Page 110 - 2017 Travel Guide to California

SANTA MARIA VALLEY
Eat, drink and slow down
»WINE, DINE,
MEANDER,
RELAX!
Santa Maria Valley
Visitor & Convention
Bureau
santamariavalley.com
A STROLL IN THE VINEYARD, above;
Santa Maria Valley’s famous barbecue, below.
CALIFORNIANS KNOW HOW to relax
and enjoy the best of the land, whether
that’s food, drink or stunning views. In
Santa Maria Valley, the coastal climate, out-
door spaces, sensational barbecue and
luscious wine all combine to make it an
ideal destination for those looking to adopt
a few of the locals’ best habits.
On the northern perimeter of Santa Bar-
bara County, the Santa Maria Valley is an
uncommon transverse valley, which means
that it runs west to east, counter to
California’s Coastal Range. The valley’s ori-
entation channels cool ocean air directly
into the valley, resulting in one of the state’s
longest growing seasons for vineyards.
Grapes produced here in one of the six fed-
erally recognized American Viticultural
Areas (AVAs) within Santa Barbara County
are often a little more complex, balanced
and flavorful.
Sweet & Smoky Barbecue
What cuisine do you want to enjoy with
your wine? If you like barbecue, you’re right
at home. In the mid 1800s, local rancheros
were known for hosting Spanish-style bar-
becues, and that tradition continues today.
Santa Maria-style barbecue is focused on
beef tri-tip combined with a simple sea-
soning of salt, pepper and garlic salt. The
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meat is cooked directly over the coals of
local red oak, giving it a sweet and
smoky flavor. Traditional accompaniments
include pink pinquinto beans, fresh salsa,
tossed green salad and grilled French bread
with melted butter. Try it at The Hitching
Post, Shaw’s Steakhouse, Jocko’s Steak-
house, and Far Western Tavern.
No Dress Code
A special key to relaxation: It doesn’t have a
dress code. In Santa Maria Valley, you can sip
your wine or beer while wearing worn-in
jeans, and if you get a little drop on your
clothes, nobody will mind. In fact, you might
get a nod of approval for blending in so well.
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air after
(or before) your meal. Meandering roads,
beautiful scenery and tucked-away vine-
yards are features of the Foxen Canyon
Wine Trail, connecting Los Olivos and
Santa Maria Valley. It’s ideal for a great
bicycle ride, or even a slow drive in a con-
vertible. Head to the beach to spy the
second-largest stretch of dunes in Cali-
fornia. Spanning 22,000 acres and 18
miles, the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Pre-
serve features towering 550-foot-high sand
dunes. It’s also a great spot for birders, as
migrating birds along the Pacific Flyway
stop here on their journey.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY CVB