Los Olivos: Wine, History and Festivals

Los Olivos combines a compact downtown with wine and olive products, railroad history, and cultural sites. Downtown has nearly 30 tasting rooms. The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail begins in Los Olivos and heads north through wineries and vineyards. From here, enjoy sweeping views of vineyards and horse ranches in Santa Barbara County. Alongside tastings, historic buildings and recurring events help define the town.

Wine, Olives, and the Foxen Canyon

Los Olivos Tasting Room & Wine Shop has been a destination for wine lovers since 1987. It offers private tastings and group tastings; walk-in tastings without a reservation are also possible. Check current availability before your trip. The tasting room at Olive Hill Farm in Los Olivos offers extra virgin olive oil, flavored oils, and imported Italian vinegars. The selection may change.

The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail heads north from its starting point in Los Olivos through vineyards and wineries. Another way to experience the area is with the semi-guided tours offered by Pedego Los Olivos and its electric bike rentals. A light breakfast is served along the way on tours through Foxen Canyon. If you plan to take a tour or rent a bike, check availability before your trip.

Local History and Culture

Los Olivos was named after Rancho de los Olivos, where 5,000 olive trees were planted. Berean Baptist Church was built in 1894 and was the first Protestant church in the Santa Ynez Valley; it is listed as Santa Barbara County Landmark No. 26. St. Mark’s Church is a downtown landmark.

Railroad history includes November 17, 1887: on that day, the narrow-gauge tracks of the Pacific Coast Railway reached Los Olivos, where the southern terminus of the Pacific Coast Narrow Gauge was located. At Highway 154, the former terminus, in operation from 1887 to 1934, included a warehouse, a depot, a two-stall engine house, a turntable, and water tanks. The former rail corridor is still visible to the west.

Individual buildings also illustrate the town’s history. Mattei’s Tavern Historic Cabins includes the Keenan/Hartley House. Built around 1882, the house is considered the first residence built in Los Olivos. Gallery Los Olivos exhibits works by more than 40 regional artists; the selection may change.

Annual Festivals

The 2026 Los Olivos Wine Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s of the Valley in downtown. More than 20 wineries from Los Olivos are participating. The 2026 edition of the Los Olivos Jazz and Olive Festival combines wine tastings and live jazz with dozens of olive-inspired dishes by local chefs.

Los Olivos Olde Fashioned Christmas takes place each year on the first Saturday in December. The festivities include the lighting of the town Christmas tree and a visit from Santa Claus. Free hot chocolate and cookies are served at Lavinia Campbell Park during the event.

Discover more destinations: Montecito, Los Alamos, Mission Canyon, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Carpinteria, Goleta, Lompoc

For the main travel overview: Santa Barbara.