GAINEY VINEYARD
3950 CA-246, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
805-688-0558
https://gaineyvineyard.com/ [reservations recommended]

Although technically not in Los Olivos, Gainey Vineyard is located a few minutes drive away in nearby Santa Ynez.  The Gainey family are some of the earliest grape growers in this area of the Central Coast and under the vision of their master winemaker, Jeff Lebard, have perfected many complex, elegant wines.

Under the direction of Dan Gainey (third generation) and his family (fourth generation), the Gainey property offers multiple indoor and outdoor tasting experiences, including a historic barn that serves as the backdrop for weddings and special events.

Gainey was the very first vineyard that I visited when I moved to California and I immediately joined their wine club and will keep it until the day I die!  Although they are most known for their reds, their Sauvignon Blanc, Rose and Chardonnay are all note-worthy.  But the reds….you seriously cannot go wrong with any of them.  My favorites include their Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.  Honestly, any other Cab Franc is ruined for me, because I compare all of them to Gainey’s and none can live up to it.

One thing I love about visiting Gainey is that many times you’ll see Dan out working in the fields alongside his staff, or greeting guests in the tasting spaces.  Dan and his entire staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, and always make a point to ensure that guests have a memorable experience.

The Gainey family is also behind Evan’s Ranch, a collection of limited-production wines that you can experience in their Los Olivos tasting room:  2901 Grand Avenue, Suite B, Los Olivos, CA 93441.

Notes:

• There are designated picnic areas outside of the vineyard’s tasting rooms, but you are not allowed to bring food into the tasting rooms.
• Charcuterie and cheese platters are available for purchase, as are a selection of delicious gourmet oils, vinegars, tapenades and more.
• Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends.

FESS PARKER WINERY & VINEYARD
Vineyard: 6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-688-1545
Epiphany & Bubble Shack: 2974 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA
805-686-2424 (Epiphany)  805-688-8276 (Bubble Shack)
https://www.fessparker.com/

Just outside of the town of Los Olivos you’ll find Foxen Canyon Rd, which leads you down a twisting road trip through Central Coast’s beautiful wine country.  There are a lot of different vineyards that you can visit, but Fess Parker is one property that stands out from the rest. The estate sits on 714-acres and it’s park-like setting makes it perfect for a picnic paired with a bottle (or two) of Fess Parker wine.  

If you don’t want to venture out of downtown Los Olivos, you can choose between Epiphany or the Bubble Shack, or visit both!  I’m a big fan of Fesstivity, a sparkling wine that turns any day into a celebration.  And, if you are planning an overnight stay, you can book a room at the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in the heart of Los Olivos.  The Inn features a total of 19 rooms, each unique in its own way.

Notes:

• Joining the wine club gives you free tastings at all three Fess Parker locations.

DEMETRIA ESTATE & VINEYARDS
6701 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-686-2345
https://www.demetriaestate.com/ [reservations recommended]

Once you’ve finished your Fess Parker adventures, continue down Foxen Canyon Rd a bit more to one of the most beautiful vineyards in all of Los Olivos.  To get to the vineyard, you have to drive about 2 miles into the property where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views while you enjoy your outdoor tasting.

As for the wines, Demetria boasts a collection of biodynamic, sustainable wines that are award-winning.  I’m a fan of their Constantine (58% Mourverdre, 32% Grenache, 10% Syrah) and Tempranillo.  If whites are more your style, give their Cuvee Papou (40% Marsanne, 30% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc) a go.  It’s light and bright, perfect for a warm summer day.

I always like to bring a picnic when we visit Demetria to enjoy.  Outside of special events, there is no food served at the vineyard, so planning ahead is always a good plan.  

Notes:

• Reservations are generally the only way to ensure seating, any day of the week.
• There is a private home on the property that can be rented by wine club members.

FOUR BROTHERS WINE CO.
2935 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-635-7550
https://fourbrotherswine.com/

Located in the heart of downtown Los Olivos, Four Brothers Wine Co. is the only tasting room that stays open until 6pm (most others offer their last tasting around 4:30pm), which means it’s always our last stop of the day!

The vibe is casual and country with easy-drinking wines.  The Syrah and Sparkling are my two most favorite wines on the menu, with the Syrah being their ‘flagship’ wine.  If you aren’t waited on by the owner Chris, be sure to ask the staff to tell you the story of how Four Brothers came to be.

There are plenty of nearby food options (including weekend popups) that you can purchase and enjoy in the tasting room.  And, be sure to visit Nightcap Clothing that’s on the backside of the property.  It’s a women’s clothing boutique with designs by Chris’ wife, Carisa.

Notes:

• Walk-ins are welcome.
• The tasting room stays open later than others in town.

ARTISTE WINERY & TASTING STUDIO
2948 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441
805-686-2626
https://www.artiste.com/

Artiste is one of my newer discoveries in downtown Los Olivos, thanks to a few friends who are wine club members.  The tasting room doubles as an art gallery, and the company partners with various local artists for their bottle designs.

The wines are all blends, and feature fun names like “Rooted”, “Eyes Wide Shut”, and “Flower for Monet”.  At my last visit, the tasting flight was paired with cheeses that were carefully curated by Ashley Meehan, Resident Sommelier.

If you want to really deep dive, book a “Grand Museum Tasting” where Ashley will introduce you to 5 Museum wines in the Museum Room, paired with artisal micro-cheeses.

Notes:

• Last pour is at 4:30pm
• Groups of 6 or more require reservations

TIPS

• PUBLIC RESTROOMS
  All businesses in Los Olivos are on their own septic system, so public restrooms are hard to come by.  Luckily, St. Marks in the Valley Church which is located in the center of town offers public restrooms that are very well maintained and free of charge.  To show your appreciation, you can leave a donation which is used for ongoing maintenance.

RESTAURANTS
Los Olivos offers some great dining choices.  A few of my favorites are:

Panino – 2900 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos
This little sandwich shop keeps it simple with delicious sandwiches and salads.  Enjoy outdoor seating or grab and go.

Bar Le Cote – 2375 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos
Open for lunch and dinner, Bar Le Cote offers coastal seafood in a stylish space. Enjoy with a wine from their thoughtfully curated wine list.

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe – 2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos
My favorite dinner spot in Los Olivos.  Not only do they offer a huge wine list, but all of the food on the menu is delicious!  Try the red wine braised short ribs.  Yum!

Nella Kitchen & Bar – 2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos
Located inside of the Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, Nella is a cozy spot to enjoy a glass of wine or specialty cocktail while you grab a bite to eat.  Reservations highly recommended.