Viking Garden Cellars
448 Alisal Rd,Ste E, Solvang, CA, 93463
Viking Garden Cellars Menu
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Address :
448 Alisal Rd,Ste E
Solvang, CA, 93463 - Phone (805) 688-2670
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Brunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Background
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Wed, Thu, Sat
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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John T.
Location: 4/5 stars. Located on the main street, the restaurant was very accessible. Unfortunately, parking is not very good. They do not have their own parking lot. Promptness: 5/5 stars. My GF and I went there on a Sunday morning during the July 4th holiday. Within 10 minutes, we were seated! Within 15 minutes, we ordered and received our food. How ridiculous was this?! Service: 5/5 stars. Our waitress was so attentive despite having to serve tons of people. She came to our table at least 6 or 7 times during our meal. Seriously! Food: 5/5 stars. My Danish pancake was delicious. My GF's breakfast was OK. The coffee was amazing!!
(5)Christie C.
Why the 2 stars? Check out my tip. I have never ever experienced such a hard time getting someone to serve my mother and I. I understood that yes they were busy but when I tried to flag someone down, the staff kept telling me I can't take orders. Well...what the hell are you here for then?! Literally only two people could take orders in the ENTIRE restaurant. The rest of the staff were decoration. Am I being harsh? Yes I am. I'm a nice Yelper. Generally, I have a good experience. I rarely write reviews like this because overall, I usually have an excellent time. However, on this rare occasion, I was not happy and will say so. I also didn't like the fact that I got the "special" menu as I was part of a tour which gave me a choice of 10 dishes to order from. I looked at the menu on display outside of the restaurant, I know they serve other types of dishes then the menu I was given. I won't come back ever. Unless it's a quiet day with no one else because I'll get service and staff that will take my order. And just to drive this point across, the table behind me was equally frustrated. They kept trying to flagging someone down to no avail. Tip- if you think that by trying to order at the bar will help, it won't. They'll just tell you to find a table so they know where your food will go. How will I get my food if you don't take my order in the first place? Such a concept!
(2)Kevin W.
Wine tasting number 3! Last stop on a long day! Service was very friendly. They have a dart board to play with. Pretty big table area. Dog friendly! You can get a groupon for either wine or beer tasting, $25 for 4 people. The beer selection was just typical beer you find in the grocery store so we all went with wine. The wine was good and you get 6 tastings. Our server also gave us an extra rose pour before we left.
(5)Vida B.
My 10 year old kept asking "Why does our server HATE US?!?!" We visited on a Saturday night with our child and our dog, because we saw that this place was "child and dog friendly." Our server took a very long time getting to us, and when she did, seemed a bit upset that we had a dog. She made comments like "UGH! SO DROOLY" when she came up and just seemed irritated with us for no reason that we knew of. Our table was empty, except for my daughter's doll, which is the size of a drink coaster, and when the server came back with our beverages, she set the beer down practically on top of it. This was a super bummer because the doll smelled like beer for the rest of the trip. She never checked on our food, and was just kind of mad...not sure why...it was a beautiful day, and all the guests on the patio seemed very nice. The guests directly behind us had terrible service as well, with a different server. He snapped at them when they misunderstood what he was asking. It was not a good vibe at all. The food was fine, but the service killed it for us. We most likely won't return. There are too many great restaurants in this small town to patronize the rude ones.
(2)Glen N.
Fair selection of good wines and beers, friendly unpretentious service, comfortable location, and they didn't treat us like morons for having a Groupon. They were Grouponorable.
(4)Faraz A.
Horrible food! My group of 11 all hated there food. Salmon was dry, the rest of the food looked like a kid made it. The table cloths were dirty and windows as well. Had flys around our food. I think if management cared more and they got some better chefs/menu, they could be a 4 or 5 star. I hope they read this and make a change. This isnt to make them look bad, but make them aware of there business that made our visit to slovang not so good.
(1)Pamela N.
Bad food, bad service, overpriced tourist trap.
(1)Nicole P.
Overall very happy. We arrived at 6 since I had called the night before and they said closing was at 6:30... Sadly they were closing at 6:00 tonight, but were very kind and hosted our tasting regardless. Friendly, accommodating and wonderful wine! :) *so remember to arrive by 5pm at the latest during winter and spring months(the off season) and also on weekdays as they close earlier than posted on the website!*
(4)Lorenzo T.
