Summerland, Gainey and Santa Barbara

So the other week some friends and I went wine tasting up in the Santa Barbara area.  We started with a nice tasting at Summerland Winery's tasting room in Summerland, CA, just south of Montecito on the 101 freeway.

We tasted a great Santa Barbara County Chardonnay, some great Petite Sirah and I really also enjoyed the Trio from Summerland.  The staff there was knowledgeable, friendly and warm. 

We tasted about eight wines at Summerland and after that we had some lunch across the street at the Summerland Beach Cafe.

The food here is fresh and tasty - simple things like burgers and breakfasts - As Randy on Idol says, "Just Okay."

After lunch we started the forty-five minute drive to Gainey.  Gainey is situated in the beautiful low mountain area near Lake Casitas (if I'm not mistaken).  The winery itself was overcrowded with a tour bus and I didn't find the wines to be very good but the company and the great location really made for a great and memorable time.