Santa Barbara wine and fashion pioneers Pierre Lafond and Wendy Foster have spent the past few decades establishing and building an empire with businesses spread out between Montecito’s glitzy upper and lower villages, bustling State Street, and the serene vineyard packed Sta. Rita Hills. An ocean side drive that spans about an hour in length can get you from one end of their trail to the other – shopping, wine and dining along the way.
Trip length: 2 days
Day 1:
Arrive in Montecito’s upper village for lunch at the Pierre Lafond Market and Deli where a cluster of Pierre Lafond and Wendy Foster businesses are located on San Ysidro Road. Enjoy wraps, sandwiches, deli entrees, and salads outside on the foliage-filled patio.
Just next door from the Market, Wendy Foster has laid claim to three of the most talked about boutiques in Santa Barbara – Wendy Foster Dress Shop, Wendy Foster Sportswear, and home décor shop Upstairs. The stores have been fixtures in Montecito since 1964. Pick up an outfit for dinner at Wendy Foster and some colorful table accents for your home Upstairs.
Make your way down to the lower village and walk up Coast Village Rd. to stop at Angel, a more contemporary and trend flaired boutique with labels like Vince, Juicy Couture, and whimsical Rebecca Taylor designs.
From Coast Village Rd., head north into downtown Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone for a wine tasting at Santa Barbara Winery, the oldest post-Prohibition winery in Santa Barbara County. Tasting hours are from 10am-5pm, and wine tasting includes six wines and your crystal logo glass ($5). Sample award winning Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and lesser-known varietals such as Primitivo.
Walk from wine tasting a few blocks up State Street to the Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro for dinner – bring a bottle from the winery and receive free corkage with your entrees. Seasonal and fresh menu items from Flatbreads to Grilled Duck Breast are wine friendly and masterfully constructed. Huge windows allow the space to be full of light until the sun goes down, and an outdoor patio is perfect for State Street people watching over your meal.
Day 2:
Return to the Pierre Lafond Bistro for breakfast and pick up a picnic lunch to bring up to the Lafond Vineyard for more wine tasting at the estate vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Thick Cut French Toast from the Griddle, Omelets, Scrambles, and Santa Maria Grilled Tri Tip with Eggs are among the AM menu.
Hit the road with your box lunches and drive 45 minutes along the coast to Lafond Vineyard to sample the wines from Santa Barbara Winery’s sister winery. The vineyard was planted in 1972 and provides fruit for both labels under the guidance of winemaker Bruce McGuire. Taste through a selection of vineyard and Sta. Rita Hills appellation designated (SRH series) Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah at the vineyard site and enjoy an outdoor picnic over looking the yellowed and vibrant hillsides of the valley.
Joanie Hudson, Director National and International Marketing, Santa Barbara Winery / Lafond Winery & Vineyards
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