A Cheeky Friday Wine Walk Through the Presidio Neighborhood
Some Fridays just call for a little spontaneity… And when the sun’s out, there’s really no better way to lean in than with a glass (or three) in hand. I found myself with a short Friday and a strong craving for sunshine, so I set off for a casual wine tasting stroll through one of my favorite corners of Santa Barbara: the Presidio neighborhood.
First stop: Au Bon Climat. Always a classic, always a pleasure. I went for their signature tasting and, as usual, was struck by the beautiful balance and structure of their wines. Whether it’s a bold red or a delicate white, there’s a refined elegance to every pour. And one of my favorite things about visiting? I always seem to discover something new on the tasting list, which makes every visit feel like a mini adventure.
Next, I wandered over to Frequency Wines. That patio. It’s basically summer in architectural form, sunny, welcoming, and made for lingering. Their lineup is fun and varied, with a great mix of reds, whites, and rosés. I especially loved the bright, crisp whites and refreshing rosé, which paired perfectly with the cheese plate we grabbed from next door (because honestly, what’s wine without cheese?).
To wrap things up, I popped into Gala for a little happy hour finale. A glass of Cape d’Or sauv blanc, a few small bites, and, let me say this loud and clear, do not skip the almond tart. I repeat: do not. It’s warm, buttery, slightly sweet perfection, and I’d go back just for that.
Santa Barbara wine tasting days don’t always have to be a full production, sometimes a few well-chosen stops and a little golden-hour glow are all you need. Cheers, friends!
