You've read all about our little escape to Los Olivos. Now we're sharing an itinerary inspired by our trip, along with a few tips and favorite stops to help you plan a beautiful day in California wine country.
11:00 AM | Pick Up Lunch at Panino
Start your day in the charming town of Los Olivos with a stop at Panino on Grand Avenue.
Their sandwiches and salads are perfect for taking along on a winery picnic. We recommend ordering ahead so everything is ready when you arrive, especially if you're visiting with a group.
A little tip: Mario and I love the #4, roast beef with horseradish cheddar on focaccia. It's one of our favorites!
11:30 AM | A Winery Picnic at Buttonwood Farm
Just a short drive from downtown Los Olivos, Buttonwood Farm Winery is a beautiful place to enjoy a leisurely picnic.
We love the peaceful setting, surrounded by vineyards and the charm of a working farm. Settle in with your picnic lunch, enjoy a glass of wine, and take in the beautiful countryside.
During our team visit, Kate made us feel so welcome, which made the experience even more special.
A little tip: Make a reservation ahead of time. You can enjoy a wine tasting or purchase a bottle or two to enjoy with your picnic. Some weekends, they also have food available.
We highly recommend their Rosé. If you prefer white wine, try the Musqué Sauvignon Blanc, and for red wine lovers, the Trevin is a wonderful choice. We love all three!
1:30 PM | Olive Oil Tasting & A Stroll Through Los Olivos
Head back into downtown Los Olivos for a visit to Olive Hill Farm, one of our favorite stops and a place especially close to The Seasoned Table.
This family-owned business produces beautiful California olive oils and offers a wonderful selection of balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy.
Take your time tasting the different varieties. It's a lovely opportunity to discover new flavors, learn how to pair them, and bring a little something delicious home.
Many of the olive oils and balsamics you'll discover here are also favorites on our shelves at The Seasoned Table.
A little tip: Don't be afraid to ask questions about the different oils and vinegars. Learning how to use them is part of the fun.
After your tasting, take a little time to wander through downtown Los Olivos. You'll find charming boutiques, tasting rooms, specialty shops, and plenty of pretty corners to explore.
It's a lovely little town to enjoy without much of a plan. Just see what catches your eye before heading to your next stop
3:00 PM | Wine Tasting at Sunstone Winery
From Los Olivos, make your way to Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez.
With its beautiful stone buildings, courtyards, and surrounding vineyards, Sunstone feels like a little piece of the French countryside.
Our team enjoyed a wonderful tasting inside the wine cave, which was one of the highlights of our day.
During your tasting, take a little time to explore the grounds and enjoy the scenery.
A little tip: Reservations are recommended. If you're interested in a cave tasting, ask about availability when booking.
And if you're wondering what to try, their flagship wine, Eros, is a beautiful blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. It's one we highly recommend.
But we also have a soft spot for their Merlot. Mario and I first tried it years ago, and it's what made us fall in love with Sunstone's wines.
5:30 PM | Dinner at Leonardo's
Finish your day with dinner at Leonardo's Ristorante in nearby Solvang.
After an afternoon of exploring wine country, it's such a cozy place to settle in for a wonderful Italian meal.
A little tip: Make reservations, even during the week, because this little restaurant gets busy. And keep in mind that they're closed on Sundays.
Mario and I love ordering the Caesar salad, Pizza Salsiccia, and Spaghetti Polpette. It's such a comforting meal and the perfect way to end a day in wine country.
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
This itinerary is meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. The suggested times are simply a guide, so feel free to linger a little longer at your favorite stops.
We recommend checking opening and last pour hours, winery reservations, and tasting availability before your visit. Plan for a designated driver or transportation service if you'll be enjoying wine tastings.
And most importantly, leave a little room for the unexpected. Sometimes those turn out to be the loveliest parts of the day.
We hope this little guide inspires you to plan your own escape to California wine country.
With love,
Jenn
The Seasons Collective