A Day in Los Olivos: Pinot, Rhône & Sandwiches That Hit
Can you visit Los Olivos without a plan? Absolutely. Will my Type A nature ever allow that? Absolutely not.
At nearly every tasting room, someone casually mentioned, “You can totally just show up and wing it here.” But I’m not a wing-it kind of girl. I believe in a well-paced pour and a lunch stop that’s locked in. So, in the spirit of saving you from wandering aimlessly between world-class wines, I’m sharing my curated day in Los Olivos.
On a recent trip, I visited three must-stops—Brewer-Clifton, Dragonette, and Stolpman—plus a quick and satisfying lunch at Panino. Here's how to do it right (with just the right amount of structure).
10:00 AM – Brewer-Clifton
Start your day grounded in precision and purity. Brewer-Clifton is a modern shrine to Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, helmed by the one and only Greg Brewer. The tasting room is sleek and minimal, but the wines? Maximalist in the best way.
Greg ferments 100% whole cluster—a style I love for its structure and spice—and produces around 13,000 cases annually. It’s all about site-driven wines with serious cellar potential (or… drink-now joy. I won’t judge).
Don’t Miss:
Diatom Chardonnay – a lean, saline stunner
Ex Post Facto Syrah – smoke, spice, and so much personality (this one was a personal fave—I'm a sucker for a spicy Syrah)
I picked up a few bottles, so keep an eye out for featured reviews coming soon.
11:30 AM – Dragonette Cellars
If Brewer-Clifton is all polished edges, Dragonette is the inviting living room with layers of books and stories. Their team is deeply knowledgeable and generous with insights, often offering side-by-side pours so you can actually taste the nuance.
Dragonette produces just 5,000 cases a year, and you can feel the intention in every glass. The Sauvignon Blanc is a total sleeper hit, zippy and textured, and the reds are rich, structured, and just plain sexy.
The surprise of the tasting? The Duvarita Pinot Noir. I know it sounds dramatic, but you can smell the sand dunes and umami in the glass. It’s a wine worth pausing for.
Tasting Flight Highlights:
Happy Canyon Sauvignon Blanc (yes, that’s a real AVA)
Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
Syrah that reads like velvet and violets
It’s the kind of place where you casually drop in and leave wondering if you should’ve joined the wine club (I almost did).
12:30 PM – Lunch at Panino
Time to reset and refuel. Panino is your go-to for hearty sandwiches and fresh salads, ideal for picnicking or grabbing a seat on their shaded patio.
What I Ordered:
Turkey on sourdough (but the focaccia? Chef’s kiss)
Caprese with ultra-fresh mozzarella and balsamic
Plus an iced tea… or a cheeky canned wine if the vibe calls for it
Two tastings down, one to go. Let's keep the momentum.
1:30 PM – Stolpman Vineyards
Just a short walk and you’re at Stolpman, where Rhône varietals meet sandy soils and wild, hands-off winemaking. This was the stop that inspired my whole blog post on carbonic maceration—you can thank their Para Maria for that.
Para Maria is plush and lifted, made from carbonic Syrah with a splash of Petite Verdot. It’s dark fruit meets bright energy. Think spice, violets, and a juicy finish that practically begs for a second glass.
The vibe: Rustic, casual, and full of sunshine
The wines: Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne, and the always delightful Love You Bunches lineup (aka your new favorite chillable red)
Stolpman’s the kind of place you sip slow, linger long, and seriously consider staying for golden hour.
Los Olivos delivers big wine energy in a tiny town package. With world-class Pinot, Rhône reds, a killer sandwich, and sunshine all day long, this itinerary is a ready-made classic. Bring your wine tote and thank me later.
