Ryan and I have spent three fantastic weekends in Los Olivos (as of June 2019) and this is the compilation of the hits — all the things we loved the most. It’s only about a 1.5 hour drive from LA. We plan to go back again soon – it’s the kind of place that’s very easy to return to again and again. We’ve been in the summer and the winter. Both times were great but I preferred the summer to be honest (probably because it started raining out on the wine trail and so we had to miss one winery I wanted to try). We’ve stayed in the same AirBnb on both trips and will go again – but there are a lot of incredible looking AirBnB’s in the area so you won’t be short on great places to stay.
There’s definitely more to do in the area than I’ve detailed below, but these are the places and activities in Los Olivos that have made up the most stellar weekends for us.
FRIDAY – Arrive and get cozy in your ranch cabin
- An amazing AirBnb that I’ve stayed in twice so far (and definitely going to plan a 3rd visit!) is MK Ranch. We book it through AirBnB, the hosts are fantastic, the property is beautiful, and it’s in a great location for exploring the area.
- If you’re there in the summer, definitely laze around in the pool at the end of the day.
SATURDAY – Fuel up and hit the wine trail
- Breakfast: Hearty diner food at Long Horn Coffee Shop that looks like you’re walking into an 1800’s saloon. Which it probably was.
- Gather Provisions: Stop into a grocery store and grab cheese and snacks for the afternoon. After the heavy breakfast you’ll feel like you never want to eat again… but you will… in approximately 3-4 bulletpoints from now.
- Visit Wineries: Note that it’s possible to book a “Wine Uber” to take you around all day, which is super helpful because you lose cell service quickly once you get on the trail.
- Sunstone Winery – not on the trail, but a great first stop!
- Demetria Estate – Reservations needed, but if it’s off – season sometimes they can fit you in short notice. You still want to call ahead though.
- Foxen – They have two locations right next to each other and you obviously want to visit both.
- At this point, you’ve been to 3-4 wineries… it’s mid-afternoon… you want those snacks you bought earlier and each of these wineries has a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy them on.
- Late Afternoon Nap: Because wine.
- Dinner: SY Kitchen – Fantastic food, hip & romantic atmosphere. A total win.
SUNDAY – Recover… with more wine… and tri-tip
- Breakfast: Head into the center of Los Olivos and grab some breakfast. Perhaps something light at Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe.
- Post-Breakfast: Wander around the small town of Los Olivos, wander into the General Store which is a great gift shop, and sample a couple wines as the tasting rooms start to open:
- Carhartt – Intimate with a charming back patio
- Zinke – Has a large beautiful back patio
- Saarloos & Sons
- Lunch: On your way back home, DEFINITELY…. I mean DEFINITELY… stop by Cold Spring Tavern. On Sundays they do a big trip-tip sandwich cookout and have live music and everyone hangs out in front of this old stagecoach stop. Even if you don’t eat tri-tip it’s worth it to come out and hang for a bit before heading home.
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