We happen to be in town for the wifey's birthday weekend. After doing some research, I knew this…read moreOlive + Lavender farm would be a great spot to check out. Glad we added it to the itinerary. We arrived on a Saturday afternoon. The olive oil tasting farm is located in a nice neighborhood area in downtown Los Olivos. There is parking accessible in the back parking lot and limited parking next to the olive oil tasting area and boutique shop. As soon as we parked and headed to the olive oil tasting area, we were greeted by a very friendly and hospitable staff member. I appreciated all the information she told us about the property and instructions about the olive oil tasting experience. Their complimentary olive oil tasting was unique and unlike any other olive oil tasting I had ever done before. There were 10 different olive oils to taste from. You are given a freshly made sourdough bread slice to go along with a tray with a menu sheet of all the olive oils. Some of the olive oils that stood out to me were the white truffle, garlic, and Italian honey. We were then encouraged to explore the rest of the property where there was a charcuterie cart, pottery vendor, and complimentary wine tasting on the other side of the premises. This enhanced our olive oil tasting experience even more. The rest of the property was beautiful as there were a lot of tables and chairs for guests to enjoy. Overall we enjoyed our experience at Olive + Lavender Farms. The staff were nice and accommodating. The vibe was relaxing and inviting. The boutique shop were selling a lot of wonderful and distinctive local products in the area. The olive oils price point are in the higher end. Next time we are in the area we would love to come back.

Such a gem of a place. Popped in to hopefully buy some lavender plants in pots. And while they…read moredon't sell lavender to plant (why not!?), they had a lovely selection of other things. We did a free olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting, and both my friend and I bought a bottle of habanero olive oil, so yummy! They sell bundles of lavender, soaps, cute kitchen things, candles etc etc. A great stop to pick up some gifts and great way to support local businesses.

After reading Monty's book we knew we wanted to visit his ranch. We were met by his son-in-law who…read moreintroduced us to Debbie (Monty & Pat's daughter). We didn't know what to expect but she is so kind and took time to show us around the ranch and explain how the incoming wild mustangs and other horses are "gentled" into a loving and trusting relationship with their handlers. After meeting several horses on the property it was clear how effective their methods are. Each horse was so at peace and comfortable with us. The atmosphere on the ranch is serene and inviting and makes a horse lover want to linger. It truly is a wonderful place and all credit goes to Monty and Pat and their amazing lives and perseverance. They've built something beautiful and are so kind to share it with the world.

I was on a company incentive trip and this was listed as one of the options for an excursion. I…read morealways like to pick things that I normally wouldn't pay for if I was on vacation and this was a place I would have put in that category. The bus ride was about an hour from Santa Barbara which was a beautiful ride. When you pull into the facility you're pulling right into wash the barns and the horses and the round pens. Basically what you would consider a large but typical kind of horse farm. This farm is owned by Monty Roberts who has been training horses for a long long time. What he does is train unbroke horses to be able to have a rider get on within a very short amount of time by using techniques that make the horse trust what you're doing. Today we were there the owner of a horse was there at the facility videotaping the process. Within 22 minutes he had one of his writers on that horse without a single buck. The owner of the horse was nearly in tears. This visit wasn't about him training a horse, it was about life in general and how getting people to perform at their highest level without forcing anything out of them. This really was a life lesson not a horse lesson. After this was over he allowed us up to his house where they had cooked an unbelievable lunch for us and set in his backyard overlooking the entire valley and his ranch. The entire experience was unbelievable and something I will never forget and I would encourage anyone to see what it's like.

I really enjoyed my visit here ! The prices are a great value at this lavender farm. I really…read moreappreciate the whole experience: you pick up your basket, clippers, gloves, and come inside to wrap the bundle. I really enjoyed the candles scent and price point. The service was great, friendly and helpful recommendations. You can actually buy lavender plants here. Must make stop if you are in the area

Stopped by here a couple of weekends ago and had a lovely time picking lavender with the kids…read more There aren't any big signs but you'll see the fields of lavender with the open gate and a couple pop-up tents with lavender plants and products. The lady running the stall is very friendly and provides baskets and snippers for picking. We bought a few soaps as well and then picnicked under a beautiful oak tree on the property. Definitely recommend!

A winery with relaxing outdoor grounds and delicious wine. Think of the perfect picnic spot nestled…read moreaway in the Santa Ynez hills. Viogner is their speciality, if you're a wine enthusiast. We enjoyed the following: Signature Flight - 5/5. $30 - A tasting consisting of 2 white and 3 red wines. Adobe Flight - 5/5. $30 - Similar to the signature flight, but focused on oak barrels rather than steel. Charcuterie Board - 5/5. $28 - Everything we dreamed of. More bread would've been great though. French Plate - 5/5. $8 - 3 savory and sweet tarts. Service was laid back and staff members were kind. We ended up signing up for their wine membership, which goes to show how much we loved this spot!

