Most know Santa Barbara for the beautiful views, this city on the central coast of California offers beaches, mountain backdrops, and of course, wine.
Here are a few wine bars you can’t miss on your next trip to Santa Barbara.
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The Best Wine Bars in Santa Barbara
Aperitivo
This bar and restaurant focuses on creating what can be called modern Italian magic.
The owners’ wanted a wine list that would dazzle, one that would hold wines not found in other parts of the city, with a total focus on Italian growers and vintners.
You may not see many classic options on the menu but what you will find are exceptional Italian wines by the glass or bottle.
When you’re feeling peckish after a glass or two, check out their food selections. The rotating seasonal menu continues Italian heritage with pasta, Crudo, and other favorites.
- Location: 7 W Haley St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Corks N’ Crowns Tasting and Wine Sales
Located in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara, this wine and beer tasting bar is the perfect stop.
Their patio is great for enjoying a bottle with friends or tasting one of their pre-built wine flights.
Their selections change monthly, which gives you new opportunities to expand your knowledge and palate.
Wine varieties often hone in on locally crafted selections from Washington, California, and Oregon.
But it’s not unlikely to find international selections as well. Be sure to check out their live music nights and cupcake pairings every Sunday.
- Location: 32 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Crush Bar + Tap
Looking for a new spot for a girls day or wine tasting with friends? You’ve found it. Crush Bar + Tap has options for everyone and a solid wine list.
They have happy hour every afternoon where you’ll find house reds, whites, and sangrias are all on discount.
Beyond their house list are classic varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, representing regions all around the world in by the glass or bottle options.
When a bite to eat is necessary, grab one of their charcuterie boards that cover sweet and savory. Crush is a treat in Santa Barbara, made to be enjoyed.
- Location: 1129 A State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Frequency Wine Co.
Family-owned and operated, this small local winery has been open since 2010.
Their tasting room, which is located in the Historic Presidio Neighborhood in Santa Barbara, allows you to try the best of what they have to offer.
A reservation isn’t required but recommended, and keep in mind weekends are for tastings only.
While their wine list isn’t as long as others in the area, they are all true to California and focus on highlighting the Santa Barbara county terroir. You won’t regret stopping in for a true local taste.
- Location: 804 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Intermezzo by Wine Cask
Created to be a welcoming environment to all, this is a vibrant yet casual hangout.
Set inside a 19th-century building, it’s brimming with historical accents and a lovely courtyard that calls you to sit and sip on a glass of wine.
Speaking of, their list highlights almost all domestic and local wines with great options, no matter your preference.
Dine on little bites like cheese and meat spreads. Or opt for their farm-to-table larger plates like delectable pizzas, a classic pairing, or burgers.
No matter what you decide on at Intermezzo, you won’t be disappointed.
- Location: 813 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Municipal Winemakers
Another great location in the Funk Zone of the city, Muni Santa Barbara (as they lovingly refer to this taproom), highlights local wines made by growers who respect the craft and produce naturally.
At the taproom, you’ll find a list that covers their newly released wines available by the glass, bottle, or in a flight of 4.
They have outdoor seating when it fills up inside, so you can enjoy the beautiful weather of this coastal city.
When you find a wine you love, you can order it online and have it shipped to your door. Doesn’t get much better than that.
- Location: 22 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Pali Wine Co.
While Santa Barbara isn’t the only place you can have a chance to enjoy Pali, it should be on your list. Their Funk Zone Wine Garden offers indoor or outdoor covered seating.
At night their patio has string lights and heaters, which make it a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine with friends or on a date night.
Their menu breaks down each wine with special stickers highlighting important details such as “Natural” or “Single Vineyard.”
You’ll find flights and glass and bottle options for each offer. They even have rotating tapped wine and frozen wine drinks for hotter days.
- Location: 205 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara Wine Collective
If you’re looking for a spot to both enjoy and discover local wines, this is it.
Including some of the finest selections from around the Santa Barbara area, you can purchase flights, by-the-glass, or bottles of the offerings.
The wine list doesn’t hold anything back, by the way. It’s packed full of exquisite reds, whites, and rose varieties.
You’ll find fun pop-up events like weekly trivia, so grab some friends and get ready to discover a true taste of California.
- Location: 131 Anacapa St, Ste C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Villa Wine Bar & Kitchen
The focus here is split between beer, food, and of course, wine. In each category, they keep their menus simple but packed with a punch.
While they try to keep the wine focus on local regions, you will find the occasional offerings from international areas.
Lists change weekly to keep you on your toes and always trying something new.
You’ll find a food menu that’s designed to please and keep you coming back for more. After a taste, Villa may just be your new favorite weeknight stop.
- Location: 618 Anacapa St, Ste #1867, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Satellite Santa Barbara
An inviting and modern twist on farm-to-table cuisine and wine education. This glass restaurant doubles as a tasting room for education and community.
The ‘farmers market’ vegetarian menu shines and compliments the natural wines they offer.
You find selections including classics as well as some rarer varieties, including orange and chilly reds.
They have a bottle shop on site, allowing you to bring home a new favorite, and be sure to check out their classes to expand your wine knowledge.
- Location: 1117 State St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Final Thoughts
In California, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy great wine, and Santa Barbara proves that.
Stop into any one of these great wine bars for a chance to try something local or out of the ordinary. Either way, you won’t be disappointed in the wine this coastal city has to offer.