There’s no better time than now to take a trip along the SoCal coast to escape for a weekend of wine tasting and time in the outdoors. Here are some ideas to jump start your plans:
Santa Barbara County Wine Country
The world-renowned Santa Barbara wine country is known for its distinct growing regions and high-quality wines. It is home to more than 100 thriving vineyards and family-owned wineries. Head to the historic Danish village of Solvang, nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley region, for world-class chardonnay, pinot noir, and syrah. Round out your trip with a visit to one of the famous Danish bakeries on Mission Drive.
How to Get There: Take an Amtrak Thruway Bus connection from Santa Barbara and arrive in the heart of Solvang. The trip takes approximately 50 minutes.
Edna Valley Wine Country
Experience the best of SLO Wine Country in Edna Valley, known for its extended growing season, mild weather, and local chardonnay and pinot noir. Sip on world-class wines in friendly, uncrowded tasting rooms, enjoy the cool coastal breeze, and take in views of rolling hills.
How to Get There: From the San Luis Obispo Station, Edna Valley is 12 minutes away by car. There are also private wine tours that can provide shuttle service from the Downtown San Luis Obispo area.
Paso Robles Wine Country
With a charming downtown surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Paso Robles is the perfect setting for a relaxing weekend of wine tasting and exploring. Known for its excellent red wines such as cabernet sauvignon and merlot, Paso Robles is one of the state’s most popular destinations for wine tasting. There are more than 40 varieties of wine and 200 wineries throughout the region.
How to Get There: Take an Amtrak Thruway Bus connection from San Luis Obispo. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes.
Urban Wine Trail
The Urban Wine Trail spans two vibrant neighborhoods in Downtown Santa Barbara, with more than 20 tasting rooms to choose from. Explore the downtown area and discover what makes each stop on the trail unique. Don’t miss the tasting room on Stearns Wharf, with incredible ocean views.
How to Get There: Ride to Santa Barbara and walk across the street to the Funk Zone, part of the Urban Wine Trail.
Local Wines On Board
Start sampling California wines during your Pacific Surfliner trip. The onboard Market Café features a selection of local wines. Purchase a half bottle of California Wine (375ml) for $15. The onboard selection currently includes:
- Line 39 Chardonnay (multiple regions of California)
- Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles)
- Francis Coppola Pinot Noir (multiple regions of California)
- La Crema Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast)
Riders in Business Class also receive a complimentary glass of wine in the afternoons and evenings – there is a choice of a Cabernet or Chardonnay from Barefoot Wine, a company with roots in Central California.