The charming town of historic Los Olivos in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley is the setting for the simple and hospitable tasting room of Carina Cellars. Noted for its eclectic art galleries, unique shopping and memorable restaurants, Los Olivos has a number of storefront tasting rooms. Carina Cellars is a relatively large space and is stocked with wines, olive oils, grape seed oils, pasta sauces and winery logo clothes.

The emphasis at Carina Cellars is on the Rhone varieties, including Syrah and Viognier, with a number of vineyard-designated wines to taste and compare. The winery is in nearby Buellton, and tours and tasting there are available by appointment only.

The vineyard focus is to discern a wine’s unique “terroir” that is derived from the soil, location and climate. The winemaking style is a minimalist approach that allows the grapes’ unique attributes to develop. Carina sources their grapes from the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria growing areas, as well as from Napa valley for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah blend.