This Wine Region Was Recently Named America’s Most Budget-Friendly Napa Alternative
If you’re a fan of wine-tasting and sprawling vineyards, you’ve likely daydreamed about venturing to California’s Napa Valley for a healthy dose of exploration. While Napa certainly deserves a spot on your bucket list, its popularity makes it a pricey option for those seeking a wine-centric getaway. Luckily, Time Magazine recently released its list of affordable alternatives for budget-conscious travelers, and one underrated wine region in the United States made the cut.
California’s Santa Ynez Valley might not be on your radar, but it certainly should be. This stunning area in Santa Barbara County, which sits just two hours north of downtown Los Angeles, is home to a vast array of wine-based attractions. In fact, the region houses more than 120 wineries, so you can easily spend your time here sipping delicious beverages under the sun without breaking the bank.
Experts explain that Santa Ynez Valley’s soil grows high-quality grapes at cheaper rates, resulting in lower wine costs across the board without sacrificing flavor. This is fantastic news for both your taste buds and your wallet.
In addition, lodging and other typical vacation costs in the area are notably more affordable than those in Napa Valley. Hotel rooms in Santa Ynez range from cozy cottages to luxurious resorts, many of which feature their fair share of wine options on site - but average nightly rates are considerably lower than what can be expected in Napa.
In short, a journey to Santa Ynez Valley and its many beautiful wine wonderlands (two of our favorites are Sunstone Vineyards and Roblar Winery) will satisfy your Napa daydreams without completely busting your budget.
For more information about the Santa Ynez region and its endless list of wine offerings, click here. Have you vacationed in this area during previous getaways?
We would love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. If you’re interested in reading about another budget-friendly travel region in the United States, click here to check out our previous article.
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