The Township of Santa Ynez

Nestled in the wine-rich Santa Ynez Valley, the township of Santa Ynez is distinct from its neighbors, Solvang and Los Olivos. Santa Ynez brings Wild West vibes with its period-style false-front building facades housing shops, saloons, feed stores, and of course, horses hitched to posts outside. It can sometimes feel like it’s 1884 rather than 2024. But don’t let the horseshoe-embedded crosswalks fool you. This cowboy town is sophisticated with much to do for modern-day trail riders, including streets lined with modern shops, galleries, tasting rooms, and museums. Some of the best-known wineries in the region—like Sunstone and Gainey Vineyards—call Santa Ynez home. And the culinary scene is nothing short of epic, ranging from fine dining to one of the very best stops in the Santa Ynez Valley for charcuterie boards or a boxed picnic.