Cheers to Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail.
It’s no secret that Santa Barbara positively brims with food, wine and wonderful. Spending time here is all about grazing at farmers’ markets filled with farm-fresh local veggies and artisanal foods, trying out menus at inviting cafes, and of course exploring the American Riviera’s golden stretches of broad, sandy beaches. Then there’s the wine. Ever since the movie Sideways, people have been bending over backward to get to Santa Barbara wine country. But really, there’s no need to overachieve (or tweak your back) when some of the region’s best winemakers come to you right in the heart of the city. It all happens along Santa Barbara’s Urban Wine Trail, a wine-tinted wonderland of young, innovative winemakers doing some exciting things with the fruit of the vine.
Located in a boho-chic district of former warehouses now filled with galleries, boutiques and surf shops called the Funk Zone, the Urban Wine Trail is a collection of more than 20 local winemakers’ tasting rooms like Au Bon Climat, Municipal Winemakers and Kunin Wines. Think of them as the indie bands of the Central Coast wine scene — smaller makers with big ideas creating great wine from multiple varietals and in all manner of styles. Whether it’s Old World Rhones, single vineyard clones, or cool-climate varietals, you’ll no doubt find a fave to taste, fall in love with, and take home so you can share with your friends.
Looking for the Funk Zone? It’s just a short bike ride away.
The ultimate pairing for this only-in-Santa-Barbara experience is the Urban Wine Trail package offered by the Canary Hotel. Our Spanish Colonial gem of a boutique hotel is located just steps from Santa Barbara’s living room, otherwise known as State Street. A relaxed classic accented with hand-painted tiles, elegant wrought iron, and postcard-perfect views from the pool deck, this is where you want to be to soak up Santa Barbara. And when it comes to enjoying the city’s Urban Wine Trail, our package offers all the elements for the ultimate Santa Barbara stay.
It starts with deluxe accommodations for two and includes a bottle of Santa Barbara wine along with a cheese plate on arrival. There’s also our signature PUBLIC Bicycles, free for the using, which will come in handy seeing as the Funk Zone is just a quick pedal away. The package also includes wine tasting at a local tasting room, a wine tasting map and recommendations, and valet parking for your car. You’ll also enjoy all of the Canary’s other great guest perks including morning coffee and tea service, hosted evening wine hour, and free access to the Spectrum Fitness facility. It’s all designed so you can sip and savor the very best of Santa Barbara.
— Eric Hiss
