Saturday
Morning
Take breakfast at the hotel, or stop at a local coffee shop before heading out to enjoy a morning of winery visits on Foxen Canyon Road.
Located in the heart of the Sta Rita Hills, this picturesque stretch provided the backdrop for most of the film’s iconic vineyard scenes. Be sure to pace yourself, or better yet, book a driver to fully experience the region’s bounty.
First stop; Firestone Vineyard tasting room, where Miles, Maya, Jack and Stephanie take their own private tour of the wine cellar. Firestone Vineyard is known as the first estate winery established in Santa Barbara County in 1972 and is still among the most recognisable spots to visit.
Make an optional stop at Andrew Murray Vineyards to taste the Estate Syrah – drunk during one of Miles and Maya’s most intimate conversations in the film, ironically about Pinot Noir. Don’t miss the Viognier, a local favourite. Or opt for Fess Parker winery, known as ‘Frass Canyon’ in the film, and chosen for Miles’ infamous tantrum scene after receiving a disappointing call from his publisher.
Finally, visit Foxen Wineries 7200 Tasting Room ‘Shack’, where a countertop tasting scene was filmed.
Wineries along Foxen Canyon Road are great for experiencing a traditional seated tasting nestled among a vineyard setting. While walk-ins are still accepted, appointments should be made to secure your booking.
Lunch
After a busy morning of tasting, stop for lunch in downtown Los Olivos. Nestled among the shops and tasting rooms is Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe, where Maya orders a glass of Fiddlehead Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, aged 12 months in French oak, and shares one of the first vulnerable moments of connection with Miles over a glass of wine that isn’t Pinot Noir. The café has lovely terraced seating and a full retail shop featuring both local and international wines for purchase by the bottle.
Afternoon
After lunch, discover downtown Los Olivos and opt to sample wines from the nearly 30 wine tasting rooms, most of which benefitted from ‘the Sideways effect’, bringing interest to the area.
Evening
Try dinner at Bar Le Côte or the aptly named Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos. Both restaurants are housed in historic tavern-style buildings predating the vineyards that surround them. Look out for bottlings from Sea Smoke, Fiddlehead, Melville, and Whitcraft, all featured in the movie.
