Tuscan Escape in the Santa Ynez Valley

Sunstone Winery is one of my favorite properties, located just southwest of Solvang, in the Santa Ynez Valley.  They have a large portfolio of wines available in an accessible price range.  Just celebrating their 25th anniversary, the winery buildings were designed and built to look like a Tuscan estate.  Since the weather is good most of the year, guests prefer sitting on the patio or at tables in the expansive yard, enjoying the fragrant lavendar and mountain views.

Many of the Sunstone staff have been with the company for years and are very knowledgeable.  Tastings are paced according to guests’ preferences and extra off-menu pours are all but guaranteed.  On this particular visit, one of my favorite hosts, Josue, took care of us.  Most of the wines offered were familiar to me, but there was a new one that wow’d me – the Sunstone 2019 Petite Sirah Reserve.  As shown in the video below, the color of this wine is stunning.  It is certainly a big, juicy wine, but not heavy – a wine that could be enjoyed during the summer with a steak or pork tenderloin.  It bursts with cherry aromas, followed by darker fruits and a hint of chocolate.  There’s also a lovely hint of vanilla from the oak aging.

My brother, Douglas Drew, shot another fun video at Sunstone – I hope you enjoy and that it makes you want to visit this beautiful winery.

Cheers!