Santa Barbara County Wine, Part 5: Lompoc Wine Trail
The Lompoc Wine Trail is the most western trail in Santa Barbara Wine Country and the city of Lompoc has a contrary history and a unique modern identity. From its historic past as a temperance colony during prohibition to the Wine Ghetto of today, Lompoc has recreated itself over the years.
This “City of Arts and Flowers” has much for you to see and do, including the urban Lompoc Wine Trail which features fine wines from Santa Barbara County.
Lompoc Wine Trail: Down-to-Earth and Welcoming
Lompoc is a small town whose prohibition history has been gladly left behind. Today it's the gateway to the Santa Rita Hills, which specializes in cool climate grape varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Lompoc remains modest and down-to-earth but don't be fool by it's humble nature, this area is home to many of Santa Barbara's finest wines.
While wine tasting here is centered around the Wine Ghetto where there are wineries scattered around the city and on the outskirts. Download the Lompoc and Wine Ghetto Map to find the locations of the area’s wineries.
Stop in at Transcendence Wines, a small producer that provides support to several area nonprofits. Sandhi Wines are highly-respected but tastings are by appointment only. Try Italian varietals at Palmina Wines.
Eddie’s Grill is popular for quick and tasty food, while Scratch Kitchen nourishes you with farm-to-table and seasonal dishes.
The Ghetto: Focus on the Wine, Not on the Fancy
For convenience, nothing beats the Ghetto. This industrial area has been taken over by wineries. Instead of trendy buildings, winemakers here put everything into the wine and leave the fancy trappings to others. The quality of the wine is proof enough.
While most wineries feature Pinot Noir and Chardonnary, such as Lutum Wines (by appointment only) and the Pali Wine Company. Others that have additional varieties include Ampelos Cellars for Viognier and Syrah, Fiddlehead Cellars for Sauvignon Blanc and bubbles, Arcadian Winery for syrah.
A convenient place to stay near the Ghetto is O’Cairn’s Inn & Suites. Have dinner at veteran-owned 805 Chophouse for homemade food and friendly atmosphere or La Botte Italian for home-style dishes.
A Town Soaring with Art & Flowers
Lompoc’s economy benefits from nearby Vandenberg Air Force base and from its fame as a flower seed capital. Flowers continue to be part of the city’s identity as does the fabulous outdoor mural program. People come from all over to view the many murals based on the town’s history.
Stay at the Hilton Garden Inn near Vandenberg, which has its own restaurant and a heated outdoor pool.
La Purisima Mission State Park is an amazing time capsule into California’s mission past and is the best preserved of all missions in the State. The park has miles of hiking trails and is picnic friendly.
Lompoc Wine Trail: A Home Style Experience in Wine Country
Lompoc welcomes you to enjoy our art, nature, food and the world class wines of the Lompoc Wine Trail.