Frequently-Asked Questions
The wineries in Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association welcome you any day or time of year. Most are open daily, but check each individual winery's page for information on holiday closures. The Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association also sponsors annual events, including passport events, that feature all member wineries.
How does the Summer Pass work?
The Summer Pass allows you to take a self-guided tour of our Association wineries located throughout the Santa Ynez Valley. Your pass is valid for one wine tasting flight at each of our 14 tasting rooms. You choose which days you’d like to taste, anytime between May 1 and August 31, 2013. There are no blackout dates, and reservations are not required.
For example, you may wish to visit 3 wineries on May 10, return on June 18 and enjoy two more tastings. Perhaps you’ll treat yourself to a summer weekend at the end of July and visit a couple of tasting rooms each day. You get the idea, taste whenever you’d like! Your pass will expire when all 14 tastings have been used, or on August 31, 2013 — whichever occurs first.
Can the Summer Pass be used on any day this summer?
Yes. Most of our Tasting Rooms are open 7 days a week, but a few have more restricted hours. Additionally, holiday hours and closures on July 4th will vary among the wineries. Please check the hours of operation for each member's tasting room, listed on our website. Operating hours are also listed on your Summer Pass.
Are the Summer Passes replaceable should I lose mine?
Unfortunately, we can not replace any lost Summer Passes. Please keep them in a safe place.
Can children attend the passport or picnic events?
Children are not allowed at our events. These events are for those 21 years of age or older.
I'd like to give a Summer Pass as a gift. Can you include a gift card and send it to a different address?
Yes. When you check out through PayPal, you'll find a place to send us a note. Include your gift message and the recipients address.
Do you have other passport events?
Yes! This year, we will also offer a Winter Pass that is valid October 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014. The Winter Pass will be available for sale beginning September 1, 2013 on our website.
In February, we will hold our annual Wine Fantasy in February event over the four-day Valentine’s weekend. During this Passport event, many of the winemakers are present to talk about their wines and many will be pouring their reserve and estate wines. A logo glass is included and on Saturday, food is served in all of the tasting rooms. It is a lively, fun filled event that will sell out. Tickets will be on sale beginning December 1, 2013, here on our website.
Can you recommend a limo or taxi service for the passport events?
We can suggest a few services. Click here for recommendations.Additionally, there is bus service in the valley that services Los Olivos, Solvang, Santa Ynez and Buellton.
What about food?
Food is not provided at the wineries, although some do offer snacks or sweets for sale. We strongly recommend you make plans to enjoy lunch at one of our valley restaurants, or bring or purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the wineries. Check out our Association map for wineries with picnic facilities.
When visiting the tasting rooms, can I bring my dogs?
Wineries with picnic areas may allow you to bring a well-behaved dog, but please check with each winery for their individual policy. Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
What's the weather like?
The weather here in the Santa Ynez Valley is seasonal. Winter and Spring may bring rainy days, but generally we have sunny skies most of the year. Summer and Autumn tend to have warm days, and we always enjoy a large drop in temperature from day to night. It's one of the traits that make our grapes grow so well here. Dress in layers so that you can enjoy the variations in temperature from the eastern to western parts of our valley and from warm days to cool nights. In other words, bring sunscreen and a sweater or jacket! Click here for the weather forecast.