The Hitching Post Solvang
The Hitching Post Solvang: Wine, Food, and Hospitality at its Finest Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its wineries and vineyards, sits The Hitching Post Solvang, one of the most famous and beloved restaurants
The Hitching Post Solvang: Wine, Food, and Hospitality at its Finest
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its wineries and vineyards, sits The Hitching Post Solvang, one of the most famous and beloved restaurants in California. Since its opening in 1986, The Hitching Post Solvang has been a top destination for tourists and locals alike, offering exquisite wines, mouthwatering food, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Hitching Post Solvang is a family-owned and operated establishment, with the Frank Ostini family at its helm. The Ostini family has a long history in the wine and food industry, with their first restaurant opening in 1952. The Hitching Post Solvang is the culmination of their passion and expertise, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
At The Hitching Post Solvang, the focus is on the wine. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, featuring some of the most sought-after wines from the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. The restaurant also has its own label, the Hitching Post Wines, which are made from grapes grown at the family\’s vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills.
While the wine is undoubtedly the star of the show, the food is equally impressive. The Hitching Post Solvang is known for its wood-fired grilled cuisine, which includes everything from steaks and chops to seafood and vegetables. The restaurant sources its ingredients locally whenever possible, ensuring that the dishes are fresh and flavorful.
The atmosphere at The Hitching Post Solvang is another highlight. The restaurant has a cozy and rustic feel, with wood paneling, red leather seats, and dim lighting. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests.
Experts in the food and wine industry have praised The Hitching Post Solvang for its exceptional quality and attention to detail. In an article for Wine Spectator, writer Aaron Romano praised the restaurant\’s \”gracious hospitality and timeless appeal,\” while also noting the \”impeccable\” wine list and \”outstanding\” food.
In addition to its restaurant and winery, The Hitching Post Solvang also offers accommodations in its guest rooms and cottages. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, with unique touches like fireplaces and private terraces. The accommodations provide a perfect complement to the restaurant, giving guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Santa Ynez Valley experience.
Overall, The Hitching Post Solvang is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Santa Ynez Valley. With its exceptional wine, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Wood-fired Grilling: The Art and Science at The Hitching Post Solvang
One of the things that sets The Hitching Post Solvang apart from other restaurants is their wood-fired grilling technique. The restaurant uses a custom-built oak pit grill, which is the heart and soul of their cooking. The Grillmaster, Frank Ostini, has been perfecting his grilling technique for decades, and the results are nothing short of amazing.
The wood-fired grill gives the food a unique smoky flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods. The heat and smoke from the oak wood bring out the natural flavors of the meat, creating a delicious and savory result. The grill also imparts a beautiful char on the outside of the meat, giving it a crispy texture and a visually stunning appearance.
Grilling on an oak wood-fired grill is both an art and a science. The Grillmaster needs to be able to judge the heat of the grill and the cooking time of the food to achieve the perfect result. It takes years of experience and skill to master this technique, and Frank Ostini has certainly achieved it.
The wood-fired grill is an integral part of The Hitching Post Solvang\’s identity. It is a commitment to quality and tradition, and it is one of the reasons why people keep coming back to the restaurant.
Hitching Post Wines: The Perfect Pairing
Along with their wood-fired cuisine, The Hitching Post Solvang is known for its exceptional wines. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, featuring some of the best wines from the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. However, the real gems are the Hitching Post Wines, made from grapes grown at the family\’s vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills.
The Hitching Post Wines are a perfect pairing for the restaurant\’s wood-fired cuisine. The Pinot Noirs, in particular, are a standout, with their fruity and complex flavors that complement the savory dishes perfectly. The Hitching Post Wines are made in small batches, using traditional techniques and minimal intervention, which allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through.
In addition to their wines, The Hitching Post Solvang is also known for their wine education program. The staff is knowledgeable about the wines on the menu and the local wineries, and they are happy to share their expertise with guests. They also offer wine tastings and food and wine pairing events, which are a great way to learn more about the wines and the food.
