Tourists in Solvang, California, can do much more than visit the area's vineyards and taste wines. Solvang, in the Santa Ynez Valley about 130 miles north of Los Angeles, also is a center of Danish culture. Annual celebrations honor Solvang's Danish roots, and restaurants and bakeries serving traditional Danish fare can be found throughout the city. Solvang also is home to the Spanish Colonial-era Santa Ines Mission, which draws lovers of history and Mission-style architecture.
Visit local vineyards on your own or participate in an organized wine tour. The area is known for its pinot noir, syrah and chardonnay. The Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association is a good place to start planning a tour. The association organizes wine tastings and keeps visitors up to date on what's going on at the vineyards.
Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country Association
P.O. Box 1740
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
800-563-3183
santaynezwinecountry.com
Walk around downtown Solvang and you'll see Scandinavian architecture from the early 20th century, horse-drawn carriages and antique windmills. To learn more about the town's Danish background, visit the Elverhoj Museum. Or come during Danish Days in September or Julefest in December to experience residents' homage to their ancestors. Danes founded Solvang in 1910. They started a Lutheran church and a school to continue their Danish lifestyle in their new California home.
Elverhoj Museum
1624 Elverhoy Way
Solvang, CA 93464
805-686-1211
elverhoj.org
Mission Santa Ines was founded by Franciscan priests in 1804. The mission is named after Saint Agnes, or "Santa Ines" in Spanish, who is the patron saint of purity and chastity. You can tour the mission, participate in weekly services or reserve the grounds for banquets or weddings.
Mission Santa Ines
1760 Mission Drive
Solvang, CA 93463
805-688-4815
missionsantaines.org
Sample Danish desserts such as "aebleskiver," a pancake ball with jam, or Danish pastries such as almond rings during March's Taste of Solvang festival. Activities include wine tastings, picnics in the park and tours of Mission Santa Ines. The variety of food and drink available should give you a good overview of Solvang's culinary offerings.
Taste of Solvang
solvangusa.com
