Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County is California’s transverse-range exception — the coast runs east-west, and marine fog rolls straight up the Santa Ynez Valley floor. Sta. Rita Hills holds pinot noir and chardonnay in the coldest pocket; Ballard Canyon and Happy Canyon warm for Rhônes and Bordeaux. Tasting rooms line Foxen Canyon Road, with patios, water bowls, and vineyard dogs asleep at the door. Nojoqui Falls and Gaviota State Park open leashed trails fifteen minutes off the 101. Pair a Sta. Rita pinot with a ridge walk at Gaviota. The county pours wine that the fog built, and the dog is welcome.