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    Rusack Vineyards

    3.8 (199 reviews)
    ModerateWineries
    Open 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Rusack Vineyards Photos

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    Recommended Reviews - Rusack Vineyards

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    Jack L.

    (I will try to not be so biased since I am a new member of this winery now) The lady and I decided to take a day trip to Santa Barbara to escape our busy Los Angeles lives. Part of that is spending time within the city of Santa Barbara, but also driving up to Santa Ynez to do a wine tasting. We have done this a couple times before and have been to some good wineries, but nothing to give me enough to want to become a member (until Rusack). Beginning with the ambiance, Rusack resides within the Ballard Canyon which overlooks the lush, green hills of pure nature with no other winery or home in view. Even better, Rusack has a canyon terrace deck with hundred year old oaks growing through the deck leading to a picturesque view. In regards to the wines, we decided to to two flights of a wine tasting which includes eight, 2oz pours. The cost of the tasting depends on the wines chosen for each of the canisters that are chosen. We also decided to do a charcuterie with the wines for additional fees which was a nice touch. We loved a majority of the wines we tasted, which fared from Pinot, to Chardonnay, to Zinfandel, to Cabernet, to Rosé. In regards to the service, we have had better. Yes, it was a Saturday. Yes, it was busy. However, we had a lot of waiting around which was luckily complimented by extra tastings. However, I had to initiate the desire to become a member after my very pleasant experience which I feel like I should not have had to do. Nevertheless, we were very observant of the other servers and how well they were doing which was enough for me to become a member. Thus, I recommend a tasting at Rusack Vineyards!

    Front entrance
    Aida F.

    This was my hubby's find on our last trip down to the central coast; he insisted on taking our friends for wine tasting. What a wide assortment of wines & good; take your time tasting, get a charcuterie board & crackers, so you can cleanse your palate in between tastings; you just might find something you'll enjoy & have to take home. Our server, Ann, was the best, filled us in on the wines, where the grapes are grown & allowed us to devise our tastings. There's plenty of outdoor seating, just lovely to sit back, take in the area & view, while enjoying a glass of yummy wine. Hubby loved it so much, he's a member, so we'll definitely be back.

    Richie S.

    Being our 3rd stop from planned wine tasting spree-HH boys...expectations were a little low as i was thinking of maybe a little palate fatigued from tastings we did prior-(Alma Rosa and Casa Cassara)and yet again I thought otherwise...Rusack Vineyard were recommended for a reason indeed...from the rustic drive going there...to their welcome pour of sauvignon blanc as we were seated and from their varietals that we tried-delicate pinot noir and their round and bold syrahs!Our Lady host which i missed getting the name was also nice and accommodating... Our view from canyon deck overlooks the estate vineyards, with the rolling oak-studded hills providing a picture-perfect backdrop Truly an amazing experience! We are already planning to go back with our significant others and hopefully soon!

    Sean B.

    The wine was great here. Ambiance was super beautiful too. Pam who answered the phone was super rude and hung up on us when we called the number by the gate and asked if someone was to open the gate since it was confusing to us how to enter. Sienna was our server (luckily not Pam) and was attentive in the beginning but then we didn't see from the time she gave us the tastings to the time we had to pay and we took a while. We literally had to go and search for her to pay. I'd highly recommend if you are looking for great wine and ambiance without the need for an attentive server.

    Wine Flight
    Julie V.

    Visited this vineyard before we left Solvang. They take reservations only. We called prior to coming to make a last minute reservation. Since it was a slow Sunday, we were able to come within 30 minutes. You're given a complimentary wine glass upon arrival. I'm absolutely in love with their patio seating area facing the vineyard. It's so calm and relaxing! We got a flight of wine ($30) and a red white glass. Prices were affordable and the service was great. I definitely recommend this winery!

    Outside
    Alice W.

    Quaint little winery off the beaten path. A very short drive from solvang! Reservations: not necessary if you're a group under 6 people. We were a group of 2 and were able to just walk right in. Parking: there's a free lot w ample spots. Dogs: it's a dog friendLy place. No dogs allowed where you go inside to grab your wines, but dogs are allowed on the porch area and the grass so long as they are leashed. Wines: we thought the whites were preTty good. Surprisingly for us, the chardonnay was our favorite from the lot! Picnic: a lot of people brought their own food to eat. We brought fruit and chocolate to snack on w our wines. Ambiance: it's a very Homey backyard feel. You're just chilling on chairs and tables near other guests and looking out into the vineyards. It's quite lovely and a very chill atmosphere. Price: $18 a person to taste 5 different wines.

    Van V.

