The Santa Ynez Valley is a cool climate AVA within Santa Barbara County that extends from Lompoc to Lake Cachuma. The AVA is bordered on the north by the Purisima Hills and San Raphael Mountains and to the south by the Santa Rosa Hills. These mountains and their associated ridges and valleys funnel cool Pacific breezes through the valley and create both cool and warm climate regions. The Santa Ynez Valley is one of California’s most popular wine tasting destinations. Scroll down to find Santa Ynez Valley’s best wineries. The “Highest Visitor Ratings” section lists Santa Ynez Valley wineries that have received visitors’ highest ratings for service, views, and wine quality. The “Highest Wine Critic Ratings” section lists the producers of Santa Ynez Valley’s best wines based on awards won at international wine competitions and ratings from publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and The Wine Advocate. The “All Santa Ynez Valley Wineries” section contains a comprehensive, and continuously updated, list of Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Click “map view” to access the advanced winery search to find wineries that provide vineyard lodging, have food available to complement their wines, host vineyard weddings, or produce wines from organic grapes. We make it easy to find the best wine tour and tasting destinations in Santa Ynez Valley wine country.