Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Girls’ Trip {Travel}
A girls’ day in Santa Barbara wine country tasting wine at several Santa Ynez vineyards.
The weekend was bittersweet. Well, mostly sweet with just a pinch of bitter. Sunday we celebrated Father’s Day by making breakfast for my parents, Yummy Hubby, and the girls. A spinach, cherry tomato, and goat cheese frittata. And pastries I didn’t have time to make, from Whole Foods.
Saturday was a special mommies day of wine tasting. Our fabulous group of 5 mommies has been getting together for play-dates since our firstborn babies were only weeks old. These girls are like therapy – whatever life throws at us, we are there to support each other. And now one of my best friends is moving halfway across the world with her family. Another is off to Hawaii for several months with her family. And it feels like our “fabulous five” is down to three. So we decided we needed a girls’ day to spend together… knowing it would be the last for awhile. None of us employ regular nannies or babysitters, we’re not the moms who “lunch” or shop together. We’re virtually with our kids all the time, so it can be tough to find adult-only time, but it’s necessary. Everyone needs some adult interaction and girlfriend time once in awhile. A 40 minute drive up to the Santa Ynez Valley wineries was just what we needed to relax and enjoy each other.
While I have been to tasting rooms in Santa Barbara County plenty of times, I have never had such an educational, beautiful, and fun experience as I did this time. We enlisted Stagecoach Wine Tours to drive and coordinate tastings. Stagecoach has exclusive agreements with various wineries that are not generally open to the public. I highly recommend going this route and using Stagecoach if you’re visiting Santa Barbara wineries.
Our first stop, and my favorite stop, was Harrison Clarke Winery. Mr. Harrison took the 4 of us girls (one of the fab 5 was too sick to attend) on a private tour through his vineyard. He explained how the limestone in the ground of his property impacts his grapes, when he waters and why, and so much more fascinating information I’ve never gotten just from vising tasting rooms. His wife, Ms. Clarke showed us through a dark room of barrels and let us taste the same wine at 6 months, 18 months, and fully matured. It was amazing to taste the difference. At the same time, Mr. Clarke was placing labels on his wine bottles – we felt lucky to watch this family-run business work. Oh and the wine! It was some of the best I’ve tasted. We all bought a bottle or two here. You can order their wines here. (This is not an ad – I just think they are really delicious).
Our next visit was to Bella Cavalli Farms & Vineyard. Again I was grateful to have a guide, as Bella Cavalli is only open to its wine club members and Stagecoach Tours. The drive up the lushly landscaped entrance was in itself breathtaking. Being a horse lover, walking through the stables smelling the alfalfa hay and leather, hearing the nickering horses… was a little slice of heaven. Lunch in the sun with wine (and eating without picking up bits of food flung from a toddler!) was icing on the cake.
Left: Me Right: Ronda (thank goodness she’s not moving away! Oh – random aside, if you’ve been reading this blog a long time you know Ronda started Yummy Mummy with me!) at our last stop, Dierberg & Star Lane Vineyards Tasting Room. We sat under bright yellow umbrellas in front of the charming big red barn tasting room basking in the breezy 80 degree weather. A welcomed escape from Santa Barbara’s infamous June Gloom. The actual vineyard/winery is private – too private for visitors- but the wine was so good, and the tasting room property so lovely, that we didn’t miss seeing the vines.
Every time I visit Santa Ynez I feel like I’m in a completely different country. Italy or France maybe. Somewhere where the pace is a bit slower and surely the people take daily siestas. There’s something about seeing nothing but rolling hills, vineyards, and sleepy cows that does that to you I guess. There’s going to be some sadness as my dear friends move, but I’m so glad to have memories of special girls’ trips like this one. And a special thanks to the amazing daddies who were on daddy duty all day so that us mommies could play.
Oh it looks such a lovely trip, how wonderful to have a close knit group go girlfriends
What a lovely day you girls had – I can imagine it was bittersweet. Gorgeous horses – those stables – I'm a horse lover too having grown up with them in England. Lovely post
Mary x
I love love love this post. It makes me happy inside. I'll be on the East Coast for a month. When I get back we must get together for a glass of Pinot =)
Oh Marina, that looks like such a fun day! I'm not really much of a wine drinker, but I would've really loved the beautiful setting and the horses. You're all so pretty 🙂
How gorgeous! Looks like you ladies had such a great time, I love wine tasting! 🙂
You gals are AWESOME!! Such a fun trip with your special gal pals Marina. I feel like I was there reading this post. Thanks so much for sharing the fun with us!
I am soooo jealous of THIS TRIP.
a) You look all kinds of amazing in green.
b) Your wedges – Tom's? I NEED THEM.
c) I love wine more than AIR. I want this trip.
d) Pronto.
Marina,
This looks like a blast! I really think living in California has a crazy amount of perks…a short drive to this kinda heaven is one of them.
I have always wanted to go to Santa Barbara. I heard it is just gorgeous there. Funny, I live in Norhtern California and I never make it to the wonderful places that California has to offer.
Thank you for sharing.
What a beautiful day! I feel so sad for your tight knit group : (
a) thank you 🙂
b) Tory Burch wedges. Love them – not too high, not too low
c) love Tom's too
d) come for a visit!
I agree! Northern CA is so beautiful too and we don't get up there often enough!
