The worst part of traveling out of San Diego is that you either have to drive through barren desert or Los Angeles. I'd prefer the desert. We got slowed by mid-day traffic most of the way through. We took the San Marcos pass out of Santa Barbara on the 154. It is a convenient shortcut that would surely have a nice view in the day time. We got to the Hadsten House, our residence for the next two nights, located in beautiful Solvang. Emily's big concern was finding a place to stay in Solvang that didn't have a big windmill. She scored big, the Hadsten House was a nice hotel with modern design. It also had its own restaurant. We enjoyed a good meal and a nice bottle of bubbly.
The next day we headed on foot through the Solvangian metropolis. We had breakfast at Paula's Pancake House ordering, of course, some traditional Danish pancakes. We leisured our way back to our room, having still a couple hours till the first winery would open. After plotting the wineries we wanted to visit, we hit the road and headed east towards Santa Ynez. Down a rural road we found Sunstone vineyard and winery. We made our way to the tasting room. First of the day. We tasted a couple of whites and a couple of reds. All of great quality. We also tasted their reserve wines which were delectable. We explored the winery and vineyards for a couple of minutes enjoying the valley and the scenery. It is easy to see why someone would want to get away from the city and start a winery in this place. The warm california sun and the nearby ocean breeze aren't only ideal for grapes. The topography and vegetation of the valley make it a comforting and awe inspiring place.
We made our way to the Buttonwood Winery and Vineyards, again just as the doors opened. Another great array of wines and friendly people. One wine in particular was like nothing we had ever tasted and was quite captivating. While we were tasting a bus had pulled into their lot. Our taste guide person told us that they were a group of Japanese Wine Distributors. They received a special reception in the garden area. Despite traveling in a large bus there were only a handful of them. We were tempted to ask to join them, but alas, stuck to our existing plans.
It was on to Rideau Winery. As we walked toward the tasting room a group of workers were de-stemming grapes. Again, good wines. We enjoyed a sit in their garden area under a giant oak tree.
We decided it was time for a bit of lunch and headed up the road to Los Olivos. We walked about and found a nice place to eat. We split a cheese platter and a pizza. They also had rosemary lemonade which was quite awesome.
Back to the tasting business, we headed to Roblar. Here was the biggest tasting room we had seen. Again, great wines. Like microbrews for beers, small wineries have a lot to offer. At each one there is a concentration on end product. They strive for a unique taste as oppose to making quantity. Also, they recognize that their audience's taste is of a higher standard. I'm not saying we can taste the difference in aged barrels or minute aromatics, but pour them side by side with most stuff in the supermarket and the difference is clear. They make tasty wines! We tried a Syrah Rose at Roblar and had to buy a bottle. On the way back, we stopped at Buttonwood and bought two bottles of our favorites from them.
We got back to the Hadsten House to take advantage of their free wine reception. Free wine? Yes. Please. We drank and snacked. It was just enough to get us to walk around downtown Solvang. You know how at disneyland they have all those decorated buildings, fine topiary, maintained gardens, small trinket shops and guide rails everywhere? Same with Solvang. We took in the cheesy scenery and shops exploring and joking. Eventually we made our way into a clock and trinket shop. Along the back wall were dozens of Cuckoo clocks. As we gandered and browsed an old man came up to us. We engaged in small talk. He told us about the clocks. More small talk. More about the clocks. More small talk. More clocks. More talk. Among our most favorite quotes:
"People ask me 'what is the best part of Solvang?' I tell them: Solvang."
"You know more about Cuckoos now than about 7 billion people in the world."
Eventually we plotted our escape and got out alive. Barely.
After some more exploring and posing for pictures with Hans Christian Andersen, we got back to our room. Not wanting to go far we had dinner at the hotel restaurant again. This time we were joined by a bus of senior citizens and a guitar player for entertainment.
Previously I had seen on the menu their burger. This was no mere burger. It beckoned to me. Beef, 3 cheeses, sauteed onion, sauteed mushrooms, avocado, bacon, goat cheese, spinach and a fried egg. I felt like Guy Fieri. It was of devilish delight. Rich, heavy and meaty. A perfect way to close a day of relaxation and tastings.
The next morning we were due back home. We hit up the free breakfast at the hotel which was considerably better than most free breakfasts. We packed up our car and hit the road, this time taking the 101 south. We stopped at Gaviota state park because there is this cool Railroad bridge over the beach below. We pulled up this road to the right of the park entrance which took us right next to the railroad line. We explored around and checked out the bridge and the beach and the pier. It is a wicked cool spot. We agreed to actually come back and camp one day.
We headed down the 101 into Santa Barbara. Our destination was the pier. Unfortunately, I talked Emily into believing that I knew exactly which exit it was. However, we made our way through a good deal of surface streets, taking a sort of scenic route by the shore. Eventually we stumbled upon this little beach between the cliffs. There was a little restaurant and everything. It was really cool. Not crowded, just tucked away for the lost explorers.
Eventually we followed some main roads and found the pier. We journeyed down, taking in the sun and the sights. We stopped for lunch at a seafood restaurant at the end of the pier. Steamed clams and fried calamari, scallops, oysters and shrimp. So fresh and yummy. We continued our walk on the pier. It was a beautiful day, who could ask for more?
We reluctantly got back in the car and headed toward the battle of traffic and the eventual ride home.
It is always nice to take time off and see new things and places. This was especially nice because we didn't have any hard plans and just went at a leisurely pace. Too bad we can't do it every weekend...
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