California Wineries

California is known for having some of the best wine in the states. Most people think of Napa as having the best wineries, but I think Southern Cali has it's share of noteworthy places too.

After about 3 weeks in Southern California, we have tried a lot of wine. It was required! I don't make the rules, I just follow them. Here are some of my favorites:

Belle Marie Winery

We found Belle Marie Winery when we were looking for a place to stay on Harvest Host. Harvest Host is a network of wineries, breweries, distilleries, farms, and attractions that welcome RVers/van lifers to stay. In exchange it's polite to buy something from the place you're allowed to stay.

There was no need to twist my arm at Belle Marie! We both got red wine flights (only $15 each), with very generous pours. The wine was delicious and we got to enjoy it on the beautiful property overflowing with citrus trees. They also welcome you to bring your own food and picnic anywhere on the grounds! We made a beautiful charcuterie board to enjoy with our wine. Our hosts also allowed us to pick ripe fruit from the trees!

It was such a beautiful location with amazing wine and even better company :)

Santa Barbara Wine Collective

After two visits to Santa Barbara, the town has quickly become one of my favorites in the U.S. It's right on the water with endless restaurants, breweries and wineries. One of my favorites was Santa Barbara Wine Collective.

The staff was so welcoming, chit chatting with us as we decided on our choice of wine. I was recommended a peppery merlot, and it was exactly what I was looking for.

The space is beautiful with warm wood tones and soft lighting. As well as outdoor seating surrounded by lush greenery. It is the perfect place to pop in for a glass, or two.

J Wilkes Wines Santa Barbara

Sometimes the best places are the ones we find on accident. After a filling meal downtown we walked by J Wilkes. I stopped in my tracks. Wine and chocolate tasting. Even though we were filled to the brim, it was something we couldn't pass up.

The tasting didn't disappoint. We tried a variety of wines, as we were walked through the flavor profiles and aging process. We savored delicious chocolate truffles made by a local chocolatier. The experience was romantic and decadent. A wonderful indulgence that I would surely do again.

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There are so many wineries in California to explore. We've tried countless glasses and bottles of scrumptious wine and are always eager to try more. If you happen to be in SoCal definitely look into these wineries.