22 Aug Day Trip: Lompoc Wine Ghetto

It’s no secret that Santa Barbara Wine Country is home to some of the best wineries on the coast of California. With so many to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in all the wine. But if you’re planning a trip to Santa Barbara wine country, there is one destination you can’t miss out on – the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Lompoc Wine Ghetto is definitely the perfect destination for those looking to get the most out of their time. Lompoc is located northwest of Santa Barbara near the Highway 1 and 246 intersection. Lompoc has 18 tasting rooms featuring some renowned wines and vineyards. It is recommended to spend more than one day here but you can get alot covered in one day. The tasting rooms are generally open Thursday through Sunday, starting at 11:00 am, with a few rooms open on Mondays. But before you head to the tasting rooms, be sure to fill up on a cup of joe at South Side Coffee Co. (105 S. H St., Lompoc, CA 93436). Located in downtown Lompoc, a few minutes from the Wine Ghetto, this coffee and tea bar is the perfect pre- or post-stop while in Lompoc. Because there are no eateries at the Ghetto, this makes the perfect stop before you head to taste wine. After filling up on coffee, head down the street to the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Here are some of my favorite must-stops: Fiddlehead Cellars (1597 E Chestnut Ave., Lompoc, CA 93436) Fiddlehead Cellars is the perfect spot to stop in on your weekend getaway. Since opening in 1989, Fiddlehead Cellars is known for specializing in their Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Owner Kathy Joesph sought to bring a European feel to wine in Santa Barbara Wine Country and directs all site-specific and sustainable farming at her vineyards. From bubbles, to rose, to pinot noir, there is something here to please all palates that visit. Tasting Hours: Friday 12-5, Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-4 Flying Goat Cellars (1520 E Chestnut Ct, Unit A, Lompoc, CA 93436) Another favorite at the Lompoc Ghetto is Flying Goat Cellars. Flying Goat is known best for their Pinot and Sparking Wine. Believe it or not, the name of this winery comes straight from the owner’s pets, two goats, named Never and Epernay. The wines boast the same enthusiasm as its owner Norm. Hours: Thu-Sun 11am-4pm Palmina Wines (1520 E. Chestnut Ct, Lompoc, CA 93436) Just around the corner, you can find Palmina Wines. Founded in 1995 by former winemaker Steve Clifton, Palmina is inspired by Steve’s love of cooking, wine and an Italian lifestyle. Palmina offers a full rage of wines crafted from Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County. Although their wines can be found around the US, Canada and even Japan, you can get a taste of their Italian inspired wines in their Lompoc Ghetto tasting room. Tastings are $10 per person. Hours: Thursday-Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday & Monday from 11am-4pm With another 15 tasting rooms at the Lompoc Ghetto, there are more great wines to taste and you don’t have to go very far. Just park your car and wander from tasting room to tasting room….but be sure to have a designated driver! www.lompoctrail.com