    Gorgeous patio is what makes tasting here divine. Really a 4 or 5, except for.... We had two pourers, one nice, one a bit of a curmudgeon. But hey, just take your pour to the patio and hope you get nice one for next pour. Curmudgeon emphasized, "You pay for the tasting. We don't do the typical nonsense of taking away the tasting fee if you buy bottles." OK. We did not buy bottles and just paid for the tasting. The wine was good. Several of them very good. We would have bought if it had covered tasting. Indeed they would have made money. The patio was so nice. Wine quite good. Their policy: dumb. Their curmudgeon: he should not be a wine pourer. Yet look at my gorgeous photo of that patio and try for yourself. Their barely blush rose was my favorite.

    James W.

    Still one of my favorites, and a wonderful value to the many others in this valley. Rusack is a true boutique winery that makes a excellent Chardonnay, and an estate Syrah. Do ask for their Reserve Syrah which has 100% Syrah from their own vines. One of the best serene views of any wineries in the area. Plan ahead and bring a picnic and maybe enjoy a bottle amongst friends and family. Be sure to give JuJu, the resident vineyard's kitty, a scratch.

    Ballard canyon in the background
    Valley F.

    One of the smaller vineyards in Ballard Canyon. We had a reservation and were able to get in on Saturday, the wines were fine, not stellar, but enjoyable. Our female server though seemed like she didn't want to be there that day, we told her it was our first time here, but her mood was not welcoming, didn't give us any background on the winery or about the grapes or anything else, other than we pour 2oz pours and you can mix and match. Maybe it was an off day but the experience could of been better

    a woman pouring wine into glasses

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Rusack Vineyards

    Hours show they are still open 11-5 daily but website says they aren't. Which is correct? Have been there before snd love their deck/patio. Planning another trip. Can we visit?

    Are reservations required?

    Yes

    I've been getting mixed answers on the reviews, so basically are their dogs allowed?

    Hi Jay! Our patio & deck area is pet friendly. We do have a couple of a guidelines for pet owners, namely that your pet should be leashed and well behaved, in order to ensure that everyone at our winery/tasting room has an enjoyable wine tasting… Read more

    What is the price range of Rusack wine?

    $21 - $72 per bottle or $16 - $65 if you're a club member.

    View All 5 Questions

    Review Highlights - Rusack Vineyards

    But like I said, my choice of wine from here is their line of Syrahs, they have excellent Pinot Noir as well.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    (90 reviews)

    Final Girl Wines was a must stop for me while visiting Solvang!…read more Final Girl Wines is located in the heart of Solvang and is a funky addition to this magical little town. I am a huge horror fan so I was beyond excited to check them out over the weekend! The inside and vibe was all I could hope for and more! We were immediately greeted when we arrived and found a table to sit at and enjoy our time. There were only a few tables plus bar seating available so it was nice and cozy. I loved seeing all of the horror memorabilia, decor and merchandise throughout including the killer Ghostface mask and Halloween pinball machine. My husband ordered a glass of their Cab which he loved and I ordered a Vamperol Spritz - they were even kind enough to make our daughter a mocktail. They even brought her over a Nightmare Before Christmas activity kit to keep busy and we bought a Michael Myers sticker as well as a Nightmare Before Christmas hair clip to take home. I'm kicking myself now for not buying a t-shirt! Kids are very welcome at this winery which was a huge plus for us! Staff were personable and made our visit very enjoyable! Final Girl Wines also offers tasting flights and non-alcoholic options as well! They do not offer food, but there are so many great places in Solvang to check out. If you're a horror fan or just enjoy good wine, you have to check out Final Girl Wines while in Solvang! I can't wait to come back and give them another visit one day!

    Took my cousin for the 1st time to Solvang. She LOVES horror stuff. Got excited to try wine and…read morebest better than a horror wine shop. The wall colour was pretty but was a little unimpressed with the amount of horror stuff. Maybe having a horror movie on the back corner playing silent would be cool or more Halloween decorations? Somthing was missing. The chimney was cool though. Anyways, shop opened over an hour late. Came back a few times and noticed it was opened. We were the 1st customers in. My main issue is only the owner was not paying attention to not only us (party of 4) but also the couple in the front and the back corner. Gave all his attention to the people at the bar. I dont drink wine and wanted to learn more or at least which wine I like. He couldn't keep up with pouring my wine flight. Waited way too long for pours. Very little explanation of the wine or suggested pairings. And mentioned more than once "I forgot about you". My party was fed up wanted to leave after they finished their spritzers and glass but I was flight pour 3 out of 5. He did not asked if they wanted more drinks. My partner got tired of waiting and headed over to the counter for 10 minutes before being helped to pay since he did not go to our the table. I'm glad we decided to not eat there who knows how long we would have waited on food. I double the Suggestion from another post hire some additional help. I did see thought the day the shop is packed and I'm happy for that but I wish the owner would of delivered a better experience.

    Rusack Vineyards - wineries - Updated May 2026

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