Australian Mike Brown traveled halfway around the world to combine his two loves: surfing and winemaking. Try his full-bodied red blends, unusual white varietals or sweet dessert wines (the orange muscat is a crowd-pleaser), all in bottles with Aboriginal-art-inspired labels. Kalyra also pours at Helix, a smaller venue on Buellton's Industrial Way (noon to 5pm Friday to Sunday; $15), close to several other tasting rooms.

Check the website for details on movie nights and star-gazing events.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery

0.46 MILES

Wander inside what looks like an 18th-century stone farmhouse from Provence and into a cool hillside cave housing wine barrels. Sunstone crafts Bordeaux…

2. Old Mission Santa Ínes

2.18 MILES

The 19th of 21 California missions was founded by Franciscan friars in 1804 and remains an active parish. A self-guided tour takes you through a small,…

3. Hans Christian Andersen Museum

2.29 MILES

If you remember childhood fairy tales with fondness, stop by this tiny two-room museum. A larger-than-life bust of Denmark's favorite storyteller welcomes…

4. Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard

2.34 MILES

Bordeaux and Rhône varieties do well in the sun-dappled limestone soil at this friendly winery best for wine-tasting neophytes and dog owners. The…

5. Tocatta

2.35 MILES

Locals gather for afternoon drinks and food at Toccata. The cosy and friendly downtown Solvang winery specializes in Italian varietals and robust Tuscan…

6. Elverhøj Museum of History & Art

2.54 MILES

South of downtown, tucked away on a residential side street, this delightful little museum has modest but thoughtful exhibits on Solvang’s Danish heritage…

7. Wildling Museum

2.65 MILES

Need a break from boozing? This petite art museum exhibits rotating nature-themed paintings and photography that aim to inspire you to go hiking in the…

8. Lincourt Vineyard

3.04 MILES

Respected winemaker Bill Foley, who also owns Firestone Vineyards in Foxen Canyon, founded this vineyard in the 1990s on a former dairy farm. Today, the…