What pairs perfectly with a glass of California wine? Why, a ride on the Pacific Surfliner, of course!
Whether you're planning a romantic weekend, a getaway with friends, or simply looking for an excuse to celebrate California Wine Month this September, the Pacific Surfliner makes wine tasting along the coast easier than ever. Leave the traffic (and the designated driver debates) behind while you sit back and toast to a trip that tastes as good as it looks.
Next Stop…
Why Take the Train?
What is California Wine Month?
At-a-Glance Wine Destinations
Santa Barbara Wineries
San Luis Obispo Wineries
Bonus Stops
Tips for Trip Planning
FAQs
TLDR;
- Why Take the Train?
Skip traffic, parking, and designated driver duties while enjoying the scenic ride along California's coast. - Best Time to Visit
September is California Wine Month, but these destinations are perfect for sipping year-round. - Best Wine Tasting Stops
Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley, plus bonus detours to Santa Ynez Valley and Temecula Wine Country.
Why Take the Train to California Wine Tasting?
Let’s be so for real: wine tasting is a lot more fun when no one has to sit back and sip sparkling water because they drew the designated driver straw.
Instead of navigating busy highways and twisting, turning roads, the Pacific Surfliner lets you settle into your seat, admire the California coastline, and even get your tasting started a little early with a glass from our onboard Café car.
What is California Wine Month?
Every September, California raises a glass to the state’s world-famous wine regions during California Wine Month! Aka, the perfect time to venture out to discover up-and-coming wineries, enjoy seasonal events, sip limited-release wines, and fully enjoy the thrills of grape harvest season.
At-a-Glance Wine Destinations
Not sure where to start your wine-venture? From walkable tasting rooms just steps from the station to picturesque vineyards a short rideshare away, here's a quick look at some of the best wine-tasting destinations you can explore along the Pacific Surfliner route. Cheers to finding your perfect pour!
|
Destination |
Closest Station |
Distance to Wine |
Best For |
|
Santa Barbara Funk Zone |
Santa Barbara |
Walkable |
First timers |
|
Edna Valley |
San Luis Obispo |
15 min rideshare |
Scenic wineries |
|
Santa Ynez Valley |
Santa Barbara |
45 min rideshare |
Vineyard lovers |
|
Temecula Valley |
San Diego Santa Fe Depot |
Short drive |
Local tasting |
Sip Stop #1: Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is one of the crown jewels of California’s coastal wine scene, and it’s easy to see why. Hop off the Pacific Surfliner and head right into the colorful Funk Zone, where converted industrial buildings now house trendy tasting rooms, local art galleries, and some of the city’s tastiest bites.
Margerum Wine Company
Right in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, Margerum Wine Company has earned its reputation as a must-visit stop, having been voted the city's Best Winery for two years running and recognized as one of America's Top 10 tasting rooms. Sip your way through curated tasting flights or order your favorite pour by the glass, all crafted with high-quality grapes that showcase the unique character of California's Central Coast.
Feeling hungry? Pair your wine with seasonal bites or a leisurely meal, then kick back on the outdoor patio to soak up that sweet Santa Barbara sunshine while you sip.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara Station, then enjoy a scenic 5-minute walk to the tasting room.
Deep Sea Tasting Room
Looking for wine tasting with unbeatable ocean views? Let us introduce Deep Sea Tasting Room, located on the ever-iconic Stearns Wharf. This is a family-owned winery specializing in wines sourced straight from Santa Barbara’s coastal vineyards, where cool ocean breezes and morning fog create bright, expressive flavors that are heartily distinct from grapes grown in warm inland areas.
With a deep commitment to sustainable farming and a true passion for showcasing this special region, every glass offers a taste of the Central Coast.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara Station, then take a 10-minute walk toward the coast to the tasting room.
The Valley Project
If you’ve ever wanted to taste your way across Santa Barbara County without leaving your seat, The Valley Project is the place for you. This one-stop-shop is dedicated to showcasing wines from the region's five American Viticultural Areas (AVAs)—officially designated wine-growing regions with unique soils, climates, and growing conditions that shape every bottle.
Inside the tasting room, you'll find soil samples, a colorful mural illustrating each wine region, and plenty of fascinating details about the science behind Santa Barbara's celebrated wines. Plus, their knowledgeable sommeliers are always happy to help you discover your next favorite pour.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara Station, then take a short 5-minute stroll to the tasting room.
Sip Stop #2: San Luis Obispo & Edna Valley
Can't decide between city vibes and vineyard views? Good news—you don't have to. In San Luis Obispo, you can kick off your wine adventure with a tasting downtown before making the short trip to nearby Edna Valley for even more award-winning pours and postcard-worthy scenery.
If you're planning to visit multiple wineries, consider picking up a SLO Coast Tasting Pass, which offers tasting flights at participating wineries and can help you discover even more of the region's celebrated pours.
Central Coast Wines
Sample a little bit of everything at Central Coast Wines in downtown San Luis Obispo, where they’ve proudly showcased the region’s incredible wine scene for more than 25 years. Their carefully curated selection features small-production wines from across California's Central Coast AVA, along with hard-to-find bottles, collectible wines, and natural wines you won't find just anywhere.
Not sure what to choose? The knowledgeable team is always happy to recommend the perfect glass or bottle based on your tastes. Better yet, your four-legged travel companion is welcome too—this tasting room is dog-friendly!
