Road trips around California: Legendary wineries and where to find them

Four wineries from the Sideways wine trail

Sideways – perhaps the world’s most talked-about wine movie - depicts two middle-aged friends go on a stag week in Santa Barbara wine country. The film was nominated for five academy awards, including best film and best director, and eventually scooped the Oscar for best adapted screenplay in 2005.

Follow the main characters Miles and Jack to visit four distinctive wineries in Santa Barbara...

Sanford Winery and Vineyards

‘This is the first winery Miles and Jack visit on their trip. In this scene Miles explains the nuances of tasting wine to Jack. Miles goes a little over the top in describing the wine. He also catches Jack chewing gum while tasting.’

(Read more about the Sideways wine trail on winecountrygetaways.com)

Signature Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc
Address: 5010 Santa Rosa Road, Lompoc, CA 93436
Phone: 805-735-5900 ext. 2
Winery Tasting Room: 800-426-9463 ext. 2
Hours: Open daily to the public 10am-4pm

In 1971 we discovered an overlooked, grape-growing treasure in the Santa Rita Hills. Recognizing a magical combination of climate and soil conditions much like those in France's famed Burgundy province, we planted the area's first Pinot Noir in our Sanford & Benedict vineyard. Pinot Noir has thrived in the Santa Rita Hills ever since, and so has Sanford Winery.

Kalyra Winery (No. 11 on the map)

‘In “Sideways”, this is the winery where Jack meets Stephanie. Stephanie is the pourer. As the conversation develops between the two, you can feel the vibes begin to flow. The tasting room at Kalyra was remodeled for “Sideways” by the movie company.'

(Read more about the Sideways wine trail on winecountrygetaways.com)

343 N.Refugio Rd

Santa Ynez, CA 93460

(805) 693-8864

www.kalyrawinery.com

Signature Varietals:

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dessert Wine, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Muscat/Moscato, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon

Amenities:

Picnic Area, Weddings/Events

Nestled among hundreds of acres of rolling vineyards is the original Kalyra Winery. You'll be served from the bar featured in the 'Sideways' movie, and enjoy our full-length deck that offers a fantastic, tranquil picnic spot for your full tasting day as well.

Firestone Vineyards (No. 7 on the map)

'In the movie “Sideways,” the four main characters, Miles, Jack, Maya, and Stephanie are bored with the wine tour and sneak away into the barrel room.'

(Read more about the Sideways wine trail on winecountrygetaways.com)

Address: 5017 Zaca Station Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441, USA
(805) 688-3940

ken@firestonewine.com

www.firestonewine.com

Tasting Room Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard (No.6 on the map)

'In “Sideways,” this is one of the most memorable, shocking, and funny scenes. Miles learns that his book will not be published. Distraught, Miles returns to the tasting room and repeatedly asks for a refill. When he is refused, he grabs the dump bucket and... In the movie, this winery is called Frass Canyon.'

(Read more about the Sideways wine trail on winecountrygetaways.com)

Address:

6200 Foxen Canyon Road
Los Olivos, CA 93441

(805) 688-1545

www.fessparkerwines.com

Wine brands
Epiphany
Frontier Red

Signature Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Riesling, Rosé, Syrah, Viognier, White Blends

Amenities:
Food For Purchase/Restaurant, Picnic Area, Weddings/Events

In 1989 the Fess Parker Family embarked on an adventure in the wine business in Santa Barbara County. Our original goals remain the same to this day: create wines of the highest quality and build a multi-generational family business. Over twenty-six years later, we have succeeded in garnering great critical acclaim while remaining entirely family owned and operated.

Translated by Sylvia Wu / 吴嘉溦