Probably the best amenity when staying at the Genevieve is the wine passport. Select wineries in the valley offer 2 for 1 or complimentary wine tastings for all Genevieve guests. Unfortunately, not all of these wineries can accommodate a large group like ours and many of them will not honor the Passport in a large group. We have reached out to all of the featured wineries and have selected the 3 best options for us (sorry if you were looking forward to voting as a group). Scroll down to see who the winners are.
If there was a different winery (or 2) that you were looking forward to visiting, feel free to choose your own adventure on Saturday (or Sunday if you are not golfing). Making reservations on your own in a small (2-4 person) group should be no problem to get the discount. Click here to see the full list of the Tasting Passport wineries.
The reservations for the tastings and lunch have been made and we have our fixed head counts. If you selected yes for tasting on Saturday but want to change your mind, please let us know ASAP so that the reservations can be adjusted. The lunch required a deposit and that has already been paid. Those counts are locked in.
We have reserved a 14-person shuttle van for the day. Some people have opted to drive themselves as well. So far, our group of non-self driving people is 16. If you are interested in driving yourself, give us a text. We will still need to fill the 14-person van, but 2 people can opt out. The cost per person for the van will be $60 each.
After much consideration, these are the wineries that we selected as the best options for our group size and composition (kids, dog, non-drinkers, etc.)
Two for One Tastings
The Artiste Winery tasting room is a unique, immersive space within walking distance of the Genevieve that blends the worlds of fine wine and impressionist art. It is designed to feel like an 1880s French art studio, complete with easels where guests are encouraged to paint while they sip. We will be starting our day here @ 11am.
Two for One Tastings
Vega Vineyard & Farm is a 212-acre historic estate in Buellton, California, that combines a winery, a full-service restaurant, and a working farm. It is highly regarded as a family-friendly destination in the Santa Ynez Valley, offering an immersive "farm-to-table" experience that dates back to 1853. We will be tasting and eating here from 1-3pm.
Two for One Tastings
The "Carhartt Cabin," is a boutique, family-owned tasting room in the heart of downtown Los Olivos. It is famous for its relaxed, "backyard-style" atmosphere and its unique historical building—originally a 99-square-foot doctor's office. We will be tasting and relaxing here from 3:30-5pm.
In addition to wine tasting, we will be enjoying the Family-style meal at Vega Vineyards. We will have a full 2 hours booked at this location so that there is plenty of time to taste the wine, visit the animals, and explore the vineyards and mercantile. The menu includes house made dips & pita bread, Caesar salad, beet & arugula salad, Israeli couscous, meatballs, and cacio de pepe pasta w/ chicken. Vegan alternatives have been requested.
Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn is an iconic Santa Ynez destination owned and operated by chefs and brothers Matt and Jeff Nichols. The restaurant is housed in a restored 1900s barn within walking distance of the Genevieve and features American classic fair. This reservation could only be made for 17 people in order to not trigger a pre-fix menu requirement. Although this restaurant is very highly reviewed, it is not dog friendly.
Santa Ynez Billiards & Cafe is a unique, family-owned local hangout in the Santa Ynez Valley. It combines a classic pool hall and sports bar with an acclaimed Middle Eastern and American kitchen. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, it features pool tables, big-screen TVs, and a fire-pit patio. This location is dog friendly, so we will be dining here with Al, Katie, and anyone else that doesn't fit into the reservation at the Red Barn.