Santa Ynez Valley

The Santa Ynez Valley is a valley in Santa Barbara County in the U.S. state of California.

The valley lies between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the San Rafael Mountains near the city of Santa Barbara. The Santa Ynez River flows from east to west through the valley. The Santa Ynez Valley about 20,000 people live in the six towns of Solvang, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez, Buellton, Ballard and Los Alamos.

Economy

The main industry is the wine. The Santa Ynez Valley, there are more than 70 wineries and tasting rooms. The area is designated as American Viticultural Area. Furthermore, in the valley many apple farms available that entertain, among other stalls on the streets. In the whole valley horse breeding and equestrian sport is played and maintained an historic Western atmosphere. Famous horse ranches are Monty Roberts ' Flag is Up Farms and the Alamo Pintado Equine nationally known Medical Center. Tourists visit the valley mainly because of the many art galleries, wine tasting rooms and antique shops as well as the comfortable resorts and guest ranches. Because of the good weather all year round outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling in the nearby neighborhood of Frankfurt Los Padres National Forest are popular. The tourism experienced by the 2004 shot in Santa Ynez Valley Film Sideways an upswing. The cyclist Lance Armstrong trained each year in the Santa Ynez Valley. Near the village of Los Olivos is the Neverland Ranch, 1988-2005 residence of singer Michael Jackson who died in 2009.