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El Encanto, A Belmond Hotel, Santa Barbara
800 Alvarado Place
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
United States
Santa Barbara's Wine Region
El Encanto is the closest luxury hotel in Santa Barbara the beautiful Santa Ynez vineyards. Santa Barbara County is home to 280+ wineries, 70+ different grape varieties and 7 officially recognized American Viticultural Areas or AVAs. Therefore there certainly is a glass or two to please everyone's unique taste buds. Our concierge team can ensure you truly get the best experience of this exceptional world class wine region.
The following are vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley, which begins 45 minutes away from the hotel, and provides exceptional wines with world class scenery.
Our concierge team can assist in securing VIP experiences at any of the below vineyards and MANY MORE!
Hilt & Jonata Winery is located just miles from the Pacific Ocean near the historic intersection of Highway 1 and Santa Rosa Road, The Barn at The Hilt Estate is ideally situated as the starting or ending point for a Santa Barbara wine trip.
With wines from two renowned estates—JONATA and The Hilt—The Barn at The Hilt Estate offers one of the most diverse lineups of wine in Santa Barbara County. From our highly acclaimed pinot noirs and chardonnays from The Hilt to Bordeaux varietals such as cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and Rhône varietals such as syrah from our sister winery JONATA, there is something for every palate.
My personal favorite is Pence Winery due to the exceptional location, service and excellent wines whether you love a quality pinot or chardonnay. Any visitor to Pence Vineyards and Winery will come away with an unparalleled tasting experience led by our Certified Sommeliers and very knowledgeable hospitality team. A stroll around the property will remind you of the timelessness of old California and the sheer beauty of why this region has attracted travelers for centuries. Brave & Maiden is a private contemporary style winery in the Santa Ynez region. Their wine is curated by renowned wine-maker, Paul Hobbs. This vineyard produces a most critically acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon ( The 2019 Bequest ). It is a winery that I specifically enjoy because they allow you to really walk amongst the vines, taste the grapes directly from those vines if it's the right season and truly experience behind the scenes. Their knowledge that they share from the moment you arrive and are handed your first tasting is exceptional. The story of how their name came about is one worth learning about and the book they sell called Vines and Vision makes for an exceptional coffee table book to take back home or to gift a loved one.
Sanford Winery in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills is home to the majestic Tasting Room which boasts breathtaking views of our estate vineyards and offers a warm, rustic atmosphere. Venture out of the winery and into the vineyards on the Sanford Winery All-Terrain Vineyard (ATV) Experience & Tasting. Operated by a fun wine educator, up to 4 guests will traverse some of our most picturesque and coveted estate vineyard blocks in a Polaris ATV. Sample Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the very vineyards in which they are grown as you soak in amazing views of the Sta. Rita Hills. Adventure, education, and delicious estate grown wines await! Strange Family Vineyards is a stunning, private estate which is family owned and operated. "We firmly believe in the potential for love and devotion to restore all things, that no challenge is insurmountable, and so we worked to turn this once abandoned vineyard into a source of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. Armed with passion, resilience, and the desire to become more immersed in nature, we dedicated ourselves to honoring the land with the highest quality farming."
Old Mission Santa Barbara
The Mission is one of Santa Barbara's top attraction and just a two minute drive from El Encanto
The historic Old Mission Santa Barbara is a highly regarded attraction for this area. Founded in 1786, the mission’s magnificent architecture makes quite a statement and the collections of colonial-era art, sculptures, artifacts and gardens are worthy of your time.
Nicknamed "The Queen" for it's rosey coloring, it is the largest mission of them all. Just a short two minute drive, 10 minute e-bike, or short walk away from El Encanto!
Shopping in Santa Barbara
Just a stone's throw from upper state street- a walking street overflowing with shopping and restaurants- El Encanto is ideally situated next to arguably the best part of the street
Enjoy the shopping and culinary scene of the cherished walking street in downtown Santa Barbara called State Street. El Encanto is ideally situated with the closest proximity to restaurant gems such as Bouchon, Jane, and the Public Market as well as renowned shopping.
Sailing with Captain Pascal on Star Jasmine
Enjoy an exceptional outing on the Pacific Ocean aboard the Star Jasmine with Captain Pascal.
See the stunning American Riviera from the sea aboard the beautiful 31' Star Jasmine. Available for sunset cruises and whale watching.
Guided sailing tours are an excellent choice for a romantic date or a fun sightseeing activity for families and friends. (Ideally accommodates up to 4 adults)