Santa Ynez Real Estate
Surrounded by the magnificent mountain ranges of the Los Padres National Forest, Santa Ynez is located in a wide valley thirty-five miles inland from the Pacific coast, in the heart of Santa Barbara County’s wine country. The town itself holds about 4,000 people, with another 6,000 residing in the surrounding area.
The Santa Ynez Valley is a popular tourist destination for several reasons, with the primary reason being the abundance of award winning, premium wineries. Not only are their tasting rooms elegant and flowing with exquisite wines, but the beauty of their surrounding vineyards, orchards, and gardens also transports visitors to the old world charms of Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. Local breweries also offer a trail for enthusiasts to follow, representing both regional and traditional beers. A more recent attraction has arisen in the growth of olive vineyards and their associated olive oil tasting rooms.
Architecturally, Santa Ynez is known for its Old West style. Many of the buildings and wineries of the region work great as the backdrop to simple yet sophisticated weddings. Other area attractions include the miniature horses of Quicksilver Ranch, the family-friendly Sunny Fields Playground, the recreational havens of Lake Cachuma and Paradise Road, and the nearby towns of Solvang, Buellton and Los Olivos, each with their own unique offerings.
Though not too far away, the Valley exudes quite a different feel from the coastal region of Santa Barbara. Gone are the ubiquitous palm trees, replaced instead with tumbleweeds; vast plains of wild grasses dotted with oaks and pastured cows, surrounded by tall, austere mountain ranges, give the valley an atmosphere of openness and grandeur. To visitors and residents alike, Santa Ynez Valley offers everything from luxurious tranquility to high adventure.