What a Hidden Gem! We recently had the pleasure of visiting Rideau Winery and it was an absolutely…read moreamazing experience from start to finish. In the heart of beautiful Solvang, the winery has picturesque grounds that are nothing short of breathtaking. The views of rolling vineyards especially during sunset provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. Whether you're sipping wine inside or strolling through the grounds, the scenery alone makes this place worth a visit. Speaking of wine, the selection here is top-notch. We tried the Signature tastings and ended up leaving with 3 bottles. Every glass was a delight and Scherina was so kind and knowledgeable. The wine is clearly crafted with care, and the staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect pairing to suit your tastes. But what really took this experience to the next level was the food! The lobster roll was out of this world, fresh, flavorful, and packed with lobster that had just the right amount of seasoning. If you're in the mood for something a bit more casual, the smash burger is a must-try. It's juicy, perfectly cooked, and served with a side and a side of chips. It went well with a red blend. The live music added to the overall vibe, creating a laid-back and fun atmosphere. It felt like the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of good wine, great food, and fantastic company. All in all, Rideau Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys great wine, delicious food, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a relaxing place to spend the day, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait to come back!

My husband and I booked a wine tour (Artisan Excursion) and our first stop was here. Jerry greeted…read moreus as soon as we stepped off the van. He was so warm and inviting. We were the only ones on the tour and he made us feel like family. He was very informative and gave us the history and knowledge to make the whole experience amazing! A great family history and overall fantastic time! A definite must!

The property is absolutely breathtaking!…read more The owners: The owners are generous and lovely people. There was a minor setback during my wedding reception. The owners generously offered to rescue the day. If it wasn't for their kindness, my wedding guests would have been eating dinner in the rain. I am forever thankful. The owners are wine club members. They offered us private wine tastings, and surely enough, we became club members. The wines are very good. Jerry and Liz did the hard work of finding the terrific wine makers and we were able to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. As club members, our third night in the cabana was free ; a perk we surely appreciated! The Cabana: Larger than I had expected. The bed is perfectly cozy. The bathroom is modern with classic Italian touches. There are two cabanas on the property, one on each side of the pool. This worked out perfectly because my sister rented the smaller cabana. Having morning coffee with my family surrounded by a magnificent vineyard backdrop seemed like a dream. The living room opens into the beautiful grounds. One of the double doors leads to the pool and the other double doors lead to an outdoor seating area with an adjacent fire pit. The double doors create an illusion of an extended living space, uniting the cabana with the beautiful vineyard. My husband discovered that we could watch television while sitting in the outdoor seating area. This was a true treat for him, he could enjoy the beautiful grounds without missing Sunday night football. The Amenities: The kitchen has a full fridge which was really nice, especially because I had quite a bit of wedding cake leftover. There is a large country style sink which adds a classic feel to the living area. There is a dishwasher, microwave and ice maker; all of which came in handy during our stay. My family and I took advantage of the grill and bar area as well. The men did a little grilling while the gals relaxed by the fire pit with our glasses of wine. The weather was a too cold for swimming, but we can't wait to come back in the summer to take advantage of the pool as well. The Grounds: Absolutely breathtaking. I woke up to a crisp clean morning after a night of rain; brewed a cup of aromatic coffee and took a walk amongst the beautiful vines. The rose bushes were blooming with fragrant flowers. Basil blossomed from the herb planters and the birds were chirping near the beautiful trees. I can hear the distant pitter patter of horses in the adjacent property. My wedding morning seemed like a dream. The grounds are gorgeous. The Surrounding Area: Santa Ynez houses several terrific vineyards which also have beautiful tasting rooms and picnic areas. Several of these vineyards are within a five minute drive of the property. The quaint town of Solvang is about a ten minute drive. Solvang has many terrific wine tasting rooms, bake shops with amazing pastries, and plenty of sight-seeing possibilities. The road leading up to the property is picturesque, so don't miss out on the photo opportunities. I consider myself lucky for discovering such a gem. If you are reading this review, I encourage you to come and stay amongst the vines in this Italian casa. And don't forget to become wine club members! My family and I can't wait to come back!

I loved this cozy hotel. Front desk staff were awesome and very helpful. The bar seemed cool but…read moredidn't offer dining options other than small bites. The pool and hot tub looked very inviting but were always busy so we didn't use it . Our room was a nice size and offered a small fridge, microwave and Keurig. No bath tub but nice shower. I liked that the shower/toilet were separated from the sink and mirror to get ready and wash up. The best thing about this place is the location and how it's walking distance to lots of restaurants, bakeries, wine tasting and shopping.

