Leisurely Vibes
Once a quiet Western town, Los Olivos today is a wine destination
worthy of more than just a day trip
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick | Photographs by Sara Prince
“Wine is all about slowing down and sharing the experience, so the tasting room needed to be relaxed.”
Driven by the belief that all great wine starts in the vineyard, LIQUID FARM is dedicated to producing terroir-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that express the uniqueness of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Contemporary details and botanical accents highlight the tasting room, creating a casually alluring environment that owner Jeff Nelson explains was intentional: “Wine is all about slowing down and sharing the experience, so the tasting room needed to be relaxed—from the style of the décor to the eclectic seating arrangements that allow people to converse with other guests.” Following a tasting, be sure to browse the collection of culinary items and housewares, which Nelson regards as “natural extensions” of the food and wine lifestyle. Keep an eye out for new additions in the mercantile, including a line of furnishings, in the coming months. 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 101, Los Olivos, liquidfarm.com
Directly across the street, STOLPMAN VINEYARDS’ spirited tasting room consistently draws wine enthusiasts seeking to sample estate-grown wines from the Stolpman family’s Ballard Canyon vineyard. In addition to classic Syrah and Rhône wines, the family offers a range of refreshing, chillable reds and pét-nats as part of their So Fresh label developed by Pete Stolpman and his wife, Jessica. Sip and savor a flight from either brand in the convivial setting of the tasting room, complete with a dog-friendly patio, enclosed with a charming white picket fence. 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, stolpmanvineyards.com
In their quest to venture into the culinary realm, longtime friends Randy Spendlove and Jennifer Wood discovered the perfect location to launch OLIVE + LAVENDER FARMS late last fall. Located at the former stagecoach stop at Lansing’s Crossing, just outside of downtown, the picturesque property—home to idyllic lavender fields and more than 100 olive trees—blends nature’s splendor with local flavor and a laid-back ambience. Here you can enjoy complimentary samples of estate-grown and locally sourced olive oils and artisanal vinegars, then stay to play a game of cornhole, indulge in a bring-your-own picnic, or wander around the dog- and kid-friendly farm. “Randy and I find great joy in curating an environment where people can immerse themselves in the property, savor our olive oils, enjoy a leisurely picnic, and simply unwind,” says Wood. “We’re thrilled to fuse our passion for food, music, family, and friends, and welcome people to experience our magical slice of Los Olivos.” 2450 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, oliveandlavenderfarms.com
In downtown Los Olivos, BLAIR FOX CELLARS offers friendly vibes and quality wine bottlings. Pay a visit to the tastefully rustic-modern space to sip handcrafted Rhône varietals and blends from owner and winemaker Blair Fox. A Santa Barbara native, Fox, along with his wife, Sarah, can often be found personally pouring wines for visitors, a testament to the couple’s commitment to providing an authentic experience. “We’re an ultra-boutique family winery, so everything we do is a reflection of us,” he says. “Our goal was to cultivate a space that mimics the rustic, laid-back vibe of the Santa Ynez Valley. So once you step through the door it feels approachable and inviting rather than intimidating or pretentious—a place where you know you’ll have fun, taste good wine, and be treated like family.” 2477 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, blairfoxcellars.com
ONE TO WATCH
Family-owned DONNACHADH is set to unveil its inaugural tasting room this fall. Housed within a spacious, newly constructed building in Los Olivos, the tasting room will provide an ideal setting in which to sample the brand’s organically farmed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Gamay Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, each noted for its expressive minerality and depth of character. donnachadh.com
“The space is comfortable and casual, like going to a friend’s house.”
When the pangs of hunger call, the newly unveiled MARGERUM offers a delicious reprieve. The space is charmingly quaint, stocking an array of wines crafted by owner and winemaker Doug Margerum that span his eponymous Rhône-focused label and the Burgundian varietals of his second label, Barden. Along with the wine, a medley of intriguing food pairings will delight the palate. Expect quintessential wine-tasting accompaniments, like cheese and charcuterie, as well as more unconventional offerings inspired by Margerum’s frequent travels to Japan, such as sushi-centered bento boxes featuring bites of tender unagi sashimi, bluefin tuna with avocado and shiso leaf, and Dungeness crab with fragrant vanilla-bean sauce. Also noteworthy are Kumamoto oysters, perfectly paired with a glass of bubbly Barden Blanc de Blancs. 2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., Los Olivos, margerumwines.com
FOUR BROTHERS WINE CO. is a thriving hub of activity where wine, community, and curated events intersect. Born from a home grape-growing and winemaking hobby, owner Chris Blasman and his three brothers have created a flourishing boutique brand dedicated to making Rhône varietal wines, as well as limited quantities of Pinot Noir, from vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. Additionally, Four Brothers often hosts a diverse lineup of events, from art shows and live musical performances to comedy and trivia nights, drawing a steady stream of people to its rustic tasting room and spacious outdoor patio. 2935 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, fourbrotherswine.com
BEYOND THE GRAPE
Winemaker Jessica Gasca may be best known for producing nuanced single-varietal and single-vineyard wines for her label, Story of Soil, but her creativity expands beyond grapes with the recent launch of GOODS LOS OLIVOS. Situated inside a towering structure outside her tasting room, the small boutique is filled with local, eco-friendly goods curated for thoughtful living, from candles and jewelry to throw blankets and books. 2902 San Marcos Ave., Los Olivos, storyofsoilwine.com
Extend your visit into a weekend getaway at the FESS PARKER WINE COUNTRY INN, located in the heart of town. Since its acquisition by the late Fess Parker in 1998, the inn has become a cherished retreat for travelers looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Recently the inn unveiled a contemporary refresh that was guided by the vision of designer Oliva Villaluz. Now all 19 rooms and suites boast an elegant look and feel, with hardwood floors, wrought-iron four-poster beds, cozy in-room fireplaces, and a sophisticated country-chic aesthetic that enhances the inn’s appeal. “We wanted the rooms to be someplace you look forward to returning to after a day of wine tasting and exploring the Santa Ynez Valley,” says proprietor Ashley Parker Snider. “We hope our guests leave feeling rested and inspired by the beauty of the valley, the wines, and our little inn.” Complementing a stay are enticing amenities like a heated pool and gym, a boutique, and the on-site restaurant, Nella Kitchen & Bar, which has a loyal fan base for its perfectly topped pinsas and mouthwatering Italian fare. 2860 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, fessparker.com/inns-and-cabins
SAARLOOS + SONS is a family-owned and -operated winery that’s been four generations in the making. Their tasting room, which is situated inside a house built in 1886 (now refurbished and coated in sleek black paint), has long been a fixture in the Los Olivos wine scene. “Our tasting room is truly an extension of our living room, a place we get to welcome and host people daily,” says Keith Saarloos, a third-generation steward of the family business. “Our aim has always been to be a place where people can relax, have fun, and experience a sense of ‘nowstalgia,’ which I like to describe as the feeling of being fully present but also having a nostalgic attachment to the moment.” On offer here are estate-grown Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, many of which proudly bear the names and faces of family members. In addition, Saarloos & Sons continues to delight guests with its famous cupcake pairing, part of a long-standing collaboration with local favorite Enjoy Cupcakes. 2971 Grand Ave., Los Olivos, saarloosandsons.com
