While possibly uninspiring, the small town of Buellton in Santa Barbara County will nevertheless be unmissable to fans of the wine nerd film ‘Sideways’. From just beyond the windmill of Days Inn (the guy’s hotel in the film) take Avenue of the Flags which leads to the Santa Rosa Road. This idyllic winding road follows the Santa Ynez River through the Santa Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area). Stop off at legendary pinot producer Sanford to visit their recently opened mission-style tasting room sited in the middle of their historical vineyards. Don’t miss the Dominio del Falcon reserve pinot noir. Back in Buellton book a table in advance at the Hitching Post II for unbeatable steaks. Maya won’t be there, but open a bottle of ‘Highliner’ in her memory (the local wine made by Frank Ostini, the restaurant owner and head chef).
Sanford Winery
5010 Santa Rosa Road
Lompoc CA 93436
Tel (805) 735 5900
www.sanfordwinery.com.
Hitching Post II
P.O. Box 2009
406 East Highway 246
Buellton CA 93427
Tel (805) 688 0676
www.hitchingpost2.com
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