Need help

[tadpole]

I moving out of Southern California and I want to buy a bottle of wine for a family member before I go. I'm going to be in Santa Barbara before I go an I would like to spend a day at a vineyard and then purchase a bottle for him while I'm there. Could anyone recommend a vineyard I could do that at? I don't know much about wine and I'm really quite new to this. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I should also add that I'm looking for red wine (he likes Pinot Noir and Merlots)
Thanks

[Innkeeper]

Hi Tadpole, and welcome to the Wine Board. Recommend Au Bon Climat in Los Olivos. They have a very nice selection of Pinots. If their prices give you weak knees, they have a second and still high quality line called Il Podere that is available at the winery. I have enjoyed the Syrah and Barbera from that line.

[Kcwhippet]

Here's another suggestion. Go to Los Olivos Wine Emporium in Los Olivos (duh). They carry just about every wine made in Santa Barbara County. Tell them your situation and they can help you select the perfect wine for your family and your budget. If he's there, try to get Bob Senn to help you. He's the best. To find the shop go to their web site for maps - www.sbwines.com.