Live Out Your Sideways Dreams in Santa Ynez

Image courtesy Fox Searchlight Pictures

Please drink responsibly and use a designated driver, as your RoamRight policy does not cover loss resulting from or caused by being under the influence of alcohol.

Ten years ago, the movie Sideways (Fox Searchlight Pictures) introduced the world to the wine country of the Santa Ynez Valley near the Central California coast. Miles (Paul Giammati) takes Jack (Thomas Haden Church) on a last week as a bachelor wine-tasting trip. Plenty of wine, fine dining and hilarity ensue as Miles and Jack become entangled with Maya (Virginia Madsen) and Stephanie (Sandra Oh).

The movie put the Santa Ynez Valley on the map as a wine destination and made merlot a dirty word. Thanks to Visit Santa Barbara you can download a Sideways mapand make your very own wine-and-dine getaway that commemorates famous scenes from the movie while letting you experience fantastic food and drink. There are 18 different spots on the map, but after you've watched this classic film again, here are five favorites to try.

Los Olivos Cafe and Wine Merchant

This was where Miles made his famous anti-merlot rant and later drunk-dialed his ex-wife from the phone in the back hallway. That phone is still there, but more importantly, the restaurant is where you can find basil arancini, parmesan gnocchi or lamb shank with polenta fries. The "and Wine Merchant" part of the title means you can also get great local wines to go with your meal, but also to take home. The wine list includes Bernat Estate Wines, made by the owner of the cafe.

Fess Parker Winery

In this pivotal part of the movie, Fess Parker was Frass Canyon winery where Miles hits rock bottom and drinks the spit bucket. In reality, this winery named after the guy who played Daniel Boone on TV is a beautiful spot to enjoy wine tasting. Buy a bottle and take it out onto the patio and have a glass while enjoying gorgeous surroundings. The winery regularly wins awards for its chardonnays, pinot noirs and Rieslings.

Hitching Post II

Jack and Miles shared a bottle of Highliner at this restaurant where Maya worked and they also make their own tasty wines. Miles was obsessed with Pinot Noirs, and once you've tried the Highliner Pinot Noir you'll see why. Stick around for dinner and try the roasted garlic and grilled artichokes and Midwestern corn-fed steaks.

Solvang Restaurant

This restaurant, which has been in the picturesque Danish town of Solvang for decades, is where Jack told Miles to stop being such a downer. The staff can point out and put you in the very same booth where you can enjoy Arnes Famous Aebleskiver. Whether or not you can pronounce the name of the Danish dish, you'll love the way the pancake-style batter is rolled into balls and served with jam and powdered sugar.

Kalyra Winery

This is where Stephanie pours samples for Jack and romance ensues. This winery with an Australian name produces whites and reds but is also known for its dessert wines, including Muscat and port.

In between all of these stops, you'll also find yourself driving along beautiful country roads past rolling hills filled with vineyards - just like Jack and Miles. Whether it's wining, dining or just enjoying the stunning views, get ready to go Sideways!

What is your favorite movie-related travel destination?

Note: Available plans and coverages may have changed since this blog was published.