The Hitching Post Solvang: A Family Affair
The Hitching Post Solvang is more than just a restaurant – it is a family affair. The Ostini family has been in the wine and food industry for over 65 years, and they have passed their passion and expertise down through the generations.
The restaurant is run by Frank Ostini and his sister, Jami. Frank is the Grillmaster, and Jami manages the front of the house. They are both actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, ensuring that every guest has a memorable experience.
Frank and Jami are also committed to sharing their love of food and wine with the next generation. Frank\’s daughter, Gray Hartley, is the winemaker for Hitching Post Wines, and Jami\’s daughter, Katie, is the pastry chef for the restaurant. The family\’s dedication to quality and tradition is evident in everything they do.
A Trip to the Santa Ynez Valley: Exploring the Region\’s Wineries
The Santa Ynez Valley is known for its wineries and vineyards, and a trip to the region is not complete without a visit to some of the top wineries. Some of the most famous wineries in the area include the Fess Parker Winery, the Bridlewood Estate Winery, and the Sanford Winery.
Visitors can take a scenic tour of the Santa Ynez Valley and explore the area\’s different wineries. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours, where guests can learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the region\’s best wines.
The Santa Ynez Valley is also known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a bike tour through the vineyards, go horseback riding through the hills, or hike in the nearby mountains. The region has something for everyone, whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or relaxation.
A Culinary Journey: Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley\’s Food Scene
While the Santa Ynez Valley is known for its wineries, it is also becoming a destination for foodies. The region has a growing food scene, with restaurants and cafes offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors.
In addition to The Hitching Post Solvang, some of the top restaurants in the area include Industrial Eats, Full of Life Flatbread, and Bell\’s. Visitors can also explore the local farmers\’ markets, where they can sample fresh produce from the area\’s farms.
The Santa Ynez Valley is a culinary journey that should not be missed. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a casual lunch spot, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, renowned for its wineries and vineyards, sits The Hitching Post Solvang, one of the most famous and beloved restaurants in California. Since its opening in 1986, The Hitching Post Solvang has been a top destination for tourists and locals alike, offering exquisite wines, mouthwatering food, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The Hitching Post Solvang is a family-owned and operated establishment, with the Frank Ostini family at its helm. The Ostini family has a long history in the wine and food industry, with their first restaurant opening in 1952. The Hitching Post Solvang is the culmination of their passion and expertise, offering a unique and memorable dining experience.
At The Hitching Post Solvang, the focus is on the wine. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, featuring some of the most sought-after wines from the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. The restaurant also has its own label, the Hitching Post Wines, which are made from grapes grown at the family\’s vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills.
While the wine is undoubtedly the star of the show, the food is equally impressive. The Hitching Post Solvang is known for its wood-fired grilled cuisine, which includes everything from steaks and chops to seafood and vegetables. The restaurant sources its ingredients locally whenever possible, ensuring that the dishes are fresh and flavorful.
The atmosphere at The Hitching Post Solvang is another highlight. The restaurant has a cozy and rustic feel, with wood paneling, red leather seats, and dim lighting. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, creating a warm and welcoming environment for guests.
Experts in the food and wine industry have praised The Hitching Post Solvang for its exceptional quality and attention to detail. In an article for Wine Spectator, writer Aaron Romano praised the restaurant\’s \”gracious hospitality and timeless appeal,\” while also noting the \”impeccable\” wine list and \”outstanding\” food.
In addition to its restaurant and winery, The Hitching Post Solvang also offers accommodations in its guest rooms and cottages. The rooms are cozy and comfortable, with unique touches like fireplaces and private terraces. The accommodations provide a perfect complement to the restaurant, giving guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Santa Ynez Valley experience.
