Ranch & Reata Roadhouse

Recommendations and reviews from 1 person

• Referral from July 14, 2014
  

  Lesley M. asked:

  Looking for a nice vacation rental property or non-extortionate hotel/resort in or near wine country (Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara, etc). Any ideas welcome!

  

  Sheryll A. replied:

  Santa Ynez Valley Inn Santa Ynez, California www.santaynezinn.com Why Stay at Santa Ynez Valley Inn This in-village B&B only looks like it is from the 1800 s, yet it is a luxurious wine country oasis with gourmet breakfasts. Hotel Overview Located in the heart of sleepy Santa Ynez, this Victorian-style inn is a true B&B with 20 large rooms, gourmet breakfasts in the morning (think lemon-ricotta pancakes), and a wine-and-cheese hour in the evenings. The inn was built in 2001 by proprietors Douglas and Christine Ziegler, who added six more rooms in 2008 along with flat screen TVs. The Old World charm of the rooms is heightened by plush fabric chairs, brass chandeliers, and heavy wood Victorian reproduction furniture with ornate scrollwork. Plus, each room has a balcony or a patio overlooking the inn’s flowering garden and tinkling fountain. Marble bathrooms are oversized and some come with whirlpool soaking tubs and steam showers with heated tiles. Although not managed by the hotel, The Vineyard Restaurant is on the property and offers room service to inn guests, including such contemporary American dishes as butternut squash ravioli and buttermilk-dipped fried chicken. Insider Tip The inn’s concierge is adept at arranging off-the-map private wine and barrel tastings that are generally not open to the public. These custom tours to such intimate wineries as Sogno del Fiore include complimentary tastings and a driver, if desired. Room to Book Room 212 has the same upscale amenities as the more expensive “premier” rooms (steam showers and sitting areas with fireplace) at the price of a deluxe king room. What to See and Do in Santa Ynez Valley Santa Ynez is a sleepy agricultural town about 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara where the perfect winemaking conditions make for a peaceful and recreational wine country getaway. Best Day Trip Stagecoach Co. Wine Tours allows oenophiles to hop from winery to winery without driving. A passenger van (or SUV or town car) picks up guests at the inn for trips to some of the valley’s best boutique wineries for tastings of everything from Pinots to Chardonnays. winetourssantaynez.com; starting at $129 for a five-hour tour including tasting fees and lunch. Where to Eat The new kid on the block in Santa Ynez is The Ranch and Reata Roadhouse. Just a three-minute walk from the inn, this contemporary “roadhouse” has Western-themed décor, live music and is even open late. Try the build-your-own steaks or grilled paninis on freshly-baked bread from nearby village bakery and coffeehouse Baker’s Table. 3569 Sagunto St.; 805-691-9663; ranchandreataroadhouse.com; dinner for two from $70. Where to Drink Tired of wine? Take a five-minute stroll to Dos Carlito’s to try out the agave nectar margarita. Available blended or on the rocks, this housemade margarita is best enjoyed on the Mexican restaurant’s patio with complimentary chips and salsa. 3544 Sagunto St.; 805-688-0033; doscarlitosrestaurant.com; drinks from $25. Best Shopping The town of Santa Ynez is full of charming boutiques and galleries, but don’t miss Tumbleweeds for an extensive collection of clothing, accessories, home furnishings, and wine-themed souvenirs. 3532 Sagunto St.; 805-688-0955; tumbleweedsclothing.com Why Go Now March 13-17, 2013 Taste of Solvang Weekend Stroll through downtown Solvang for a food and wine tastings. Or, walk with a local chef through the farmer’s market and then enjoy a cooking class. Special wine tours and dinners are also available. Downtown Solvang; solvangusa.com/explore-solvang/what-to-do/taste-of-solvang/ April 20, 2013 Vintner’s Festival Sponsored by Santa Barbara Vintners Association, this Vintner’s Festival attracts winemakers and wine lovers from all over the region. The festival includes food and wine tastings, live music, and even complimentary massages. Mission Santa Ines; 1760 Mission Drive; Solvang; sbcountywines.com/events/festival.html June 8, 2013 Old Santa Ynez Day Held right on Sagunto Street in downtown Santa Ynez, this family-friendly festival celebrates the town’s Old West past with food, arts, crafts, collectibles, live entertainment, and a parade. Downtown Santa Ynez; solvangusa.com/includes/events/?action=displayDetail&eventid=6008 June 8, 2013 Jazz and Olive Festival More than 25 Santa Ynez Valley wineries offer free tastings at this festival, which also includes olive-themed dishes created by local chefs and world-class jazz musicians. Seating is limited. Lavinia Campbell Park; Los Olivos; jazzandolivefestival.org

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