Saarloos + Sons Los Olivos for Family Wine Tasting

For guests looking to experience wine country at a slower pace, Saarloos + Sons Los Olivos offers an experience that feels personal, relaxed, and connected to the land. This family-owned estate combines wine tasting with farming, storytelling, and family-friendly experiences, making it a thoughtful stop for couples, families, and extended-stay guests exploring the Santa Ynez Valley.

About Saarloos + Sons Los Olivos

Saarloos + Sons Los Olivos is a family-owned and operated estate winery located at 2971 Grand Avenue in Los Olivos. The Saarloos family farms its own grapes and handles many parts of the winemaking process themselves, from growing and harvesting to bottling and labeling. That connection to farming is central to the experience and gives the tasting room a distinctly personal character.

One of the property’s best-known experiences is its wine and cupcake pairing. Saarloos + Sons has been pairing its wines with specially created cupcakes for more than 15 years. The combination gives adults an opportunity to explore the wines while children can enjoy the sweet pairing, making it an approachable option for families who want to include everyone in a wine country afternoon.

The vineyard experience is another reason to visit. Every Saturday morning, the winery offers a free vineyard tour where guests can walk through the working ranch, learn about farming and wine, and ask questions about the Santa Ynez Valley. The tour is intentionally informal rather than scripted, and children and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The winery recommends comfortable shoes, water, and weather-appropriate clothing for the walk.

For guests staying in the area for several days or weeks, the combination of wine, agriculture, and family history makes Saarloos + Sons more than simply a tasting stop. It offers a chance to understand a little more about the working landscape behind Santa Barbara Wine Country.

Why Guests Love It

• Family-friendly wine country experience: The wine and cupcake pairing gives families a way to enjoy the tasting room together.
• A more personal atmosphere: The winery is family-owned and estate-grown, with the Saarloos family closely involved in farming and winemaking.
• Free Saturday vineyard tours: Guests can walk the working vineyard, ask questions, and learn about farming and wine without paying a separate tour fee.
• Good for visiting relatives: It offers an easy half-day outing when friends or family are visiting during an extended stay.
• Something beyond traditional tasting: The combination of agriculture, storytelling, wine, and family history gives the visit more depth than a standard tasting-room stop.

Insider Tips

• Reservations: Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended for guaranteed seating, guided experiences, or larger groups.
• Hours: The Los Olivos tasting room is currently open daily from 11 AM to 5 PM.
• Saturday mornings: The free vineyard tour takes place on Saturdays at approximately 10 AM and lasts about 60–90 minutes. Check the winery’s current schedule when planning your visit.
• Bring comfortable shoes: The vineyard tour involves walking around the working ranch, so sandals or dress shoes may not be the most practical choice.
• Traveling with children: Kids are welcome on the vineyard tour, and the wine and cupcake pairing provides an especially easy family option.
• Plan for a slower visit: Give yourself enough time to enjoy the tasting rather than treating Saarloos + Sons as a quick stop between destinations.

Stay Hello Sunshine Tip

A longer stay in the Santa Ynez Valley gives you the freedom to experience wine country without rushing from one attraction to the next. Saarloos + Sons Los Olivos is a lovely choice for a slower afternoon, especially when you’re traveling with family or hosting visiting relatives. From the vineyard walk to the tasting room, it offers a glimpse into the people, land, and everyday work behind the wines of the valley.