About

Our Story

Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café started with a dream.  Drawn from the big city, the owners were seduced by the charm of Los Olivos; they took a leap of faith that they would discover their bliss in this little town, and they did. The Café started as a simple vision: to create an inviting place where guests could enjoy great local wines with simple pastas, pizzas, and salads.  However, this original vision quickly adapted to the needs of the community. The food rather than the wine became the focus and the wine list helped support it. The Café soon developed a reputation for its exceptional cuisine, and accolades for the wine list that paired with its dishes. Much of the beauty of Santa Barbara Wine Country is in its bounty of local produce, fresh seafood, and quality meat, which is an inspiration, for their Chef. Like an artist at the easel he combines the best of this bounty to create seasonal creative and artful dishes.  All of the dressings, sauces, pastas, desserts (even the ice cream), are made in house. The beautiful wisteria covered patio makes the perfect spot to watch life go by in lovely Los Olivos as guests savor the Café’s fresh wine country cuisine. In 2000 the owners expanded the Café to create the Wine Merchant — the “L” shaped concrete bar was transformed into a “U” and an elegant metal and glass fireplace anchored the Café to the Wine Merchant.  The grandest addition was the Wine Wall, made famous as the backdrop in the Academy Award winning movie, Sideways.  In 2001 the Los Olivos Café was renamed the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café, and now offers over 500 mostly local wines, available to take home at wine store pricing or to accompany your delicious meal at the Café. For 20 years, the Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Café has been a local favorite and a must stop for anyone wanting to experience Santa Barbara wine country. The Wine Merchant & Café stands at the center and heart of Los Olivos, we invite you to share the dream.