Santa Barbara · Santa Ynez Valley AVA

Buellton

Santa Ynez Valley's Highway 101 Wine Country Gateway

Buellton is the practical gateway to Santa Barbara wine country — positioned at the Highway 101/246 junction. Famous for Firestone Walker Brewing and Pea Soup Andersen's, it's becoming a destination in its own right.

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Wineries
Nearby
🍇
Best For
Wine & dining
💰
Tasting Fees
$15–$50
Vibe
Wine country charm
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🤓 Did You Know?
Wine has been produced commercially in the United States since the 1830s — California alone now has over 140 designated American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), more than any other state.

Wineries to Visit

Alma Rosa Winery
Not Yet Reviewed
Alma Rosa Winery
📍 Buellton
Sanford Winery
Not Yet Reviewed
Sanford Winery
📍 Buellton
Melville Winery
Not Yet Reviewed
Melville Winery
📍 Buellton
Not Yet Reviewed
Flying Goat Cellars
📍 Buellton
Ampelos Cellars
Not Yet Reviewed
Ampelos Cellars
📍 Buellton

Where to Eat

Industrial Eats$$

Most exciting casual restaurant in Santa Barbara wine country — flatbreads, charcuterie, and stellar wine list.

Firestone Walker Brewing Taproom$$

World-class craft brewery with food — try the Parabola.

Pea Soup Andersen's$

California road trip institution since 1924 — split pea soup in enormous portions.

Les Marchands Wine Bar$$

Wine-focused bistro with natural wine emphasis and outstanding small plates.

Things to Do

  • ✓ Firestone Walker Brewing taproom tour and tasting
  • ✓ Pea Soup Andersen's for retro California road trip experience
  • ✓ Sta. Rita Hills wine road drive (20 min west)
  • ✓ Industrial Eats for dinner
  • ✓ Los Olivos for afternoon tasting room walk (15 min north)
  • ✓ Hans Christian Andersen Park in Solvang (10 min)
🍷 WinoNotion Insider Tip
Buellton is the ideal base for exploring the Sta. Rita Hills AVA — the coolest sub-appellation in Santa Barbara County. Sanford, Melville, Alma Rosa, and Brewer-Clifton are all within 20 minutes.
Known For

Firestone Walker Brewing, Pea Soup Andersen's, Sta. Rita Hills gateway, Industrial Eats

Drive Times
Solvang
10min
Los Olivos
15min
Santa Barbara
45min
Los Angeles
2h 30min
Where to Stay
Sheraton BuelltonMid-range

Most comfortable full-service hotel in Buellton — pool, good breakfast.

Holiday Inn Express BuelltonMid-range

Clean, reliable, good value — closest chain hotel to the Santa Ynez Valley.

Sideways InnBoutique

Small motel with Sideways film theme — fun concept and great wine country access.

← Santa Barbara Wine Country