Caps & Corks Weekend at SAMsARA
Five minutes from campus. A world away from the chaos.
Gather the family at SAMsARA Winery & Tasting Room for a relaxed, elevated celebration right in the heart of Goleta. Whether you're popping in between ceremonies or making us the main event, we're saving a seat — and a glass — for your grad.
Complimentary Bubbles for Grads
All weekend long, every graduating guest receives a special additional pour of our limited-release sparkling wine. Because this calls for bubbles.
Photo Backdrop & Photobooth
We’ve set up a proper photo moment — bring the whole crew and take something home besides a diploma.
Spaces for Every Size
Intimate family tables to larger group setups. We accommodate the whole celebration, from the immediate family to the extended entourage.
A Relaxed Place to Celebrate Near Campus
Graduation weekend is full. Full of people, full of emotion, full of logistics. SAMsARA is where you exhale.
Our Goleta tasting room sits just five minutes from UCSB — close enough to fit between commencement and dinner, unhurried enough to actually feel like a celebration. Sip through our estate and curated wines, toast the graduate with bubbles, and let the afternoon take its time.
We’ve hosted plenty of graduation families. We know what this weekend means — and we’ll take good care of you.
Private Tastings & Family Gatherings for Graduation Weekend
Need dedicated space for your group? We offer private tasting experiences designed for exactly this kind of occasion — whether it’s a small immediate-family toast or a full extended-family gathering.
- Semi-private and fully private spaces available
- Curated wine experiences guided by our team
- Group-friendly food pairings
- Easy parking, no downtown traffic
Planning Your Visit to Santa Barbara
You’ve made the trip — make the most of it. Here’s where to eat, explore, and unwind during graduation weekend, straight from the SAMsARA team.
Beaches & Outdoor Experiences
Butterfly Beach — The quintessential Santa Barbara sunset spot. Easy, beautiful, and perfect for a late-afternoon stroll with the family before dinner.
Goleta Beach Park — Right near campus and great for groups. Bring a blanket, grab food nearby, and decompress after the ceremony.
Ellwood Mesa — Coastal bluff walks through eucalyptus groves with ocean views. A bit of nature and quiet when you need it.
Santa Barbara Harbor — Kayaking, paddleboarding, waterfront restaurants. A full afternoon in one place.
Restaurants — Great for Families & Groups
The Lark — Modern California cuisine with a lively, celebratory energy. A local favorite for milestone dinners.
Loquita — Spanish tapas and an atmosphere built for sharing. Perfect for a festive table.
La Paloma — Beautiful Santa Barbara-style patio dining and the capacity to host large groups comfortably.
Gala Restaurant — Consistently excellent, upscale casual. Reliable for a family that wants a nice dinner without the fuss.
Lucky’s Steakhouse — The classic graduation dinner. Celebratory, unhurried, and very Santa Barbara.
Ca’Dario Goleta — Italian comfort with a private dining room for larger parties. Convenient if you’re already in our neighborhood.
Casual & Daytime Spots
Helena Avenue Bakery — Start the morning right. Great coffee, serious pastries, beautiful space.
Dart Coffee Co. — A local institution. Worth the stop.
Lama Dog Tap Room — Laid-back beer garden energy, casual bites, easy for mixed groups. A good landing spot between plans.
Activities & Experiences
Santa Barbara Wine Country — Extend the celebration into the Santa Ynez Valley and end at our SAMsARA Los Olivos tasting room. Or start in Goleta and let the day unfold from there.
The Funk Zone — Santa Barbara’s arts and wine district. Boutique shops, tasting rooms, galleries, and good energy all in a walkable stretch.
Bike Rentals Along the Waterfront — A great way to see the coast at your own pace. wheelfunrentals.com
Sunset Sail or Harbor Cruise — Close the weekend on the water. Hard to beat. sbsail.com
Contact Us
GOLETA WINERY & TASTING ROOM:
DIRECTIONS
From Highway 101, the Los Carneros exit (#107) and head East. Before the circle, make a right turn into the Los Carneros Business Center. Take the first right to circle around the building. We are Suite E, near the end.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Where can I go wine tasting in Goleta?
A: Here at SAMsARA our tasting room in Goleta offers one of the most convenient spots for Santa Barbara County wine tasting. Just 11 miles north of Santa Barbara and 105 miles from Los Angeles, our location is easy to reach whether you’re local or visiting from out of town.
Q: Do I need a reservation for tastings?
A: Reservations are recommended, especially for Elevated Wine Tastings and larger groups, but walk-ins are welcome for Current Release and Chilled Flight tastings when space allows. Book today!
Q: Are kids and dogs allowed?
A: Yes! We’re both family-friendly and dog-friendly.
Q: Do you have another tasting room?
A: Yes, we also have a Los Olivos tasting room in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, just 35 miles from Goleta.
