
If you’ve ever been to Wine Country in Santa Ynez — where Sideways was filmed — you’ve probably driven past a lake on the eastern side of the 154 highway and wondered what it would be like to camp out under the stars before a day full of tastings.
Well, if you’re interested in spending your money at the winery instead of at the B&B, Lake Cachuma is the ultimate solution.
Located 15 miles off the 101 freeway and within minutes of popular vineyards, Cachuma’s campsites are perfect for couples, families and a group of friends on a weekend adventure.

I spent this past weekend with nine close friends tasting California’s finest and relaxing for less than $7 a night.
Of course, when added up, the tastings are somewhat expensive. Yet, the majority are worth every penny. In total, the weekend shouldn’t cost more than $100 — that is unless you found the bottle(s) you were looking to bring home and couldn’t steer clear of Chumash Casino (where your money disappears while doing a rain dance for a potential blackjack hand … only to lose to a 21 after splitting Aces twice).
If you’re going to purchase a bottle or two, make sure to visit the following locales before making a decision:
Fess Parker (6200 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos, 800.841.1104)
I am the newest member of this winery for two reasons…1) the pourers I met the last two times I’ve been. Part of the wine drinking experience is sharing it with others. Though they weren’t tasting, I felt like I stepped into a home with these folks and I’m proud to have them send me two bottles a quarter. I highly recommend becoming a member of the Parker family. If you do, I’ll see you at the annual Release Day BBQ. Don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary tastings. Ahhh…almost forgot to mention the second reason…the wine! From the Melange Blanc to the Pinot Noir to the heavenly Syrah, these modestly priced varietals weigh heavy on my heart.
Riverbench (6020 Foxen Canyon Road, Santa Maria, 805.937.8340)
After spending a lazy morning/afternoon at Fess, make your way up Foxen Canyon Road to Riverbench and enjoy tastings from their 220-acre Chardonnay harvest or 92-acre crop of Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Viognier. The vineyard itself has been around since 1973, but the tasting room has only been open for a few months. Horseshoe, Bocce and Burgundian varietals will keep you busy for a few hours, and the soulful pourers will make it nearly impossible to leave.
Epiphany (2963 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, 866.354.9463)
There’s no comparison, the wines I tasted at Epiphany were absolutely my favorite. One after the other, they exemplified why Eli Parker was named Winemaker of the Year in 2006. Make sure to ask Tom Olmsted (Tasting Room Manager) for a pour of the Grenache Blanc, Petite Syrah, and my two favorites: Revelation (62% Syrah, 30% Grenach, 8% Petite Sirah) and 2005 “F Block” Syrah (only 143 cases made).