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to San Luis Obispo Station, then take a 15-minute walk through SLO’s Old Town Historic District, or a quick 5-minute Uber/Lyft.
Claiborne & Churchill Winery
A longtime favorite in Edna Valley, Claiborne & Churchill Winery has been family-owned since 1983 and is beloved for its welcoming atmosphere and distinctive cool-climate wines. Inspired by the renowned wines of France's Alsace region, the winery specializes in dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, alongside handcrafted Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Dry Rosé, and other small-batch releases.
Enjoy your tasting in the cozy wine cellar or relax with a glass in the peaceful garden, and for an even more memorable experience, book a private tasting with owners Clay and Fredericka Thompson or winemaker Zack Geers to hear the stories behind every bottle.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to San Luis Obispo Station. From there, take a 15-minute scenic Uber or Lyft ride to Claiborne & Churchill Winery in Edna Valley.
Wolff Vineyards
Family-owned and operated in the heart of Edna Valley, this sustainable, 125-acre vineyard has been farmed since 1976, with a winemaking philosophy centered on letting the vineyard speak for itself through minimal intervention. Sip handcrafted wines in the tasting room, enjoy gourmet deli selections, or bring your own picnic and settle in among the vines for a truly one-of-a-kind Central Coast wine experience.
Visiting on a summer Friday? Don't miss Sunset in the Vineyard, a weekly celebration featuring live music, local food vendors, and wine by the glass or bottle as the sun dips behind the rolling hills.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to San Luis Obispo Station, then take a 20-minute Uber or Lyft to Wolff Vineyards in Edna Valley.
Bonus Pours
Planning to stay a little longer and add a rental car to your adventure? A few of California’s legendary wine regions are worth venturing beyond the tracks. Turn your Pacific Surfliner trip into a longer getaway and hit the road to discover even more vineyard views, charming wine towns, and memorable pours.
Santa Ynez Valley
If you’ve got some extra time (and room for another glass or two), Santa Ynez Valley is very much worth the detour. Just 45 minutes from Santa Barbara, this picture-perfect wine region is home to charming spots like Los Olivos, Solvang, and Los Alamos, where it's easy to sip and savor every moment.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Santa Barbara Station, then pick up a rental car to continue your adventure into Santa Ynez Valley. Since wineries and tasting rooms are spread throughout the region, having your own wheels makes it easier to explore at your own pace. Just be sure to designate a driver before you start sipping!
Temecula Wine Country
Your coastal wine adventure can veer a little inland, as a treat! If you’re planning a longer getaway with a rental car, Temecula Wine Country makes a fantastic addition to the itinerary. With more than 40 wineries, rolling vineyards, and sunny Southern California skies, there’s plenty to fill an extra day or two. Spend the day sipping award-winning wines, enjoying a leisurely lunch overlooking the vines, or checking a hot air balloon ride off your bucket list before heading back to the coast.
How to Get There: Ride the Pacific Surfliner to Oceanside Station, then pick up a rental car for the drive inland to Temecula Wine Country. Once you arrive, having a car makes it easier to explore the region’s many wineries and attractions— with a designated driver along for the ride, of course.
Tips for Planning Your Grape Escape
Before you pop the cork, here's how to make the most of your Pacific Surfliner wine adventure. From choosing the perfect stop to making the ride home just as relaxing as the tastings, these tips will help you plan a smooth sip-and-ride getaway.
🍷 Book Tastings Ahead of Time
Many wineries welcome walk-ins, but reservations are recommended—especially during weekends and California Wine Month in September.
☀️ Visit During California Wine Month
September is harvest season, making it one of the most exciting times to explore wine country. Expect special events, seasonal experiences, and beautiful vineyard views!
📅 Check Train Schedules Before You Go
Take a look at the Pacific Surfliner schedule before booking your tastings so you can plan a stress-free day with plenty of time to make it back to the station.
⌚ Pace Yourself
Why tempt fate by foregoing water and food during your tastings? Take care of your body by staying hydrated, enjoying a meal or snack between stops, and giving yourself time to truly savor each pour. Wine tasting is a marathon, not a sprint!
FAQs
Can you visit California wineries by train?
Absolutely! Many of California's top wine destinations are just a short walk, rideshare, or shuttle ride away from Pacific Surfliner stations. From Santa Barbara's walkable Urban Wine Trail to Edna Valley near San Luis Obispo, it's easy to enjoy a car-free wine getaway.
Can I take the train from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara for wine tasting?
Yes! The Pacific Surfliner offers convenient service from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, making it easy to enjoy a relaxing day trip or weekend getaway. Once you arrive, many of Santa Barbara's top tasting rooms—including those along the Urban Wine Trail and in the Funk Zone—are within walking distance of the station.
What is the best Pacific Surfliner stop for wine tasting?
Santa Barbara is the Pacific Surfliner's premier wine destination thanks to its walkable Urban Wine Trail, vibrant Funk Zone, and easy access to the vineyards of Santa Ynez Valley. For travelers looking to explore vineyard country, San Luis Obispo is another excellent stop with Edna Valley just a short rideshare away.
Is California Wine Month a good time to visit wineries?
Definitely! Celebrated every September, California Wine Month coincides with harvest season, when vineyards are buzzing with activity and many wineries offer special tastings, events, food pairings, and seasonal experiences. It's one of the best times of year to explore California's celebrated wine regions.