Los Olivos Travel Guide
A weekend getaway
One of my happy places is building pretty, branded itineraries for our family trips, complete with printed cards and the occasional swag bag. Friends ask me for these itineraries so often that part of the reason I launched this Substack was so I could have a place to share these in a thoughtful way. Consider each guide a sneak peek into my personal planning process: the under-the-radar finds, double-checked logistics, and 100 % Rachelle-approved spots. I’m famously picky, so if it makes the list, it’s wearing my stamp of approval. First up: a quick weekend escape to Los Olivos and the Santa Ynez Valley with the girls (plus Walter, our Cavapoo).
Where We Stayed
Fess Parker Wine Country Inn : Boutique charmer right in the heart of town. Complimentary farm-style breakfast, but note: they are not super dog friendly.
The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern (Auberge Resorts)Sprawling lawns, cornhole, gorgeous pool, and service so polished we ate on-site two nights in a row. Steps from the heart of town, perfect for wine tasting sans car.
Sip: Organic & Biodynamic Favorites
Larner – Family-run Ballard Canyon vineyard; Rhône-style reds poured in an intimate tasting room just off Grand Ave.
Coquelicot Estate – Certified-organic fruit turned into low-sulfur, additive-free wines; backyard garden vibe with picnic tables.
Stolpman Vineyards – Now both CCOF Organic and Demeter Biodynamic; don’t miss La Cuadrilla, profits support their vineyard crew.
Strange Family Vineyards – New tasting room pouring small-lot Sta. Rita Hills Pinot & Chardonnay from organically farmed vines.
All four are an easy walk from either hotel and each of these hotels offer complimentary tastings at some of these so be sure to inquire when you check in.
Do
Custom Olive-Oil Infusing Workshop – Offered free for Mattei’s guests; clip fresh herbs, spice your own bottle, let it steep three weeks, then host a taste-off at home.
Pool Time – Loungers are toasty year-round at both properties.
Solvang Detour – Embrace the Danish kitsch. Grab organic coffee + chia-jam toast at Good Seed Coffee Boutique, craft with the kids at Craft & Create, and share a plate of warm powdered-sugar Æbleskiver before you leave.
Santa Ynez General – Chic mercantile across from The Victor: linen dresses, ceramics, and giftables worth the browse.
Main-Street Shopping in Los Olivos – Post-tasting strolls are the perfect way to spend your afternoon discovering the cutest boutiques for home, fashion, and gifts.
Eat & Drink
The Victor (Santa Ynez)Patio-perfect if you’re traveling with dogs. Order the legendary Bucket of Bacon, thick-cut, whiskey-pepper magic.
Nella Kitchen & Bar (at Fess Parker)Reserve ahead; the wood-fired spaccatelli pasta is beyond. Great lunch option too.
The Tavern (Mattei’s)Wood-fire, farm-driven menu ideal for lingering dinners. We LOVED this place, even ate here 2 nights in a row!!
The Bar Dark and moody bar off The Tavern; house-crafted cocktails and a grown-up vibe.
Felix Feed & Coffee (Mattei’s) Casual spot for pastries, breakfast burritos, and excellent lattés to-go.
Good Seed Coffee Boutique (Solvang) Organic espresso plus avocado toast and sourdough with chia jam + nut butter.
Parting Tips
Los Olivos is wonderfully walkable, wine all afternoon, stroll to dinner and saunter back to your room at one of the hotels in town.
If you are staying at Mattei’s be sure to check the weekly calendar of events and don’t forget to ask for your complimentary s’mores kits. You can make those right outside your room in your own personal fire pit!
Another pro-tip for Mattei’s, if you need a place to Tam (Tracy Anderson) or just do your workout, there is a stunning gym and a beautiful yoga studio, that no one was using when we were there so I had the entire beautiful space to myself!
To get in the mood have an adult night, sip on something red (NOT Merlot LOL) and watch Sideways which takes place in this area. It’s fun to spot some of the same places you see in the movie!
Drop your own Santa Ynez gems in the comments, I’d love to add them to my next trip out there. Let me know if you try any of these spots!
haha well I might need to go back there, and NOT stay where we stayed so I can give a true Rache approved guide ;) Stay tuned
Enjoyed this edition! Anxiously waiting for the Turks and Caicos spread! 😍