On Saturday, June 4th, Los Olivos will be filled with people eager to enjoy the annual Jazz and Olive Festival. Enjoy great food, wine, and, of course, live jazz. The all-inclusive ticket for this event lets participants enjoy the culinary art of thirty amateur and professional chefs, taste the wonderful wines poured by twenty two of the area’s wineries, watch cooking demonstrations by professional chefs, and hear live jazz music. You’ll receive a free souvenir wine glass and plate, and then … [Read more...]

"April showers" are bringing out those "sweet May flowers" so you’ll surely want to attend this year’s Valley Garden Tour "Beyond the Garden Gate." This year’s tour will showcase widely differing and very unique private properties in the Santa Ynez Valley. The museum’s seventh annual tour will conclude back at the Historical Museum courtyard with an elegant late afternoon wine and appetizer reception. For more info, click here: http://www.santaynezmuseum.org/events.html "Beyond the … [Read more...]

Dear Leanne and Cindy, Thanks for the great girl's weekend at Goodgame Ranch. We loved the house and beautiful setting. Cindy, thanks again for the ride into town on Thursday night. Can you remind me how the charge of $2435 was calculated? Also is there was a deposit taken back in Feb that I'll get back? We did rent a movie through the TV on Sat night for $2.99. Thanks so much! Hopefully we'll run the half marathon next May and be renting from you guys again. All the best, Julie Roberts … [Read more...]

Dear Leanne, We very much enjoyed the cottage and would definitely rent it again! Our only complaint was that the trundle bed mattress is a little too soft (the daybed mattress is better as it is very firm and new) Otherwise, we enjoyed the kitchen, pizza oven and relaxing. We hope to visit again soon. Hope you have a nice weekend. Best, Meghan … [Read more...]

Thank you Leanne, we had a wonderful time at Casa de Cota! It was so welcoming and beautifully furnished, it was a fantastic getaway. … [Read more...]

Hi Leanne, Once again, Laurel and I found the peaceful, quiet and beautiful setting of the Villa Santa Rita Hills to be just the ticket for our three day escape from the big city. We hope to return in the Fall for the wine festival, and hope that the Villa will be available. Thanks, Alan & Laurel Burks … [Read more...]

Hi Leanne, Yes, we all had a great time (again) thanks to you and your great staff (and the late checkout on Sunday ). Cindy came by on Friday just to see if we were ok. Looking forward to next year already. Thanks again. Mark … [Read more...]

Leanne, Just wanted to drop a quick note to say how much we enjoyed the rental home over the weekend. Everything was great, especially the location. Thank you for everything, Cathy … [Read more...]

Happy Earth Day, readers! In honor of Earth Day 2011, we wanted to spotlight two of our Santa Ynez vacation rental properties that are “going green” in an effort to minimize their footprint on the environment. If being eco-conscious and going green on vacation is important to you, check out how these vacation rental properties are doing their parts for the environment. One such property is the Rancho Maroma vacation rental home in Santa Ynez, CA, which overlooks the entire Santa Ynez … [Read more...]

EARTH DAY FUN! Head out to Zaca Mesa Winery on April 22, 2011 for -Join us under the stars for a Flight of our Estate Syrah 2003-2007, with our local astronomers and their high tech telescopes to view the Lyrid Meteor showers. Families, lawn chairs and pajamas welcome. From 8-11 pm. … [Read more...]

Something memorable and unique this Mother's Day. Lincourt Vineyards will host Mom and the whole family to a buffet lunch in our rustic Barrel Room. For those twenty-one-years and older, wine will be offered to pair with your meal. After brunch, stroll over to our tasting room to sample our new releases and old favorites. Enjoy a special event discount of 30% off all wine and 20% off merchandise. Event is limited. … [Read more...]

What a thoughtfully designed cottage with so many charming touches. We found it to be super comfortable and relaxing, my husband and I thought it was just heavenly. Sara and Dave, Sacramento, CA … [Read more...]

This Monday Night (April 11th) is Pint Night at Figueroa Mountain Brewing: when you come in you can purchase a Fig Mtn pint glass and fill it with the Fig Mtn beer of your choice for $8, then every pint after that is only $3 for the rest of the night! … [Read more...]

We enjoyed our stay at the Stylish Ranch Retreat so much last July, that we just went back again. We also had some of our family meet us there. They loved it as much as we did. We're already planning to go back this summer!. Leanne is fabulous to work with and very accommodating with all our requests. The pictures don't do it justice - it's just an awesome place to vacation - with good restaurants, wineries and activities all right there. We also had an at-home massage from Bobbi and will … [Read more...]

Hidden Gems of California Tasting, Competition, and Auction of Hand Crafted Wines by Home & Boutique Winemakers DATE: Saturday, June 11th TIME: 3:00 PM-6:00 PM WHERE: Clover Creek Ranch and Vineyard 2727 Mesa Verde Road Santa Ynez, CA This fundraiser features home and boutique winemakers in one of the most beautiful settings in the Valley. Last year, eleven participants served sixteen wines for tasting, donated them for auction and competed for ribbons to raise funds for PHP. Professional … [Read more...]

