Central Coast: Paso Robles vs. Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA
Scenic views abound from every corner of the Santa Barbara wine country, but it's the diverse microclimates throughout the county that make it such a dynamic wine region. Visit Happy Canyon, the warmest wine-growing pocket of Santa Barbara, for cabs and cab blends that rival Napa's; cooler regions like the Santa Maria Valley or Santa Rita Hills are worth a stop for Santa Barbara's more well-known Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and other Rhone varietals.