July 12th, 2023
3 Lower State Santa Barbara Wineries Worth the Visit
Lower State Santa Barbara, also known as the Funk Zone, is a vibrant neighborhood near downtown Santa Barbara that is home to several wineries, tasting rooms, and urban wine destinations. Santa Barbara as a whole has gained recognition and acclaim in recent years, with many wineries and winemakers receiving national and international accolades. To experience this exceptional wine ourselves, my friends and I planned a memorable wine tasting adventure near the captivating shores of Lower State Santa Barbara, just a few minutes from Downtown. With excitement and anticipation in the air having not seen each other in about a year, we set off to explore just a few of the 200+ wineries in Santa Barbara County, savoring the rich flavors that awaited us.
Our first destination was J. Wilkes, a renowned Santa Barbara winery known for its exceptional wines and inviting atmosphere. We were greeted by warm smiles from the staff, who guided us through their impressive selection. With a diverse range of varietals on offer, we carefully sampled each one, indulging our palates with the complex notes and aromas. Although it was gloomy, we sat outside unbothered by the lingering breeze. It was the perfect backdrop to immerse ourselves in the world of wine and catch up on the events of the past year.
To enhance our tasting experience at J. Wilkes, we decided to order a charcuterie board. The assortment of fine cheeses, cured meats, and accompanying condiments complemented the wines perfectly, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors in our mouths.
After we left J. Wilkes, our next stop was Santa Barbara Fish House, a local gem highly recommended for its delectable seafood. The inviting ambiance and the aroma of freshly prepared dishes greeted us as we stepped inside. We eagerly ordered a variety of seafood delicacies to satiate our appetites. From fresh oysters to buttery lobster rolls, every bite was a testament to the coastal bounty of Santa Barbara. We paired our meals with crisp, chilled white wines, allowing the flavors to intertwine and heighten our culinary journey.
As the day progressed, we made our way to our final destination, Skyenna, a picturesque winery known for its stunning views and exceptional red wines. Since we all wanted to try the same wine, we opted to get a bottle. We ordered a bottle of Malbec, sat on the deck, and clinked our glasses in a toast to enduring friendship and cherished memories. The bold flavors of the wine were rich and velvety, while the panoramic vista of the Santa Barbara landscape provided a breathtaking backdrop for our reunion.
As the afternoon drew to a close, we were grateful for the opportunity to reconnect and explore the world of wine together. Despite experiencing only a small portion of what the entire county let alone city has to offer – State Street in Santa Barbara had proven to be an enchanting destination for wine enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of wineries, delectable cuisine, and picturesque settings that transported us to a state of blissful contentment.
Visit SantaBarbara.com to start planning your unique Santa Barbara wine tour or explore other regions by creating a free account and building your personalized wine tour itinerary. Upon creating an account you will receive an exclusive Food and Wine Pairing Guide in your inbox to help you get started on your journey with wine tasting. If you’re interested in learning how you too can sample similar food and wine pairings like we did on our trip to Santa Barbara, Book Your Virtual Wine Tasting with us and select the “Create Your Own” option under experiences.
Shaunna and Shayla are the two sisters behind Wine Spencer. A contemporary wine brand that exists to inspire people to decant and appreciate the taste of wine. The two fell in love with wine early and chose to pursue WSET Level 2 sommelier certifications. Both were eager to share their passion with the world, so they joined forces, naming their new venture in the tradition of their father, grandfather, and great grandfather’s name ‘Spencer.’ It is a name that denotes stewardship, guidance, protection, and cherishing. Both sisters have a strong desire to redefine what wine means and give it a modern significance. Their focus is providing the wine novice and the oenophile an opportunity to create bespoke wine experiences.