This is the 3rd time we've rented from Santa Ynez Vacation Rentals and, once again, it was a great experience. This time, we chose the Fancy Hills Farm and our expectations were exceeded. The house was centrally located, in fantastic condition and gave the kids a memorable chance to experience a little bit of life in the country. We took full advantage of the house, the nearby restaurants and the wineries. It's a definite recommended choice.. Thank you for the hospitality. Mike & Amanda … [Read more...]

http://www.santaynezvacationrentals.com/2009/10/red-door-ranchette/ … [Read more...]

We had a wonderful time and were able to finally relax after finishing the Solvang Century Bike Ride. Oak Valley Ranch was the best home we have rented so far for this grueling expedition! An amazing home, away from home. We look forward to coming back next year! Love, The Warner Brother's Triathlon Team … [Read more...]

To show our appreciation for all of our local diners, Chef Shaun King has prepared a special dining menu for you on Tuesday evenings at The Los Olivos Café. Chef King has prepared a 3-course menu that will feature a variety of Santa Ynez Valley themes, including local farmers, wines and cuisine. Join us at the café to participate in this special menu opportunity for locals only. You must mention the ‘In the Valley’ menu, as it is an offer for our friends of the café only! Reservations … [Read more...]

Bring your family to dine with our family here at The Los Olivos Café. Every Sunday, Chef Shaun King will prepare a special and unique menu that is meant to share with you family tableside. Enjoy a 3-course meal served ‘family-style’ that your whole family will enjoy! Every Sunday the menu will change, so you and your guests can enjoy a new family-dining experience every week! Reservations are not required for this special menu, but recommended. Please note that the whole table must … [Read more...]

Recognized as one of the most successful and popular wineries in Santa Barbara County, Zaca Mesa wines will be on display with a 5-course dinner prepared by the Los Olivos Café’s own Shaun King. Zaca Mesa’s winemaker Eric Mohseni will be presenting several of his creations in this amazing wine dinner opportunity! Taste wines such as their amazing Z Cuvee and their other Rhone-Style creations. Reservations are required, so contact wine director Jon McDaniel at (805) 688-7265, ext. 203 or … [Read more...]

Wine Director Jon McDaniel will be leading this unique tasting experience as you learn about Santa Barbara County wines, paired with matching wines from around the world. Taste a local Sangiovese against Tuscany, Pinot Noir against Burgundy and so many more. There will be light cheese and canapés with this seated tasting. There are still a few seats available for this tasting. Reservations are required, so contact wine director Jon McDaniel at (805) 688-7265, ext. 203 or e-mail at … [Read more...]

Come join Los Olivos Café owner and winemaker Sam Marmorstein as he guides you through his amazing wines from one of the smallest production wineries in Santa Barbara. This ‘green’ winemaker dinner will feature 5 of his certified-organic wines paired with a 5-course meal created by Los Olivos Café executive chef, Shaun King. Reservations are required, so contact wine director Jon McDaniel at (805) 688-7265, ext. 203 or e-mail at jon@buysantabarbarawine.com for seats. … [Read more...]

19th Annual Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Festival March 18 - 20, 2011 To celebrate Solvang's rich culinary and cultural heritage, the Taste of Solvang Food & Wine Festival has featured local desserts, delicacies, wines and live entertainment since 1993. Advance ticket purchases are highly recommended. A Weekend Passport including logo wine glass & souvenir tote bag is $75 per person or individual event tickets (à la carte) may be purchased- Dessert Reception $25; Walking Smorgaasbord … [Read more...]

Santa Ynez Valley FREE Museum Day March 5, 2011 Fourth annual event sponsored by the Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association (SYVVA). Seven museums located in the Santa Ynez Valley will have FREE admission for all ages for the entire day: BUELLTON: Buellton Historical Society History Room, 376 Avenue of Flags upstairs at Pea Soup Andersen's Restaurant. Open: 7:00 am-10:00 pm (every day) LOS ALAMOS: Los Alamos Historical Display & Train Depot, Bell (Hwy 135) & Helena Streets. Open: 10:00 … [Read more...]

On February 24 Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe presents "Dine out for the Library" From 11:30am-8:30pm, 3% of all food & wine sales today will be donated to the Santa Ynez Valley Friends of the Library charity. 2879 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos. Reservations: 805-688-7265 … [Read more...]

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area Activities Wed-Sun: Bald Eagle & Wildlife Nature Cruises: Aboard the 45-passenger pontoon boat "Osprey" featuring 2-hour tour with naturalist. Call for schedule & fees. Sat: 10:00-11:30am. Naturalists and volunteers lead a 1-mile walk on the Oak Canyon Trail for all ages. Free with park admission. Sat: 12:30-1:30pm; Junior Park Rangers Program (ages 3-12) $2 per child. $8 Park Admission per vehicle applies for all activities. Call to verify schedule, make … [Read more...]

Los Olivos Cafe presents special Winemaker Tasting Feb. 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Experience the wine-making community in Santa Barbara County through a trio of connected vintners. Taste the wines of Melville, Palmina, Samsara, Brewer-Clifton, & diatom with winemakers; Greg Brewer, Steve Clifton, and Chad Melville. $15 per person or free with 2 bottle purchase. Contact: jon@buysantabarbarawine.com, 805.688.7265 ext. 203 www.losolivoscafe.com … [Read more...]