THE SANTA YNEZ STATE OF MIND
Just over the hills from Montecito, the landscape opens. The ocean mist gives way to golden valleys, rolling vineyards, and wide blue skies. Welcome to Santa Ynez. Where time slows down, the air smells of lavender and oak, and every detail feels just a little more intentional.
This isn’t just wine country. It’s a lifestyle: one rooted in rhythm and stillness, in land and light. And for those who’ve made Santa Ynez home, it’s the balance they’ve been seeking all along.
A Day in the Valley
In Santa Ynez, mornings begin slowly, often barefoot, coffee in hand, sun rising over the eastern ridgelines. Locals might head into town for fresh pastries from Bob’s Well Bread or breakfast under the trees at The Baker’s Table in Santa Ynez village. For those who ride, early hours are best spent on horseback, winding through private trails or open meadows as the valley wakes up.
By midday, it’s time to explore. The neighboring towns of Los Olivos, Ballard, Solvang, and Santa Ynez each have their own distinct charm. Spend a few hours wine tasting at beloved spots like Story of Soil, Demetria, Brave & Maiden, or Grassini. You can also enjoy a private barrel tasting arranged in advance. Prefer shopping? Los Olivos offers a mix of thoughtfully curated boutiques and art galleries, while Solvang, a Danish-inspired village, surprises with charming bakeries and antique stores tucked between tasting rooms.
Afternoons invite stillness. Perhaps a nap by the pool, a stretch of reading under an olive tree, or a visit to Sunstone Winery for a picnic and glass of rosé. And when the golden hour arrives, that’s when the magic of Santa Ynez truly begins.
Evenings in the Valley
As the light softens across the hills, Santa Ynez becomes even more enchanting. Dinner might be a reservation at Bell’s in Los Alamos, known for its refined simplicity, or a sunset meal at First & Oak. For those who prefer to stay in, the best nights often unfold at home, surrounded by friends, local wine, and stories that linger long past dark.
Stars appear brighter out here. The world quiets. And there is space to fully exhale.
Westerly Estate
Timeless elegance in the heart of wine country
With more than 200 acres of gently sloping land, Westerly Estate offers an extraordinary blend of privacy and presence. Mature oaks, panoramic views, and a classic Spanish-style residence surround a sun-drenched courtyard that feels like the heart of the home. Designed with equestrian living in mind, the estate includes stables, open pastures, and room to roam. It is a place made for long weekends, lingering conversations, and a connection to land and legacy. View Westerly Estate here and explore one of Santa Ynez’s most iconic offerings.
Seven Oaks Ranch
A modern take on ranch life
Seven Oaks Ranch offers a bold, architectural approach to Santa Ynez living. Clean lines, soaring glass walls, and expansive outdoor spaces make the most of its 100-acre setting. With private trails, guest accommodations, and an outdoor entertaining area framed by rolling hills, this is a home that balances natural beauty with modern refinement. Every detail invites a slower, more intentional way of life. View Seven Oaks Ranch here and take in the full scope of this exceptional Santa Ynez retreat.
Why Santa Ynez
Santa Ynez offers more than space. It offers clarity. There’s room to think, to gather, to disconnect when you want to, and to connect in a more intentional way. It’s not about trends. It’s about land, light, and living in a way that feels good and true.
Whether you're here for a weekend or a season, the valley has a way of grounding you. And that’s what makes it special.
For more information on the estates above, visit the link below.
