Santa Maria Valley offers the perfect pre-holiday season getaway for foodies, wine lovers and adventurers alike—all without breaking the bank.
Taste the barbecue that gives Texas a run for its money
It doesn’t get more authentic than tasting Santa Maria Style barbecue in the place it was born. This culinary tradition goes back 150 years to America’s first cowboys, and has lived on through generations of pitmasters in Santa Maria Valley. Smoked over red oak coals and simply seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic, there’s so much flavor in Santa Maria Style barbecue that sauce would only cover it up.
Pair barbecue with wine at storied establishments like The Hitching Post, Shaw’s Steakhouse and Tavern and The Far Western Tavern. There are tons of options in Santa Maria Valley, though, and none lack charm or tastiness. Check out Santa Maria Valley’s barbecue itinerary to learn more.
Toast to live tunes with a glass of local wine
Throughout the next few months, many Santa Maria Valley wineries are hosting events for locals and visitors alike–the kind that only happen in a hidden gem wine destination.
Costa de Oro: Weekend Live Music Series
● Costa de Oro began as 30 acres of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes atop a breathtaking bluff at Fuglar's Point, a beautiful landscape in the prestigious Santa Maria Valley AVA. Sip on Costa de Oro’s prestigious wines while listening to oldies, jazz or R&B at Costa de Oro’s Weekend Live Music Series. Dates from September to December can be found online at costadeorowines.com.
Presqu’ile Winery: Happy Hour Music Series & Annual Tri-Tip Cookoff
● Presqu’ile is a family-owned winery in Santa Maria Valley situated high atop a hill with ocean and vineyard views, offering a one-of-a-kind vantage point for an unforgettable tasting experience. Cozy up by the fire in the winery’s tasting room and enjoy live music, food and award-winning wine as part of the Happy Hour Music Series. Dates from September to November can be found online at presquilewine.com.
● Presqu’ile Winery is hosting its second Annual Tri-Tip Cookoff Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. Visitors have the opportunity to taste Santa Maria Style barbecue in its element cooked by the valley’s top chefs and food trucks, along with side dishes curated by Presqui’le’s resident Executive Chef Julie Simon. Details can be found at presquilewine.com.
Trek through one of California’s most scenic natural areas
There’s no shortage of stunning views in Santa Maria Valley. With the temperate California Central Coast climate, visitors can enjoy 24 hiking trails, 13 beaches and near endless miles of cycling trails all within a half hour drive.
The Oso Flaco Lake trail offers one of the most iconic views on the Central Coast from sunrise to sunset. This accessible 1.7 mile out-and-back trail offers a glimpse into what the region looked like before development. A boardwalk takes visitors over a stunning freshwater habitat, home to more than 200 species of birds and an abundance of wildflowers. For more outdoor adventure ideas, check out Santa Maria Valley’s Top Trails Map.
Whether it’s enjoying award-winning wine poured by a local winemaker, exploring the outdoors at one of the area’s hiking trails or dining on authentic Santa Maria Style barbecue, there’s something for everyone in Santa Maria Valley. Visit santamariavalley.com for more events happening this fall.
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