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California Travels: Buellton

Photo credit: Antandrus, Public domain, Buellton, CA
What’s so Special About Buellton, CA?

Revised 4/2021

Buellton is one of those—blink and you’ve missed it—quiet California hamlets nestled in between more well-known touristy locations like Solvang and Santa Barbara.  In fact, if one didn’t know any better, one would think it is a suburb of Solvang, as it is a mere six miles away.  Most pass it by on their way to nearby wineries, which was our focus when we decided to overnight in this quaint little Santa Ynez Valley town.

Note: Follow CDC guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.

Buellton, CA, Photo credit: Damian Gadal, Creative Commons

Wine anyone?

Best known for the famous Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant  and the Hitching Post –made famous by appearing in the movie “Sideways” -- Buellton is a perfect place to begin a Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting tour.  If that is your pleasure, take a short drive to the artsy, historic Los Olivos—home to art, wine and all things beautiful.  After exploring this lovely town and if time allows, jump on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, which begins in Los Olivos.  Explore what seems to be a gazillion award-winning wineries and bountiful vineyards.  The Brander Vineyard and Bridlewood Estate Winery are definitely worth a visit.

Bridlewood Estate Winery in CA

Fess Parker Winery


Alternately, many of these wineries can be visited by traveling north on 101 directly out of Buellton.  Fess Parker (famous “Sideways” scene) and Zaca Mesa Winery are two of my favorites.  

This trip was different.

Unfortunately, for our most recent trip, we didn’t have time to explore much of Buellton, Los Olivos or the gazillion wineries on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.  Ours was more of a road trip with a few longer stays in Los Angeles, Paso Robles and Carmel. However, we managed a stop at a market of interest—The El Rancho Market, technically in Solvang, but just a few miles from Buellton. 



Not that I can explain it fully, but its “healthy, local-food vibe” sucked me in like a huge vacuum.  Strange.  I know.  Nevertheless, once inside I found the vibe to be spot on.  On sensory overload from the shelves of organic products and smells of recently prepared fare, we finally stumbled upon a salad bar filled with the freshest yummy treats of any I’ve sampled before.  We filled a container for mere pocket change and shared a massive lunch on their front patio.   Heaven.

After checking into the Quality Inn Santa Ynez Valley, we weary travelers decided to dine on deli in the comfort of our spacious room.  We found just the right items at the local Albertson’s.  Please read my review of this lovely, quiet motel. 

Starbucks Lovers Only

For Starbucks lovers like me, you will find one conveniently located directly across from the Albertson’s shopping center: 235 East Highway 246, Suite 102, Buellton, CA 93427 

Addresses please? 

Check with the websites of all above for their Covid restrictions and rules.

Please share your experiences.  What is your favorite winery in the area?
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