Santa Maria Valley
By Pasadena Independent
Published: Thursday, March 26th, 2009
Santa Maria Valley welcomed us with rolling hills, lush vineyards and fields of lettuce and cabbage, the latter sending a distinctive agricultural aroma through the car window. We were 200 miles from Los Angeles, but it felt much farther. 
Our getaway began at the historic Santa Maria Inn in the city of Santa Maria. Built in 1917, the landmark hotel boasts Old English architecture and charm – the kind of charm that attracted celebrities such as John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart and Betty Davis during Hollywood’s golden age.
The inn is highlighted by a large stone waterfall out front, a bronze and glass revolving door at the lobby entrance, and a lovely garden and pool area. Many rooms, including ours, feature kitchen areas and large living rooms with electric fireplace, comfy love seat, chaise lounge and free wireless internet.
After making camp at the inn, we headed 15 miles north to the city of Guadalupe, where we found one of California’s true hidden treasures.
Spanning 22,000 acres and 18 miles of shoreline, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Complex boasts one of the largest and most biodiverse coastal sand dunes in the western United States and is one of only two remaining coastal dunes in California. Towering up to 500 feet high, the massive sand mountains date back 18,000 years.
In 1924, Hollywood used the dunes as an Egyptian backdrop for the silent version of the “Ten Commandments.” When filming wrapped up on the movie, the 700-foot set was left behind and buried beneath the shifting sand. To this day, treasure-hunters search for this lost “City of The Pharaoh.”
From Guadalupe we drove a few miles east of Santa Maria to Foxen Canyon Road, a 20-mile-long scenic byway traversing a collection of 11 colorful vineyards and rolling hills teeming with large oak trees. Connecting the wine-growing regions of Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley, the road gained exposure in the movie “Sideways,” in which much attention was paid to Pinot Noir, the delicate and temperamental grape, which relies upon a steady Pacific sea breeze to cultivate.
In Santa Maria Valley, these conditions are achieved by an east-to-west geographic orientation that channels cool ocean air directly into the valley. The result is a long, steady growing season, which ensures proper Pinot Noir development.
We sampled the grape at Foxen Vineyard, an old barn-like structure on a tranquil stretch of the road. A former blacksmith shop, the rustic winery specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Franc.
For dinner we drove back to Guadalupe for steak and ribs at the historic Far Western Tavern. A favorite spot for local cowboys and farmers, the tavern features cowhide curtains, antlers and cowboy pictures on the walls, and well-aged and creaky wood. The staff is friendly and engaging; and a charming, small town atmosphere permeates.
For more info on visiting the Santa Maria Valley or staying at the Santa Maria Inn, call the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce & Visitor & Convention Bureau at (800) 331-3799 or visit www.santamaria.com.
By Greg Aragon
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