Forget Napa, Book a Trip to California’s Central Coast Right Now

It’s been nearly 15 years since Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church gallivanted through the Santa Yvez Valley in Sideways—a film that helped put this under-appreciated California wine region on the oenophile’s map. Yet ask anyone today what destination comes to mind upon hearing the words “California” and “wine,” and the response is still almost guaranteed: "Napa Valley."

Well, it’s time to really pay attention to the Central Coast, a region that spans roughly 250 miles, from Santa Barbara up to Monterey Bay, including the Santa Ynez Valley and San Luis Obispo County, among other regions. It has been producing good wine quietly for decades, with 27 approved American Viticultural Areas here (compared to Napa’s 16), and 90,300 acres are planted with wine grapes (double Napa’s 45,000). According to Danielle Laudon, the director of marketing at Visit Santa Ynez Valley, “Wine makers are not just specializing in Pinot Noir here. They’re crafting Sauvignon Blanc and cabs from the Happy Canyon AVA; cool climate syrahs from Los Alamos Valley; pinot noirs, Viogniers, and Chardonnays from Santa Rita Hills. The list goes on.”But wine is just one thing. Sheer natural beauty, stunning new hotels, emerging craft beer and cider scenes, small-town vibes, expansive horse ranches, and close proximity to Los Angeles are equal draws.