Auberge Resorts’ The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern Debuts in Santa Barbara Wine Country

The Santa Ynez Valley — one in all California’s most inviting wine areas — now has one thing new to supply: its first bona fide luxurious resort.

The storied The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, California, has been meticulously modernized by design agency AvroKO and has simply been opened below the administration of luxurious hospitality titan Auberge Resorts Assortment. The brand new resort cements Santa Barbara County’s once-under-the-radar wine nation vacation spot — the place previous and present residents embrace Bernie Taupin, Noah Wylie, Bo Derek and David Crosby — as a vibrant trip spot.

A former 1800s stagecoach cease between San Francisco and Los Angeles providing meals and lodgings for vacationers needing a recharge, Mattei’s Tavern reigned because the roaring social hub of the Santa Ynez Valley for over a century. Through the years, the spot had a number of iterations below varied homeowners, together with a number of spirited restaurant and bar ideas, all of the whereas sustaining its authentic Craftsman-style constructions, together with the signature water tower that soars over the property.

After in depth renovations below Auberge, the inn has emerged with the character of its authentic period preserved and a pervasive sense of heat and intimacy. However the decidedly low-key vibe at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern is matched with a throng of luxurious new components, the centerpiece being a saloon-style bar befitting a Clint Eastwood western, the place the theme of embracing the previous carries via to the cocktail menu. The Outdated Gus Berg — that includes Russell’s Reserve single-barrel bourbon, Demerara, house-made bitters and pinot noir — is called for a former maître d’. The setting is Wild West cozy-meets-jovial with out feeling manufactured, so anticipate to have a tough time tearing your self away from the inviting seating close to the crackling fire.

Dotted with old-growth palms, the property immerses friends in a luxe model of the California ranch way of life. Greenery and fireplace pits line walkways which result in 67 ethereal, freestanding visitor rooms and 4 authentic cottages. Gentle-filled interiors, which veer cozy modern whereas honoring the previous, characteristic four-poster beds, uncovered wood-beam ceilings, classic furnishings and touches of brass, delivering a relaxed, nation house really feel. The lodging are complemented by personal out of doors patios and porches — superb for sipping the area’s award-winning wines. The property additionally consists of an indoor/out of doors modernized barn and occasion house (already reserving up with weddings and different celebrations and company retreats).

After a day exploring the realm — whether or not wine tasting or bike using amongst sun-dappled vineyards — go to The Lavender Barn spa. It gives friends complimentary yoga, Pilates, meditation, strengthening courses and an olive-tree-ringed serenity pool, plus physique and facial remedies (from $180) that includes Oak Necessities, the skincare assortment by designer Jenni Kayne.

Eating choices on property are aplenty. Government chef Rhoda Magbitang, who fine-tuned her culinary abilities working alongside such stars as José Andrés, Suzanne Goin and Josiah Citrin, holds court docket on the open kitchen inside The Tavern restaurant the place her ingenious, but unfussy creations complement her charismatic nature. The menu features a delightfully addictive crispy cauliflower enhanced with savory almond dukkah and spiced honey; ocean trout with roasted mushrooms and pickled onion relish; and a savory but mild fennel-infused pork stomach and clams, all that includes elements from the on-site backyard and native purveyors.

There’s additionally informal all-day fare, espresso and baked delicacies at Felix Feed & Espresso (named in honor of Felix Mattei, the tavern’s authentic proprietor) and Mediterranean poolside staples at The Shed. Gin’s Faucet Bar, which pays homage to Gin Lung Gin, one of many property’s back-in-the-day cooks, gives up ranch-smoked meats and cocktails, with reside music by native artists deliberate for spring. (For a have a look at different locations to eat, in addition to wine style and keep, within the Santa Ynez Valley, take a look at THR’s 2023 information to the Santa Barbara wine area.)

The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern (rooms from $950 an evening) is positioned 2350 Railway Ave. in Los Olivos, California.

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