Scenic picnic spots

I have a trip planned for the end of this Sept to SB. I wanted to surprise my gf with a drive up to a local winery to pick up a bottle or two and then have a nice picnic somewhere along the way back to town. I%26#39;m looking more for a place where the scenery is picturesque and romantic. If all goes well, she%26#39;ll be my fiance instead.

Are the drives to the wineries far? Maybe something within 30 min.

Any suggestions are much appreciated!! Thanks!!

Scenic picnic spots

Santa Ynez Valley is the opposite way from LA (up Highway 101) but would be best to enjoy a local winery or two.

It is about 30 miles...to Santa Ynez Wineries.

You might like to to go Sunstone to select that bottle....

http://www.sunstonewinery.com/

santabarbara.com/winecountry/…default.asp

They have a nice view of mountains, valley and river gorge. The picnic spots are perfect for taking in the intimate canyon ambiance.

If you%26#39;re thinking more personal setting, a beach area and walk along the beach might be more romantic....

Good luck!

Scenic picnic spots

Thanks for the info Mini!! I%26#39;ll definitely look into Sunstone. Is there also a restaurant on site (in case I may have to cancel the original plans)?

Go to Sunstone, 25 min North of SB. It%26#39;s great, we go every month or two. It%26#39;s a Tuscan style place, beautiful. Pack a picnic! There are a few really cute markets on the way, get some bread, cheese ect...or, there is the Ballard Inn which is a Restaurant in the area of the winery, 10 min away....The inside of the winery is BEAUTIFUL, tell them what you want to do and do it right there in the middle of the winery where everyone is tasteing! I%26#39;ve seen it twice and everyone cheered and clapped and it was a great moment! Good Luck!! Congratulations!

I third the suggestion of Sunstone, my favorite place. For more of a beautiful setting (but wine quality is much less), go to Fess Parker winery... the grounds are gorgeous, and so is the winery itself, but its famous for its portrayal in the movie Sideways where Miles, the main character, drinks all the spit-wine out of the jug.

Sunstone is smaller, but really nice area... The vineyard should be very green at that time, I suggest calling the winery first and ask them if you can take a walk through the grapes and maybe they can arrange to have a blanket and cheese/crackers waiting for you among the groves.

If you%26#39;d rather be back in the city, have your picnic and then go to the County Courthouse before 4:45 (when it closes) and go up to the tower where you can look out over the whole city, gorgeous spot. The courthouse grounds and sunken garden are a beautiful spot to picnic in their own right.

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