We’re especially excited for the Friday night “Barn Party,” an open-air tasting under the stars with live music, fire-grilled bites, and over 40 wineries pouring everything from crisp Chardonnays to the region’s famous cherry cola Pinots. Saturday’s events include intimate vineyard tours, tasting panels, and exclusive access to library wines and winemaker-only blends. It’s truly the best way to explore the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in one immersive weekend.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect time to visit Solvang, this is it. The Wine & Fire Festival combines the charm of the village with the best of Central Coast wine culture. Tickets sell fast, so be sure to grab yours early and plan your accommodations soon, many boutique hotels and inns in town fill up quickly during this weekend. We’ll be there, glasses in hand, soaking up the sun, the stories, and the beautiful flavors of Santa Barbara wine country.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or planning a repeat trip (like we often do), here’s your complete guide to experiencing the magic of Solvang, wine glasses, Danish pastries, and all.

Wine is the heartbeat of our visits to Solvang. This region boasts some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California, thanks to the unique coastal climate and rolling hillside vineyards. We love discovering new favorites, but a few wineries have become our must-visit staples:

• Ken Brown Wines – Tucked in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Ken Brown produces elegant, small-lot wines that are consistently exceptional. Their Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Crown vineyard is a must-try.
• Sanford Winery – A true pioneer of the region, Sanford offers incredible views and estate wines that highlight the best of Santa Barbara County terroir.
• Foxen Vineyard – With two tasting locations (dubbed “Foxen 7200” and the more modern solar-powered tasting room), Foxen consistently delivers bold reds and beautiful whites.
• Crawford Family Wines – Small-production, handcrafted wines with a focus on Rhône varietals. Their tastings are intimate and always informative.
• Alma Rosa – Founded by wine legend Richard Sanford, Alma Rosa is committed to sustainable winemaking and consistently produces outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
• Gainey Vineyard – A Solvang staple. Their tasting room is charming and the wines (especially Sauvignon Blanc and Pinots) are excellent.

You could easily plan an entire weekend hopping from one tasting room to the next, with plenty of scenic vineyard drives in between.

Breakfast & Bakeries in Solvang

If there’s one thing Solvang is known for (besides wine and windmills), it’s breakfast.

Take a morning stroll through the heart of town and you’ll find several quaint cafés and bakeries with irresistible smells wafting out the door. Pancakes, omelets, and bottomless coffee flow from charming spots like:

• Paula’s Pancake House – Often with a line out the door, their Danish pancakes and hearty omelets are worth the wait.

• Solvang Restaurant – Try their aebleskivers (traditional Danish pancake balls) dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry jam.

• Belgian Café – A hidden gem known for waffles and European-style espresso drinks.

And of course, Olsen’s Danish Village Bakery and Mortensen’s Bakery are essential stops. Stock up on kringles, almond rings, butter cookies, and Danish pastries to enjoy throughout your trip, or bring home as sweet souvenirs.

After a day of wine tasting, nothing completes an evening like catching a show under the stars at the Solvang Festival Theater. This beloved outdoor venue hosts productions by PCPA (Pacific Conservatory Theatre) and features everything from Shakespeare to Broadway musicals. The atmosphere is intimate, the performances are professional, and the backdrop of the Santa Ynez mountains is unforgettable. Don’t forget your jacket and bring a blanket or a wrap; temperatures in the area drop in the evenings, which is precisely what sharpens the pinot grapes.

Downtown Solvang is incredibly walkable, and the shopping scene is eclectic and charming. As you meander the cobblestone streets, you’ll find everything from Scandinavian imports to home decor, antiques, gourmet food, and boutique clothing.

• Jule Hus – A Christmas store open year-round. It’s magical no matter the season.

• The Book Loft – A delightful independent bookstore downstairs from the Hans Christian Andersen Museum.

• ZFolio Gallery – For one-of-a-kind jewelry and art glass pieces.
• Solvang Spice Merchant – A culinary haven for herbs, salts, teas, and rare spices.

At the heart of Solvang is the town square, with its traditional half-timbered buildings, flower-lined streets, windmills, and even a replica of Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid statue. It’s the perfect place to take photos, people-watch, and enjoy a relaxing ice cream cone or Danish hot dog from a street cart.

During the holidays, Solvang becomes a European-style Christmas village with lights, parades, and festive markets. The Danish Days Festival, each September, is also a must-see celebration of the town’s heritage.

Our annual (sometimes twice-annual) getaways here are filled with relaxation, good food, meaningful conversation, and just the right amount of adventure. If you’re planning your first visit, or looking to return with fresh ideas, I hope this guide helps you plan the perfect weekend away.