Santa Maria Valley is Your Ideal Getaway … All the fun of central coast travel, without the price tag

In need of indulging in a weekender or quick getaway? The Santa Maria Valley is approximately three hours away by car from Santa Clarita, making it an ideal home base for your next jaunt to the central California coast.

Wine By Day, Barbecue By Night

The Santa Maria Valley is one of six federally recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Santa Barbara County. Less pretentious and more inviting than other known regions, the Santa Maria Valley is known for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah due to the rare east-west transverse geography and cool climate. The Travel Channel recently named the area The New Top 10 Cities for Wine Snobs.
Here, wineries treat you like family. Visitors can discover longtime favorites such as Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery, a serene 78-acre estate on the northern edge of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. Founded in 1988 by the Beko family, it is a winery embedded in the philosophy of aged wines. A must-see is Cottonwood’s wine caves, burrowed beneath its hillside.
Ca’ Del Grevino Café & Wine Bar in Orcutt offers farm-fresh offerings in an inviting environment. Ca’ Del Grevino, meaning “House of Grewal Family Wines,” produces fine wines steeped in Italian tradition with a distinctive California style. The Estate & Vineyard, located just off the 101 east of Orcutt, is a magical venue, hosting concert series and wine tasting.
Nagy Wines, also in Orcutt, is the heart of Clarissa Nagy’s vision. Clarissa’s sensory background has served her well in the wine industry, and her love of small lot wine production flourished while working in the Valley. Nagy produces handcrafted wines that exhibit the flavor profile of the region.
A perfect complement to Santa Maria Valley wines is the 150-year-old tradition of Santa Maria-style barbecue, which centers around beef tri-tip or top sirloin combined with a simple seasoning, grilled over native red-oak wood. Traditional accompaniments include pinquito beans, fresh salsa, tossed green salad and grilled French bread dipped in melted butter.

Far Western Tavern is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria-style barbecue. Its menu blends this local barbecue style with other dishes that reflect the Minetti family’s heritage in the Santa Maria Valley’s Swiss-Italian ranching community.
Shaw’s Steakhouse is one of Santa Maria’s best steakhouses, where the service is friendly and the food unforgettable. Offering everything from traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue to filet and scampi, it is a true gem in the area.

Enjoy Your Stay, Without Breaking the Bank

There are lots of places to stay in the Santa Maria Valley and the surrounding area. Typically, hotel rates are more affordable than some of the more known tourist-destination spots. Sights and areas of interest are all within a relatively short drive’s distance.
The Radisson Santa Maria is adjacent to the Santa Maria Public Airport. This pet-friendly hotel offers convenient access to many activities and attractions. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi to stay in touch with home or the office.
If you haven’t been to Santa Maria Valley in awhile, consider it your next destination. Eat, drink and do more here – that’s the Santa Maria Valley way. 

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