Uncorked! My 3 favorite tasting rooms in downtown Santa Barbara

Living in Santa Barbara has so many benefits – from the beautiful ocean views, to the array of amazing restaurants and wineries, this city has something for everyone. After being here for a few years, I have done my fair share of wine tasting and have narrowed down my three favorite tasting rooms in the area to share with you.

In the Santa Barbara County, there are many options for wine tasting. You can get the vineyard experience in Santa Ynez, or the Urban Wine Trail which stretches to the beach. The Urban Wine Trail consists of more than 29 tasting rooms, with some offering live music and tours.

Kunin

I have been a fan of Kunin wine for years now, and after visiting their tasting room, my love has only grown stronger. Every time I have visited them in the Funk Zone, my experience has been exceptional – from friendly, knowledgeable staff to phenomenal wines, Kunin is not to be missed. The wines that stood out to me the most during my most recent trip to their tasting room was the Blonde, and Chenin Blanc, which is their unfiltered, un-fined, sulfite free wine which reminded me of Kombucha more than anything. If you’re a fan of Syrah, be sure to give it a try, or better yet, just invest in a few bottles. This flavorful red, left a lasting impression and is not to be missed!

Pali

I was lucky enough to visit Pali’s tasting room during National Rose Day, where they offered Rose flights (the only tasting room in the area to offer this)! Being a lover of Rose, I have to say; Pali has one of the best Rose wines I’ve tasted. Their Santa Barbara tasting room is located conveniently in the middle of all the action in the Funk Zone, with a beautiful patio to relax and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine and good conversation with friends. Be sure to visit Pali on a Friday night where they offer live music!

Carr

Upon walking into Carr’s tasting room, you are greeted by the beautiful display of barrels which couples as their production facility – making the experience of wine tasting authentic and intimate. Becca, one of the associates gave us a tour of the facility and a background on Carr wineries. Every wine that was presented to us came with an in-depth description of the background and process that went behind the creation of the wine. Of all of the tasting rooms I have visited in the area, Carr is the most unique, making you feel extremely immersed in the wine tasting experience.

Being a lover of wine, I’m happy to have found my favorite local wineries. If you’re visiting Santa Barbara, be sure to check these three tasting rooms out and let me know what you think!

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