Santa Ynez Valley

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A typical vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.
A typical vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley.

The Santa Ynez Valley is located in Santa Barbara County, California, between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains. The Santa Ynez River flows through the valley from east to west. The valley has a population of about 20,000 residents living in the communities of Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, and Ballard.

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[edit] Culture

The 2004 film Sideways was set (and shot on location) in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, visits from tourists looking to recreate the experiences of the fictional characters Miles and Jack, have become common. Fans of the movie can often be seen making a pilgrimage from the Buellton Days Inn to the Hitching Post restaurant.

[edit] Politics

Politically, the valley is largely conservative. The valley is usually considered part of northern Santa Barbara County and would have been included in the proposed Mission County. [1] Numerous smart growth-type coalitions have formed such as Preservation of Los Olivos (POLO), Preservation of Santa Ynez (POSY), WeWatch, and the Santa Ynez Valley Concerned Citizens. These groups' stated mission is the preservation of the Santa Ynez Valley. [2] Their main focus is on opposing the Chumash tribe's Chumash Casino expansion plans through lobbying of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, and the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Secondary focuses have been directed against Fess Parker's proposed plans for development.

[edit] Economy

The economy of the Santa Ynez Valley is driven by agriculture (particularly viticulture), the equine industry, and tourism.

[edit] Agriculture

The wine industry is a major part of the Santa Ynez Valley's economy. The Santa Ynez Valley Visitors Association lists over 70 wineries and tasting rooms on their website. Besides grapes, the valley also has numerous apple farms, many of them with roadside apple stands or "pick your own" programs. It is the location of the Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Area.

[edit] Equine

Horses are seen throughout the valley and a historic Western atmosphere is kept alive. Notable ranches include Monty Roberts' Flag Is Up Farms, River Edge Farm (thoroughbreds), and the nationally-known Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center.

[edit] Tourism

Tourists often visit the valley for its attractions including numerous art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and antique stores as well as resorts such as the Alisal Guest Ranch, Lake Cachuma, PCPA's Theatrefest, and the Chumash Casino. Because of good weather year round, many participate in outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Los Padres National Forest or bicycling throughout the valley (seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong trains in the valley annually).

[edit] Education

[edit] See also

[edit] Notable Residents

Notable present or past residents include

[edit] External links