Wine Country

As a wine professional — there are a few places I like to keep secret. Fact is, you need to have a place that can give you the inside scoop — this is mine in Los Olivos. I decided to Unilocal about it after noticing that the wine economy is hitting my favorite places too — I can’t sit on my hands any longer!
First, the family team are all professionals of the wine business. Each working at a different winery during the week — THEY KNOW THE SKINNY!
I take groups their to do a fun and expansive tasting of smaller producers that do not have tasting rooms, or that show places off that need more attention… everyone walks out with a reasonably priced bottle of wine.
The store features a nice working collection of small producers, rarities, unique items, and has some of the dependable guys as well. I like it not only for the selection of Santa Barbara but also Paso producers and a great Beer selection.
I ask them to steer me towards the new and the interesting…
Each year, we do the STARS of Santa Barbara at the Peninsula in Beverly Hills and in the OC (new in 2009) — the wine shop helps me connect the dots and find the new hot spots, and inform me of the moves, the closings, the openings, and the gossip that makes drinking wine more interesting, conversational, and topical.
I recommend the store highly — tell them LearnAboutWine sent you.
PROS
Prices
Service
Selection
Location
NEGS
So much wine, so little time.

Wine Country is a great wine and beer shop in downtown Los Olivos. The staff is very accessible and knowledgeable (particularly so when it comes to local wine and beer). Wine Country offers a wide selection from smaller, boutique wineries, and often the winemakers themselves are present to pour their offerings.
I’ve discovered a number of great, small batch wines via their tastings. This place is a must when visiting Los Olivos.