Wine enthusiasts have dubbed the collection of tasting rooms in this area El Paseo because of the restaurant built in 1922 at the same location. Enjoy tasting rooms with Spanish atmospheres, friendly staff and acclaimed labels. Weekends in El Paseo mean large crowds and tasting staff can be over whelmed at any location. If you plan to taste in a group larger than 6, it’s always best to call ahead. Parking for this location is best two blocks down at parking lots 10 and 11. We recommend The Presidio Neighborhood Map for a complete listing of the retail businesses and restaurants.
The Presidio of Santa Barbara is the last military outpost built by Spain in the New World. If you are wine tasting in El Paseo this historic state park is one block up. This site hosts an adobe structure named El Cuartel; the second oldest building in California. We explored El Presidio on a weekday and discovered restoration projects, living history demonstrations and guided tours. If you enjoy mission themes don't miss La Casa de la Guerra and the Historical Museum in the same neighborhood.
The Presidio Neighborhood is large. If you plan to taste in El Paseo and the Funk Zone you will need to use the Freeway underpass located on State Street. The underpass is shown to the right, it was clean and well populated on the day that we passed through. If you are traveling on foot, allocate at least 20 min. between locations.
The Santa Barbra Funk Zone is located next to East Beach and the Pier. This area is host to small retailers, beach goers and weekend gourmet food trucks. Get lost in a walkable assortment of upbeat tasting rooms, patron conversations, and award winning wine. If you are new to wine appellations check out the wall map at the Valley Project. This tasting room sits adjacent to well-known labels like The Santa Barbara Winery and Lafond. We also enjoyed the alien theme at Area 5.1 and the wines on tap at Pali Wine. Weekends in the Funk Zone mean large crowds and tasting staff can be over whelmed at any location. If things are feeling a bit full, move a block down. Most tasting rooms appreciate a heads up if you plan to stop by in a group larger than 8.