California’s ‘Denmark of America’ is slowly earning the reputation of becoming the new Napa Valley

Once known primarily as a quaint Danish-inspired village, Solvang is steadily earning a reputation as ‘California‘s Denmark of America’ — a burgeoning wine region rivaling Napa Valley. 

Though the charm of the city – and the entire Santa Ynez Valley – has been recognized since the 1950s, and the 2004 film Sideways thrust the local wineries into the spotlight, the region remains a hidden treasure to many, even within California.

But it may not be hidden much longer, as tourism in the Valley has seen a steady rise over the past few years, peaking before the pandemic in 2019. 

After a period of ‘revenge travel’ in 2021 to 2023, the region continues to thrive despite competition from international destinations. 

With ideal weather and an increase in high-end experiences, the valley has attracted a wealthier clientele. 

‘We are becoming more elevated,’ Shelby Sim, President and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley told DailyMail.com. ‘We have six Michelin-recognized restaurants here now. Who would have thought?’

To accommodate this growing interest, Solvang and the surrounding valley are witnessing a wave of development. 

Several hotels are currently under construction, housing projects are in progress, and new restaurants continue to emerge. 

Investment in revitalization efforts has also allowed the area to attract more diverse audiences, hosting major events such as a Pride parade and a Juneteenth festival. 

‘We’ve made a lot of effort to invite other audiences that we didn’t normally have traditionally,’ Sim said.

Solvang, meaning “sunny fields” in Danish, was founded in 1911 by Danish Americans who bought 9,000 acres of the former Jonata Ranch to preserve their culture. 

They established Atterdag College in 1914 and built Bethania Lutheran Church in 1928, shaping the town’s Danish identity. 

One of the region’s most distinctive features is its geography. Unlike most mountain ranges in North America, the Santa Ynez Valley’s mountains run west to east, creating diverse microclimates. 

This results in seven distinct American Viticultural Areas (a designated wine grape-growing region also known as an AVA) within a mere 25-mile stretch. 

The valley successfully cultivates an impressive 88 grape varieties, with local wineries receiving high scores from top wine critics such as James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast. 

‘Our mountain range creates incredible microclimates that go from the ocean into the inland,’ says Sim. ‘We have seven distinct wine regions all within 25 miles of each other.’

Despite its world-class offerings, Sim said Solvang remains relatively undiscovered due to its location. 

Situated between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, the valley is farther from major urban centers compared to its competitors — Napa and Sonoma to the north, and Temecula to the south.

Additionally, neighboring Santa Barbara, with a larger marketing budget, often overshadows Solvang’s presence on the tourism scene.

However, those who do make the journey are rewarded. Visitors can experience top-tier wines at a fraction of Napa’s prices, enjoy stunning landscapes, and avoid the congestion often associated with more mainstream wine destinations. 

‘The wine is the same, we are one-fourth of the price, and we don’t have any traffic,’ Sim emphasizes.

With increased investments, an evolving tourism landscape, and a reputation for producing high-quality wine, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley region are poised to become one of California’s premier wine destinations. 

The Solvang wineries have also served as a celebrity wedding hot spot.

In 2022, Sarah Hyland, best known for her role in Modern Family, and her partner Wells Adams from Bachelor in Paradise, got married at Sunstone Winery in Solvang.

President of Stone Winery, Teddy Cabugos, said that’s Solvang’s status as a hidden treasure is slowly but surely being repealed.

When asked about the town’s status as the New Napa Valley, Cabugos said: ‘I think it’s just more people are discovering that we actually have some of the best wines in the world.’

‘We believe that not only are we the new Napa, but Santa Barbara County and the Santa Ynez Valley specifically is finally getting the recognition it deserves, as far as wines go.’

He also said what separates Solvang and the rest of Santa Ynez from Napa is that they’re known for more than just wine.

‘I believe Napa isolates you to just wine. They’ve done a great job branding that. But here, you’re surrounded by world-class hiking, horseback riding, fine dining – you can incorporate all of that into your valley experience,’ said Cabugos.

‘I believe down here in Santa Barbara County is the real wine country.’

Joe Biden and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, have taken several getaway trips to the Santa Ynez Valley over the years. Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in Washington, D.C., the former president and first lady flew to warmer and more inviting surroundings. 

Departing from Joint Base Andrews, the couple set their sights on California’s picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.

The Bidens have not disclosed their plans for where they will reside after leaving the White House, but they have long owned two homes in Delaware — one in Rehoboth Beach and another in Wilmington. 

However, speculation is growing about their potential move to Santa Ynez Valley.

Shelby Sim believes the Bidens are considering settling down in the area. 

‘He and Jill visited last summer, so this marks his second visit in less than a year,’ Sim told PEOPLE. ‘Rumor has it he’s considering purchasing a home in the area.’

The Bidens also share a close connection to the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who, according to Politico, has previously hosted the couple.

With increased investments, an evolving tourism landscape, and a reputation for producing high-quality wine, Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley are poised to become one of California’s premier wine destinations. 

As the region continues to gain recognition, it is only a matter of time before this ‘hidden treasure’ fully emerges on the global wine map.