This month I had the privilege to write about one of my favorite restaurants in Buellton, Avant Tapas and Wine. If you don’t know where it is, chances are you won’t just happen by this restaurant, unless you’re in the neighborhood to do a beer tasting at Figueroa Mountain Brewery (which I also HIGHLY recommend you do!) Avant is located upstairs from the Terravant Custom Crush facility on Industrial Way which is off highway 246 in Buellton. Just drive all the way to the end of Industrial Way, and you’ll see Terravant…head around to the back and you’ll find the entrance to Avant. Since Avant is located in the same building as Terravant, chances are you’ll run into a local winemaker or two while enjoying some yuppy crack (completely irresistible and delicious!). 

I also had a chance to revisit Costa De Oro winery, which can’t be missed as it is just off highway 101 as you drive through Santa Maria. Their wines are incredible, and once you’re inside the tasting room you would have no idea that they’re located so close to the freeway. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of nearby strawberry fields, and they often have BBQ’s and live music on Friday nights.