Before my TWIN colleagues and I arrived to our final destination of the day, we checked into el Capiton Canyon, which is located about 15 miles north of Santa Barbara. This would be my first experience with “glamping,” or glamorous camping, as it is known in the world of luxury holidays. I refuse to ever go camping again (I tried it once and it most certainly was not for me), although I must admit that I was seduced by the fact that this was camping’s luxurious alternative and I decided to remain open-minded, especially since the property was featured on a recent 90210 episode and it looked gorgeous. However, when I walked inside my private cabin and discovered that there was no AC and it was most likely over 100 degrees, I quickly realized that at the end of the day I am just not a nature lodging kinda’ gal, despite how much I love being surrounded by the great outdoors.
Fortunately, I did not have too much time to think about the situation that I was in, as we had one more stop of the day: Sanford Winery. I have been to countless wineries around the world and this is without a doubt one of the most memorable I have visited yet. We were welcomed by the sight of the sun beginning to set behind the Santa Rita hills casting a majestic glow everywhere.
While we all separated into different directions in order to explore our surroundings, the sound of the bottles being uncorked beckoned us to return. Toasts began to flow as quickly as the wine was poured.
Then we went on a walking tour of the estate’s stunning grounds where we learned the history behind the winery and information about the different wines it offers.
I cannot imagine a more unforgettable place to dine than al fresco at a candlelit table in the middle of a Southern Californian winery. The food that was presented was perfect and the company even more so. I was even able to forget about the accommodations I would be returning to later in the evening!
Are you sure that’s camping, glamorous or not? 🙂 Either way, it looks amazing! I’m jealous! The shots of the vineyard with the setting sun are sublime.
Milsters
(www.littlepiecesoflight.com)
Yeah, I don’t think it’s camping…but regardless it still wasn’t my thing haha. I found mice in my room later that night!!! Thanks for the kind words re: my pics!
Okay, JUST when I thought I couldn’t get more envious, you go and post something like this. That winery should buy these photos from you – especially that hazy looking one with the tile roof of the building and those wheat plant thingies – just stunning! I always pictured most of the wineries in Northern California, so now you have me thinking I might have to look for some next time I’m in SoCal!
Awwwwww you made me tear up! THANK YOU for saying such a beautiful thing!!! That winery was just absolutely gorgeous! XO
that is absolutely stunning! Great photography!
Thank you!!!!!!!!! <3
I cant pick a favorite picture!!! They are all so beautiful!!!!! PS: I hate camping too- too cold at night, too hot during the day and you have to wake up early bc it’s too bright inside of the tent. Nothing like a nice bed
EXACTLY!!!!!! I would rather stay in a nice hotel, get a good night’s sleep, and then explore nature! I’m glad you like the photos my love!!!
that sure looks glamporious…..did i just make up a word?!
glad you added some vino to the mix 😉
xo the egg out west.
Hahaha yes you sure did and I love it! Wine fixes everything right? XO
Your photos are gorgeous! I have always wanted to visit California. I once tried to take a road trip when I lived in Texas but only made it to Arizona!
Thank you!!! I hope you can make it there one day. You got SO close! 🙂
Wow, absolutely beautiful images, Andi. I love the perspective of the wine glasses (both images). Once again, your descriptive writing puts me there with you.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words!
you made the winery look like a wedding reception!!!! and I agree with Fidel – both shots of the wine glasses are simply beautiful.
Awww you guys are just too sweet, THANK YOU!!!!!!
I love wineries! Such a peaceful place to down a bottle of something nice
Agree, I am always at peace in a winery!
Wow! The winery is set in a spectacular location and you captured the essence and beauty in images.
So gorgeous Andi!
Sorry to hear that Glamping isn’t your thing, I too would feel uncomfortable in such settings! A nice hotel room is way better.
Just looking at the glasses makes me thirsty and want to drink some vino rosso!
Cin cin!
Love,
Kay xo
Isn’t it just gorgeous??? I had no idea what it was going to look like, so my breath was completely taken away when we pulled up and then to have the sun setting so brilliantly…ugh take me back now! Yeah, glamping and camping are definitely not my thing. I know with 100% certainty now. LOVE nature, don’t like sleeping in it. Enjoy your glass of wine. Salud y besos con amor!
I love the abstract qualities your photos have taken on! Never been to Southern Cal yet but I’ll be in San Fran in Dec. Have you been to any wineries there yet?
I just got back from San Fran/Napa last week. Stay tuned for posts!!!
Beautiful shots! This is one portion of SoCal I have yet to explore…. looking forward to doing so now!
Thank you! I hope you can make to this part of SoCal soon!!! I know you’ll love it.
Beautiful shots Andi!
Thanks Michel!
Looks like a lovely afternoon and evening… How was your night in the cabin?
Yes, so lovely!!! Eh, not so good, I had company…mice!
Love your shots of the sun setting over the mountains. I’m sorry your glamping wasn’t so glam…somehow I feel like maybe one of those luxury tented safari camps might be more your camping style than a cabin with no A/C!
That’s what I naively thought this would be, their website is very clever, haha!!! 🙂
I love to camp, but a cabin with no A/C and 100 degrees is just plain misery. Why I like to camp in the fall. Beautiful photos of the winery.
I know how much you love it, I didn’t want to disappoint you!!! I swear it’s not a princess thing, I like getting dirty and going on adventures through nature, but I’m such a terrible sleeper. Thanks for the compliment re: my photos!
I’m not a camping girl either – in any form but what a beautiful location, the light is just stunning.
Yay for not being alone on this matter!!! And yes, the winery was beeeeeautiful!
Oh no, that is not my kind of camping either!
You mean traveling??? Or do you like to camp?
You did such a good job with your photos of the winery. I did too much talking and drinking to remember to photograph people drinking wine and the outside of the winery itself. Total fail. I suck! lol
Thank you dear, what a compliment coming from you!!! Sometimes it’s best to just put your camera down. I’m glad you did. XO
What a huge, wonderful, breathtaking year of experiences you’ve had! The first pic of you two always makes me smile. Gorgeous couple!
Thanks gorgeous newlywed! I know that 2012 was an AMAZING year for you as well!!!