A picnic at a winery is one of the great pleasures of wine country — wine on the lawn, food from the local deli, a view of vineyard rows stretching to the hills. Santa Barbara has several wineries that actively welcome picnickers.
Best Picnic Wineries in Santa Barbara
- Foxen Vineyard — welcomes picnics with beautiful outdoor spaces
- Melville Winery — welcomes picnics with beautiful outdoor spaces
- Sanford Winery — welcomes picnics with beautiful outdoor spaces
Picnic Etiquette at Wineries
- Always buy wine from the winery — bringing outside wine is generally not permitted
- Call ahead to confirm picnic policies — some wineries restrict outside food
- Clean up thoroughly — leave the space as you found it
- Avoid busy holiday weekends when outdoor spaces fill up quickly
What to Pack
- A proper wine opener (some wineries don't provide one)
- Glasses if you want better than the plastic the winery provides
- A blanket or folding chairs
- Foods that travel well: cured meats, cheese, bread, fruit, olives
- Sunscreen for warm-weather visits
Where to Source Your Picnic
Many wine country towns have excellent delis and markets that cater specifically to winery picnickers. Arrive early for the best selection, and ask the market staff what they'd recommend — they know their clientele.
Winery Profiles — Santa Barbara
Brewer-Clifton
Sta. Rita Hills
Benchmark Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir — cult producers in the Wine Ghetto
Melville Winery
Sta. Rita Hills
Estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from one of Sta. Rita Hills' most beautiful properties
Au Bon Climat
Santa Maria Valley
Pioneer of Santa Barbara Burgundian-style wines — Jim Clendenen's legendary cellar
Sanford Winery & Vineyards
Sta. Rita Hills
Historic pioneer of the Sta. Rita Hills — estate Pinot Noir
Foxen Vineyard & Winery
Santa Maria Valley
The rustic schoolhouse winery beloved by serious Pinot and Chardonnay collectors
Beckmen Vineyards
Ballard Canyon
Biodynamic Purisima Mountain estate — outstanding Rhône varieties
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to plan a Santa Barbara wine country visit?
Start by identifying the tasting rooms that interest you most in Santa Barbara Wine Country, then check their reservation requirements — many premium producers require booking in advance. Plan 2-3 winery visits per day to allow time for each experience without rushing. Arrange transportation in advance if you'll be tasting multiple wines; designated driver services and wine country shuttles are widely available.
When is the best time to visit Santa Barbara Wine Country?
Santa Barbara wine country is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring brings wildflowers and new wine releases. Summer means outdoor tasting and long evenings on vineyard patios. Harvest season (September–October) is the most exciting, with crush activity and special winery events. Winter is the least crowded and often the best time for intimate, unhurried tasting room visits.
Do I need reservations for Santa Barbara Wine Country wine tasting?
Reservation requirements vary by producer in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Many smaller, artisan producers require advance booking — sometimes weeks ahead for the most popular estates. Larger, more established wineries often offer walk-in tasting, especially on weekdays. Always check the individual winery website before visiting, and book in advance for weekend visits to any producer you're particularly interested in.