If you blink while driving through Lompoc, California, you might miss the charm hidden behind its no-frills facade. It’s not one of those polished wine country towns with design-forward boutique hotels. Lompoc is a little scruffy around the edges. It’s an old military town that hasn’t had much of a glow-up in decades. But if you care more about what’s in the glass than what’s on the sidewalk, Lompoc delivers.
Lompoc sits in Santa Barbara County, nestled into the cool, coastal Santa Rita Hills. It’s one of the few wine regions in California that runs east to west instead of north to south. That matters. It means coastal fog and ocean breezes funnel right through the valleys, keeping the vineyards cool and the grapes happy. And happy grapes make magical Pinot Noir and Chardonnays.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Call ahead to book tasting appointments. We got lucky that several were open the day we visited, but it’s definitely not a given.
Wine Tasting in Lompoc
Wineries in Downtown Lompoc
- Longoria Wines
- Lompoc Wine Ghetto
- Sandhi
- Flying Goat Cellars
We started our tasting day at Longoria Wines, right in the heart of downtown Lompoc. The space is elegant and welcoming, and the wines made a lasting first impression. The rosé was our favorite (dry, crisp, sit-by-the-pool sip-worthy), followed closely by the Lovely Rita Pinot.
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The tasting room hostess, a Lompoc native, gave us a crash course in local wine culture and the history of the town. She knew her stuff: climate, soil and vineyards. Then Matt, the assistant winemaker, gave us a tour of the winemaking process and shared that Rick Longoria, the winery’s founder, still lends his palate to the wines today.
The Lompoc Wine Ghetto sounds gritty, but it’s really a cluster of warehouse-style tasting rooms, each with its own unique personality.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Wine tasting is just one of the fun things to do in Lompoc.
Sandhi gives upscale energy with single-vineyard pinots like the very popular and usually sold out Domaine de la Côte. Our host, Adam, is a sommelier who brings a wealth of knowledge to the experience.
Flying Goat Cellars won us over with Goat Bubbles – a delicious sparkling pink wine – not too sweet, not too dry. It’s so good that the owner, Norm, was named 2025 Vintner of the Year by the Santa Rita Hills Wine Alliance.
Wineries Along HWY 246
- Babcock Winery & Vineyards
- Foley Estates
Just a few miles outside of town on Highway 246, you’ll hit a stretch of estate wineries that deliver exactly what you imagine when you picture wine country: rolling vineyards, scenic patios and tasting rooms that make you want to stay awhile.
Babcock Winery is a standout—not just for its wines, but for its full-blown rock ‘n’ roll personality. The owner is a massive Tom Petty fan, and it shows. The tasting room is more like a curated vintage shop meets backstage lounge, complete with eclectic furniture (including chairs from Tom Petty’s actual house!), racks of retro T-shirts and playful, funky decor that has to be inspected.
We met a couple who makes the drive from LA to Lompoc regularly because they love the wines here so much.
Wine is poured as soon as you enter the tasting room at Foley Estates, where the patio views are as impressive as the pours. The tasting room is spacious and overlooks the vineyards. We were happy to hang out and enjoy the breeze.
Where Should I Stay in Lompoc CA?
We stayed at the Embassy Suites. While not fancy, it is clean, all rooms are suites and we thought the breakfast omelets were fantastic. It’s one of the nicest options in town, along with the Hilton Garden Inn.
We were surprised that Lompoc doesn’t have any true luxury hotels with beautiful wineries and SpaceX so close by, but Embassy Suites works well for a comfortable stay.
There’s an outdoor pool with plenty of seating plus a tropical garden area with heat lamps and more seating. We were provided two complimentary drink tickets (cocktails included) and snacks at their nightly reception.
Free parking and Wi‑Fi add to the value.
While the property is clean and well‑kept, some areas show their age and could use a refresh.
FAQs about Wine Tasting in Lompoc CA
How do I get to Lompoc?
Most visitors drive in from Santa Barbara (about 1 hour), San Luis Obispo (1.5 hours) or Los Angeles (about 3 hours). The closest airport is Santa Barbara Airport (SBA).
When’s the best time to visit for wine?
Any time really. We were there in July and needed our jackets. It’s about 10-15 degrees cooler than Los Angeles. Summer is busier but still fun.
Do I need a car?
Yes. Wineries are spread out, especially those along Highway 246. There’s no reliable public transportation for wine tasting. Arrange a designated driver or hire a private car service if you plan to visit multiple tasting rooms.
Do I need a reservation for wine tasting?
Many Lompoc wineries have limited or seasonal hours, and some are only open on weekends. Reservations are recommended.
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The post An Affordable but Still World-Class Wine Tasting in Lompoc, CA appeared first on She Buys Travel.
