Wineries/Wine tasting -too many options!

Question

Hello,

Planning a last minute trip to Santa Barbara 3/6-3/9 (first time visit). We will be staying at The Eagle Inn; we will be driving in Thursday from Burbank Airport (land ~1PM). Our main purpose is for the wine and we are planning to do (at least) Friday in the wine areas/valley outside of Santa Barbara. Also would consider driving out again Saturday AM to another winery (thinking maybe a winery and hike somewhere along the way) but this would infringe on our time in Santa Barbara, which also looks to have a lot of good tasting rooms and an interesting town to walk around.

Exceptional red wine is most important to us (versus views/atmosphere) - We currently have the following list and wondering if you would recommend skipping anything or adding anything on (will have to cut some things I'm sure since this is too much for 2.5 days)?

1) Zaca Mesa Winery

2) Beckman Vineyard

3) Tasting room in Los Olivos - Either Stolpman OR Terre et Sang OR Tensely

4) Brave and Maiden Estate

5) Pence

6) Santa Barbara wine bars/tasting rooms: Melville, Santa Barbara wine collective; Fess Parker

Thanks for your wine expertise!

Answer

Your timing and plan are excellent — early March is a great time for Santa Barbara County reds, especially Rhône-style Syrah, GSM blends, and bold Bordeaux varietals. Since exceptional red wine is your priority (above scenery or ambience), the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Olivos tasting rooms are absolutely the right focus. You have a strong list already, but cutting and organizing it into efficient, high-quality tasting days will help you get the most out of your 2.5 days.

Below is a recommended plan, plus thoughts on each winery so you can prioritize confidently.

THURSDAY (Arrival Day): Santa Barbara Tasting Rooms Near Your Hotel

Since you land around 1 PM, you’ll likely arrive in SB by ~3 PM. This is perfect for a warm-up afternoon of tastings within walking distance of The Eagle Inn (Funk Zone or Presidio area). Choose 1–2 spots known for excellent red portfolios.

Melville (Funk Zone) — Outstanding Pinot Noir and some highly respected Syrah. High-quality tasting with great winemaking consistency.
Santa Barbara Wine Collective — Gives you curated selections from several top producers, including Stolpman and others, so it’s a “best of the region” sampler.
Fess Parker Urban Tasting Room — Solid Rhône and Pinot; less boutique than others but well-made wines.

If exceptional reds are the priority, Melville and Santa Barbara Wine Collective are the strongest choices for Thursday.

FRIDAY: Santa Ynez Valley – The Big Red Wine Day

This is where you want to spend your energy. Your current list has several excellent matches for bold reds, especially Rhône-style wines. Below is how each winery fits your goal.

Zaca Mesa — A classic producer of Syrah and Rhône varietals. Consistently excellent reds, structured, expressive, and great value. Very good choice.
Beckmen Vineyards — One of the absolute best Rhône producers in the region. Their Purisima Mountain Syrah is iconic. Must-keep on your list.
Los Olivos Tasting Room choice (Stolpman vs Terre et Sang vs Tensley)
- Stolpman — Wild, energetic Syrahs and Sangiovese. Great complexity but a bit more rustic/experimental.
- Terre et Sang — Ultra-premium boutique Rhône producer; some of the best Syrah in Santa Barbara County. If you want the highest expression of red wine quality, this is the one.
- Tensley — Very respected Syrah-heavy producer; powerful, concentrated, bold wines.
If your priority is “exceptional reds,” Terre et Sang or Tensley are your best choices.
Brave & Maiden Estate — Beautiful estate wines focusing on Bordeaux varietals. Excellent Cabernet, Merlot, and blends. A great contrast to the Rhône-heavy day.
Pence — Very good Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and some red blends. High-quality but less essential if you want heavyweight reds.

FRIDAY Suggested Route (3–4 stops max):

Start: Beckmen
Mid-day: Zaca Mesa
Afternoon: Los Olivos tasting (choose Terre et Sang or Tensley)
Optional last stop (only if you’re feeling energetic): Brave & Maiden

This will give you a full spectrum of the region’s best reds without rushing.

SATURDAY: Choose Between a Second Valley Visit or Staying Local

If you still want more premium red tasting, a second short valley trip can be worthwhile. But Santa Barbara itself has excellent tasting rooms and great restaurants, so both options are strong.

If you return to the valley Saturday:

Brave & Maiden (if skipped Friday)
Pence (for Pinot focus and a beautiful property)
Optional hike:
- Nojoqui Falls — short, easy, very close to wine country.
- Gaviota Wind Caves — slightly more effort but rewarding.

If you stay in Santa Barbara Saturday:

Do an in-town tasting room tour: Melville, Jamie Slone, Au Bon Climat, Grassini Family (Cabernet specialists).
Explore the Funk Zone, Stearns Wharf, or the State Street promenade.
Enjoy a relaxing lunch and walk along the waterfront.

HOW TO TRIM YOUR CURRENT LIST

You don't need all six options. Here’s a simple keep/skip guide based strictly on red wine quality:

Must-Keep: Beckmen, Zaca Mesa, Terre et Sang OR Tensley, Brave & Maiden
Optional: Stolpman (depends on your palate preference), Pence
Keep for SB only: Melville, SB Wine Collective

SUMMARY RECOMMENDATION

Thursday: Melville + SB Wine Collective
Friday (main wine day): Beckmen → Zaca Mesa → Terre et Sang or Tensley → optional Brave & Maiden
Saturday:
- Either return for Pence + Brave & Maiden + a short hike,
- OR stay in Santa Barbara for walkable tastings and relaxing time in town.

This plan will give you the highest concentration of truly exceptional red wine while keeping your travel and tasting experience smooth and enjoyable.