Marina,
We've toured Santa Ynez wineries but the Staecoach tour sounds like it would be so worthwhile.
I think your remaining “mommies” need to plan a trip to visit the 2 ladies leaving the area…Hawaii could be a splurge but so relaxing and fun. 😉
Karen
it looks so much fun!
Gorgeous pics and ladies!
What a wonderful group of friends. I have moved so much that I have dear friends scattered all over and I thank goodness for Facebook and blogging. I'm so sorry two of them are moving away but I can attest your bonds will continue to grow (maybe a little differently) but the support network will always be there. Lovely photos of the wine country…I'm amazed at the wonderful wine country areas of the U.S. We are so fortunate.
Wonderful photos and looks like a fun girls trip! I adore the Santa Barbara area and the wineries are fantastic!
what a fabulous getaway! sounds like you'll have some pretty nifty places to visit your friends when they move!
smiles to you, gorgeous blogger.
michele
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Wow, sorry about that anon comment. Very tasteless…
I love staying home with my kids and taking care of my family. It's a full time 24/7 job but one I chose! That being said, it's imperative that I spend some time alone recharging my batteries and practicing “adult conversation” skills with my girlfriends. We ALL need a support system in our lives whether we are moms, single, working or not “working.” Friends are vital to human existence and I'm glad you (Marina) have some good ones to lean on. Cheers to a fabulous weekend!
PS- My mommy friends and I went to Charleston last year and are planning a Nashville trip this year. Hoping my schedule allows me to go but doubtful since it's my oldest's first year of kindergarten and husband is now traveling a ton!!!
Dear “Anonymous”
If this blog makes you sick then I fail to see a reason for you to read it and take the time to comment on it.
As far as your inference that Marina makes “other women feel so little” – I take offense. I am a devoted follower of this blog and not only do I not feel belittled by it, I am inspired by it.
You clearly have some manners/etiquette to learn. Maybe that should be the focus of your internet efforts instead of spewing hate behind an anonymous tagline.
Nicholle Montalvo
Now back to my original goal, which was to say that you ladies look stunning! The other day as I was doing dishes, laundry and random household un-fun things, it occurred to me that you have a thousand times the strength I could ever hope for. You somehow manage to keep your house in tact while chasing kids around 24/7, you get them to eat healthy foods, you write a ridiculously beautiful blog AND authored a cookbook while doing all of the above – and somehow manage to stay radiant to top it all off. How do you do it?! 🙂 All of you SAHM's are deserving of far more than one mommy's day out. Cheers!
Thanks Nicholle 🙂 But really my house is a total mess because I don't have nannies and housekeepers, etc. which apparently is somehow bad… Don't get it!
Thanks for your positivity! xo
Good for you for staying home with your babies! I'm not a mother (darn it), but if I'm ever blessed to be one, I'll be doing everything I can to be a stay-at-home mom! I realize it isn't for everyone, but it's my idea of the ultimate career. Even if I never get to go to the bathroom alone again:)
Dear “Anonymous”,
How dare you leave such a hurtful and IGNORANT comment. You need to take a step back and learn some manners. Not sure why you are full of such hate toward Marina. She is a hard working SAHM which can be a thankless job, but yet so rewarding.
Get over your insecurities!
Sincerely,
Another SAHM
Marina, I enjoy your blog so much! There's no need to defend your life and your personal choices to anyone. Like many others, I am inspired by your blog… the beautiful photos, the healthful recipes and your positive outlook:) Don't you change a thing! XO, Sue
Marina, I'm so sorry that an unhappy person tried to spoil your joy. Don't let these hateful comments affect anything that you do – your blog is wonderful, I admire all that you are able to accomplish, you inspire us, you share wonderful stories, recipes, projects, incredible photos, and I look forward to each new post! I hope it helps to see all the positive support you have received as a result of one “sour-puss” – ignore that individual because what was said is just garbage.
Can't wait to see your next post! Three cheers for Marina!!!!
XO!! – Chrys Chaparro
I have SO been where you are right now. Even though my boys are older I still crave that girl time away, even if it's just meeting for coffee and gabbing for an hour now and then. It's extremely important to give yourself that time and come back to your family refreshed and recharged. Wineries make us better Moms 🙂 I have 4 boys and our business is male oriented so I'm constantly surrounded by men which makes my girl time even more precious to me. I loved reading this post. Gorgeous pictures!
Gorgeous pictures, so important to get away with friends and take a step back. We have temecula but I can't wait to have a little getaway to SB with the hubs!!! Hang in there, lots of love!
XO
Kristin
Gorgeous photos. Sounds like
Paradise
Marina, I loved this post. I wish I could have made this trip. But not to worry I am sure you and I will be wine tasting TOGETHER! in both France and Italy someday. Love you!
This looks gorgeous! We should switch for a bit, you can come to Healdsburg / Sonoma Wine Country and I'll come to Santa Barbara 🙂
We've been trying to plan a weekend trip to SB for wine tasting and Bacara sometime this summer. I'm bookmarking this now for wineries 🙂 Any other must see places? Thanks!
Loved our trip to much! I saw that Stage Coach made a post about your post too on FB! xoxo
Two of my absolute favorite things:
1.) Drinking wine
2.) Touring a winery.
Lol! Great post.
Thanks! Two of my favorites too 😉