Disclaimer: The dive community strongly advises against diving while affected by alcohol, due both to mental impairment, which can be made worse in association with gas narcosis, and possible elevated decompression illness risk caused by dehydration. For more information on the effects of drinking and diving, read this.

Tucked between the San Rafael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south, Santa Ynez Valley spans a large swath of Santa Barbara County’s hinterland. A region imbued with the aura of California’s frontier towns, the area has quietly become a leading destination for fine wine and dining that is set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills, ranches and vineyards.

Only an hour and 20 minutes from the coastal gateway to the Channel Islands, it’s a perfect pairing for your next dive to wine adventure.

Where to Dive

The Channel Islands, an archipelago off the coast of Santa Barbara, California earned protection as a National Park in 1980. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, a span of submerged lands and waters, protects an aquatic wonderland boasting giant kelp forests, rocky coral reefs, seagrass beds, and submarine canyons. Over 1000 species of fish, invertebrates, and algae thrive alongside 26 species of marine mammals, including blue whales which feed and raise their young in the park. This incredible biodiversity earned the spot the moniker ‘Galapagos of North America’.

Stay Connected! Keep up to date with the latest in diving and underwater adventure. Join PADI Club today for access to exclusive events, dive meetups and a subscription to Scuba Diving magazine.

One of the area’s most popular dive companies, the Spectre Dive Boat, determines their dive spots daily through visibility, current, swell and surface conditions in over 100 possible locations. They typically hover around Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands, and divers spend the day on the water across 3 dives, with time to relax in the hot tub on board. On most dives, you’ll see the spectacular kelp forests and bottom topography ranging from pinnacles to short shallow caves. Unguided dives range from 25 to 50 feet, and the boat remains anchored in place.

Related Reading: Exploring Sardinia’s Wine and Diving Scene

Reefs surrounding Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands house small fish, red and purple sea urchins and spiny lobsters, and many divers hope to interact with the always playful sea lions and harbor seals. In the summer months, giant black sea bass impress divers as they glide through swaying kelp. From October through March, divers also have the option to hunt lobster. Divers with Spectre need open water certification, though all trips are suitable for new divers. “The scenic stuff is close to the islands,” explains Spectre owner Ted Cumming, who says the dives are not technically challenging.

Where to Stay

Divers meeting the boat for the 7 a.m. departure in Ventura Harbor should stay on any of the beautiful beaches of the Ventura County coast. One of the best oceanfront hotels serving regional California cuisine and local wines is Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in Oxnard, just an 8-minute drive to the harbor. Spectre returns at 4 p.m., leaving time to get to Santa Ynez Valley wine country by night.

For a taste of old west meets Victorian-era charm, book the newly refreshed Genevieve Hotel in the tiny cowboy town of Santa Ynez. The property hosts nightly wine tastings from local producers and has a standout restaurant, the Victor. Oysters, steaks, and a varied wine list make it easy to linger over dinner then shuffle home past the fire pit.

Lay of the Land

Six small towns, each with its own history, culture, and hospitality, dot Santa Ynez Valley. Though wine and tourism play an important role in the area’s economy, the valley’s charm lies in its deep connection to its cowboy roots and 150 years of agricultural, ranching, and equine industries. Unlike glitzier Napa, one feels steeped in the vestiges of California’s old frontier in Santa Ynez, whether hopping between tasting rooms in Los Olivos or hitting the dance floor at country-western bar the Maverick Saloon. Visitors can have high-brow, low-brow experiences without feeling any disconnect, known to some as authenticity without rusticity.

Related Reading: How Underwater Mapping Is Changing the Dive World

With seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Santa Barbara County supporting a range of microclimates and grapes, the wine regions echo the diversity of the valley’s experiences. From Alisos Canyon, Ballard Canyon, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Los Olivos District, Santa Maria Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, to Sta. Rita Hills, a wealth of grapes and styles keeps the avid taster busy. Though excellent bottles abound, highlights include dazzling Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, earthy Syrah, and rich, robust Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Where to Taste

Numerous wineries have embraced sustainable, organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming practices that align with the values of many scuba divers. In other words, it’s easy to find something delicious that’s also grown in an eco-friendly manner. For a picturesque tasting experience, drive out to certified organic Grimm’s Bluff in Happy Canyon, known for its biodynamic wines and sweeping views.

In Los Olivos, check out Larry Schaffer’s artisanal line-up at Tercero Wines, and don’t miss the Grenache Blanc on a warm day. Take a walk to nearby Storm Wines for refined Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just across the street, winemaker Ernst Storm turns out elegant Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for Donnachadh. For those in favor of natural wines with an Austrian twist, Solminer in Los Olivos welcomes walk-ins to their tasting room.

In Solvang, James Spark makes exciting, energetic wines for his Kings Carey label. If dining in Los Alamos, check out the fun tasting room of Clementine Carter Wines. Dovecote Estate in Alisos Canyon specializes in small batch Rhône-inspired wines. Presqu’ile in the Santa Maria Valley is famous for its cool climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, best sipped languorously on the expansive patio. In Buellton, fans of California’s Italian varieties should try the weekend brunch tasting menu at Vega Vineyards and Farm. Lastly, if you prefer a side of posh with your plush Merlot, book a tasting in Brave & Maiden’s contemporary space. You might even leave with a membership.

As always, don’t drink and dive!