We booked two nights the weekend of July 31 for a little end of summer girl's trip. The hotel is in…read morea good location. Upon checking in, we were told that the lounge & bar would be closed all weekend. This was a bummer, it is one of the reasons we booked the hotel originally. When we got to the room, the smell was awful. It smelled musty and moldy. We opened the window and turned on the air, that helped not one bit. So, we asked for a different room. They accommodated this request quickly, which was great. The hotel advertises electric vehicle charging stations. While this is true, they are NOT the fast charging ones, rather they are the type you install at your house. This means charging can take several hours. Thiscreates an annoying backlog situation - no one is going to sit around for hours while their vehicle charges. Inevitably, you go into town and return when you're ready, at which point your car is either still charging OR it has finished charging, but is now taking up a charger that might be needed. No one is going to run back to the hotel to unplug and move their car. Also, there are only two chargers and they are in the tightest, most inconvenient location in the parking lot. When I opened my trunk to put my bags in, the trunk lid HIT a large pipe running above the parking spot. They need far more chargers installed if they're going to advertise this amenity. When we returned to the hotel on our first evening, we got ZERO sleep. For one, the AC is very, very loud and goes off and on all night. On top of that, and this is what spoiled things actually, a dog in an adjoining room barked loudly ALL NIGHT LONG. It was unbearable. I called the front desk several times, and they didn't really seem to understand the gravity of the situation. They just said yea, it's very frustrating, we're trying to contact the owners, but nothing really resolved. We got no sleep and it was so frustrating. Operating on no sleep, we went out the next day to explore the town. When it got hot in the afternoon hours, we returned to the hotel to relax and get a nap in before dinner. But guess what? MORE DOG BARKING. For hours. And the same spiel from the front desk and management. So, no naps for us. It was beyond frustrating. After all that, the management offered no compensation or anything. They really didn't even address the dog barking except when I made the phone call to the front desk. It was all empty apologies and no action. All in all, it was a frustrating experience and I would hesitate to book there again.

Stopping at Ostrichland USA on our way home from Solvang a few weeks ago was a must on our…read moreitinerary! Pricing was $7 for adults and $3 for kids under 12 plus $1 for each person wanting to feed the Ostrich and Emu. You enter through a gift shop and then out to where all of the birds are - they even had a couple of bunnies and a cat. There were so many Ostrich and Emu spread out everywhere. They come right up to you and just start pecking away! Tip: if you walk down further where the Emu are, there is more room to move around and plus there are lots of birds to feed. I think the Ostrich at the front of the entrance get most of the food - we felt bad not going to where the others were. The whole area was pretty cool - it kind of felt like we were on a safari with how picturesque the mountains and land were. The lady running the gift shop who also explained the rules was very nice! I highly recommend if you have small kids or just need a place to stop and stretch your legs! They offer bathrooms as well! Check them out!

This was a good experience. Got to see a good amount of Ostriches and Emus in a single place…read more It is a dirt farm for the birds so don't wear your best white shoes, they will get very dusty. They seemed pretty friendly even though they looked a little scary. As long as you feed these birds don't won't go ape. Fun site to visit if you pass by the area.

We stayed at the Inn in Zaca Creek for 3 nights. It was truly wonderful and the grounds are…read morestunning. The rooms (suites) are beautifully appointed. We loved the carved door and bed and how special this location is. It is close to the 101. We didn't loose any sleep. Some reviews say that there is no front desk to check in. You check in the restaurant (Tavern) and are provided with a phone number and email. Stephen responded to us very quickly. Be sure to check out the artisanal breakfast options the Inn delivers promptly at 9am and absolutely be sure to visit the Tavern for dinner! It is well worth a visit.

Wow, it's like staying in a castle! This place has history - restored with care by the current…read moreowners Stephen and Chelsea, who are hands on and care about every detail. We stayed in Room 1, with a sitting room and separate king bedroom, plus a big bathtub and a shower that fans of the Madonna Inn will appreciate (rock walls and a massive rainfall shower head). Mattress was one of the best ever. Beautiful established flower gardens all around the property. Great A/C. Nespresso coffee maker is always fun and yummy. Nice amenities all around. Check in at the Tavern after 4pm. GM/Owners were very responsive to texts and calls. Can order breakfast to your room by 9pm night before. Tavern restaurant and bar is excellent (see separate review).

For all you craft beer lovers, this is the place to visit! It's also a great spot for people…read morewatching and the kind of place where everyone knows your name. They have so many different options to choose from, and the customer service is always great. You can even order food from nearby places, and don't miss their amazing smash burgers on Thursdays! If you're someone who prefers a nice glass of wine instead, this place has you covered too. A great spot to relax, enjoy a drink, and have a good time.

Great place to spot for a hang...not only do they brew their own beers, which hubs says are tasty,…read morebut they also make ciders for those who are gluten-free like me. Enjoyed a quiet moment people watching with our pup in this dog-friendly spot.

My daughter took her WSET Level 3, and we chose this spot in San Ynez, famed for red wines, to…read morerelax post-test Opting for white wine added a fun twist. Sommelier Jessica not only knows her stuff but also makes the experience enjoyable. The overall vibe here is comfortably inviting.