but Ross brought his wine to the B&B we were staying at in Santa Ynez for their happy hour. The wines were good, but expensive. I do not recall what kind of wine we liked the best, but I believe it was called "Wings". Maybe a Syrah. Ross stated he ages a good portion of his wine for 6 years. He was friendly, but we probably will not go by the tasting room only because we do not buy $80+ bottles. read more

Well as an aficionado of fine wine, this is my second visit to IMAGINE winery In less than a year. I love Ross Rankin's wines. I'll be back soon for the release of his sparkling wine. read more

Awesome space, awesome wine and very knowledgeable wine maker. We will definitely be back!!

Bought 6 wines from 2006, panty dropper..all but one was corked. I have to say I did not try to discuss with owner.

Nice and quant little establishment. They had a walk up bar with stools and hooks to hang your purses while sampling the wine. We met the wine maker himself, it was really neat. There was art all over the walls and it had a nice ambience My reasoning for 4 stars is simply because after visiting several wineries today, they didnt have much white or sweet wines, and they didnt have any little snacks to pair with the wine I was tasting. I understand not all wineries have this, however, it sure was hard to compare to those who did. All in all, it was a great time. We learned a lot from the winemaker. It was wonderful and we may stop by again for a red my husband enjoyed. I found my favorites at other places. read more

Extraordinary Boutique Wines...Loved them on our last trip up to the area and we're coming back this weekend. We joined their wine club but had a favorite so we bought a case so we would never be without it to accompany a special meal. Thanks for the time you took to tell us about your wines! I love talking right to the wine maker to get the real "scoop". Save us another case...we're coming to get it! read more

I love this place, I always stop here when I'm in town. Delicious wines, nice people, and beautful artwork to look at. Their Zin can't be beat, also, try their Chardonney, I'm normally not a fan, but theirs is wonderful! read more

Tasting Wings 2007 was a treat but sharing a bottle with friends was exquisite. A beautiful Tasting Room/gallery with a very knowledgable and pleasant host. read more

Imagine Wine - Wings Series 2 by Blake Rankin - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - Buellton, California

The service was less than par but that went along with the wine. Don't waste your time or money.

Imagine serves up some of the best wines, well... imaginable. Only made better by the information from winemaker, Ross, and his wife, Lindy. We bought a mixed case and will absolutely be back. This is a "not miss" place if you are in SY. And check out the art in their tasting room..beautiful. read more

Truly outstanding experience. As a result, we've become members and periodically enjoy home delivery of this wonderful wine. Not to be missed if you're in the area. read more

Imagine if this place was open during their posted hours. Then I might be able to write a useful review. Webiste says they're open until 5pm and we spent several minutes trying to find their TINY side street only to pull up at 4:40pm to a "shut" sign...aka closed... read more

Amazing wine, amazing maker. Stopped here by chance in town on a b&b lil stay-cation. This was by far my fav surprise of the stay. Fantastic. Especially if you appreciate your red wine and want to know why it's as good it is. The information shared was great. read more

I really like this place. The wines are really special. One of them -- the Winged Syrah -- is aged in oak for 5 years; that's unheard of. Really fun spot and tasting room. Highly recommended. read more

Very friendly. Wine maker was pouring. Very knowledgable. Luckily it wasn't very crowded or you probably wouldn't have great service. Since there were only a few of us in there, we got a lot of attention. He liked to talk a lot but made the visit fun. Very big on customer service. Wine was good. Bought a few bottles. Also, unlike some other tasting rooms, this one had a rest room. read more