The picturesque Santa Ynez Valley encompasses six communities in Santa Barbara County, between the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south and the San Rafael Mountains to the north. With SYV only two hours away from Los Angeles, it's an easy day trip or overnight stay. Many visitors plan entire wine country vacations here, especially when you consider there are over 120 wineries (several of them dog-friendly) in four American Viticulture Areas (AVAs).