Overall, The Hitching Post Solvang is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Santa Ynez Valley. With its exceptional wine, delicious food, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Wood-fired Grilling: The Art and Science at The Hitching Post Solvang
One of the things that sets The Hitching Post Solvang apart from other restaurants is their wood-fired grilling technique. The restaurant uses a custom-built oak pit grill, which is the heart and soul of their cooking. The Grillmaster, Frank Ostini, has been perfecting his grilling technique for decades, and the results are nothing short of amazing.
The wood-fired grill gives the food a unique smoky flavor that is hard to replicate with other cooking methods. The heat and smoke from the oak wood bring out the natural flavors of the meat, creating a delicious and savory result. The grill also imparts a beautiful char on the outside of the meat, giving it a crispy texture and a visually stunning appearance.
Grilling on an oak wood-fired grill is both an art and a science. The Grillmaster needs to be able to judge the heat of the grill and the cooking time of the food to achieve the perfect result. It takes years of experience and skill to master this technique, and Frank Ostini has certainly achieved it.
The wood-fired grill is an integral part of The Hitching Post Solvang\’s identity. It is a commitment to quality and tradition, and it is one of the reasons why people keep coming back to the restaurant.
Hitching Post Wines: The Perfect Pairing
Along with their wood-fired cuisine, The Hitching Post Solvang is known for its exceptional wines. The restaurant has an extensive wine list, featuring some of the best wines from the Santa Ynez Valley and beyond. However, the real gems are the Hitching Post Wines, made from grapes grown at the family\’s vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills.
The Hitching Post Wines are a perfect pairing for the restaurant\’s wood-fired cuisine. The Pinot Noirs, in particular, are a standout, with their fruity and complex flavors that complement the savory dishes perfectly. The Hitching Post Wines are made in small batches, using traditional techniques and minimal intervention, which allows the natural flavors of the grapes to shine through.
In addition to their wines, The Hitching Post Solvang is also known for their wine education program. The staff is knowledgeable about the wines on the menu and the local wineries, and they are happy to share their expertise with guests. They also offer wine tastings and food and wine pairing events, which are a great way to learn more about the wines and the food.
The Hitching Post Solvang: A Family Affair
The Hitching Post Solvang is more than just a restaurant – it is a family affair. The Ostini family has been in the wine and food industry for over 65 years, and they have passed their passion and expertise down through the generations.
The restaurant is run by Frank Ostini and his sister, Jami. Frank is the Grillmaster, and Jami manages the front of the house. They are both actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, ensuring that every guest has a memorable experience.
Frank and Jami are also committed to sharing their love of food and wine with the next generation. Frank\’s daughter, Gray Hartley, is the winemaker for Hitching Post Wines, and Jami\’s daughter, Katie, is the pastry chef for the restaurant. The family\’s dedication to quality and tradition is evident in everything they do.
A Trip to the Santa Ynez Valley: Exploring the Region\’s Wineries
The Santa Ynez Valley is known for its wineries and vineyards, and a trip to the region is not complete without a visit to some of the top wineries. Some of the most famous wineries in the area include the Fess Parker Winery, the Bridlewood Estate Winery, and the Sanford Winery.
Visitors can take a scenic tour of the Santa Ynez Valley and explore the area\’s different wineries. Many of the wineries offer tastings and tours, where guests can learn about the wine-making process and sample some of the region\’s best wines.
The Santa Ynez Valley is also known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Visitors can take a bike tour through the vineyards, go horseback riding through the hills, or hike in the nearby mountains. The region has something for everyone, whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or relaxation.
A Culinary Journey: Exploring the Santa Ynez Valley\’s Food Scene
While the Santa Ynez Valley is known for its wineries, it is also becoming a destination for foodies. The region has a growing food scene, with restaurants and cafes offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to international flavors.
In addition to The Hitching Post Solvang, some of the top restaurants in the area include Industrial Eats, Full of Life Flatbread, and Bell\’s. Visitors can also explore the local farmers\’ markets, where they can sample fresh produce from the area\’s farms.
The Santa Ynez Valley is a culinary journey that should not be missed. Whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a casual lunch spot, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region.