Wine tastings, craft beer, cheese, and comfortable seating. Everything you need to enjoy the afternoon in the lovely town. Solvang's Viking Garden Cellars is the spot. Stopped here with a group of friends after doing the bus wine tour and relaxed in the shade while being told about some tasty wines by one of the helpful staff. All the locals are so nice, but really enjoyed the conversation with the staff at Viking Garden Cellars. Put these guys on your list of places to stop, you will leave enlightened and a little buzzed, hopefully!
(5)Adriana H.
First time in Solvang and wine tasting! Had such a great experience! Hans gave us a great selection of wines to try. Very knowledgable! Would definitely come here again and recommend!
(5)Fabio B.
I was craving for beer tasting in Solvang, when I stepped in, I was attacked with a "Can I help you?" I asked about beer tasting, the answer was again an attack, "I already told your wife" ... I don't carry a sign on my neck stating that I'm married!! I look at the signs she pointed out, and I see Budweiser, Guinness and others well known beers! Of course I stepped out right away! Some respect and professionalism is very well needed there! Bad experience in a great and beautiful town!
(1)Jamie C.
This was our second trip to Viking Garden Cellar and we were pleased again, but nothing outstanding. The main reason that we come here, of all places, is because I am not a big wine fan. Viking Garden Cellar has a big selection of beers to taste and even a few ciders. Prices aren't too bad and we bought a couple of bottles again! I did not get the name of any of the staff that helped us. The first bartender was a male and he was mediocre. Not very descriptive and when my husband ordered a wine flight he questioned it "really you are going to get wine here?" After about half an hour we started talking with a female bartender that described herself as the new manager. This new manager was a lot better to deal with and have us some great deals. She was very descriptive and generous with her pours. She gave us a deal on buying bottles to take home. We would both return again if she was serving us, but not if it was the guy.
(4)Yvette F.
Great deal and great service! Adriana is the new manager and she is AMAZING! She is very informative, friendly, funny and really livened up our tasting. I purchased a Groupon for two and the best part was, my man could have a beer tasting and I could enjoy my wine (I'm not a beer drinker) My man got a kick out of the Viking hat and brainteaser games they have for guests to play while tasting. We left with some great wine from Ladybug. We totally would've stayed MUCH longer but we had reservations at another place for tastings. We'll definitely be back and leaving our schedule wide open for a solid visit with Adriana. They also have a neighboring restaurant which is delicious - just in case you imbibe a bit too much and need some nourishment. Visit in Summer and enjoy their A/C! Visit in Winter and enjoy the fireplace. Not snobby or stuck up, very down to earth and REAL.
(5)Garrett S.
I went in here to do my very first beer tasting. Having recently gotten into beer, I liked the idea of doing a tasting. The place inside is really nice. They have a large bar that you can sit at, as well as several tables. The service was fantastic. The person serving us was friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. He gave us some games to play, showed us some random tricks, and just chatted with us while we tried different beers. Overall this was a great experience. I will definitely stop by next time I am in the area.
(5)Michael R.
It was a warm day out today which was perfect for a good IPA. Researched some bars on yelp and luckily this place was the closest with some pretty good reviews. I was not let down. They don't have the best selection of craft beers but what they had was good enough for me. They did have a ton of wine and a good amount of new Belgium beers. The bartender was one of the nicest persons that I have ever met in my life. I wish I asked for his name but hopefully you will also have the chance to meet this guy! I'll probably take one more visit before I leave solvang!
(5)Kate Y.
My mom and I were visiting Solvang for a girls weekend for her birthday! I wanted to take her wine tasting since she'd never been and this place was perfect! The tasting was 2 whites and 3 reds. All of the wines were delicious and they were all local which I loved! My favorite was the pinot noir but that's always my favorite! The service was amazing! The cute bartender was very knowledgeable and welcoming! My mom is typically pretty shy and we felt right at home. It made our time at this cute place amazing! I would definitely recommend this place if you are in Solvang and want to try some delicious wine and enjoy the atmosphere! They also have a extensive beer list so it's the best of both worlds!
(5)Beth r.
dude. hard rootbeer float, it's not just a crappy novelty, it's super tasty. high quality ice cream and perfectly balanced rootbeer. i had the sour flemish also and i'm now hooked on sour beer. hubbs got a double barrel firestone, its still good.
(5)Lauren P.
Really great wines that we tried! We bought two bottles. My favorite was the Albariño :) I felt a little hustled on my wine knowledge, and I felt bad about asking for cheese. Probably will come back here again, it was a great wine tasting.
(4)Ashton S.
I've gotten the fish and chips. And man it was good. The fish was fresh, firm, and flavorful.
(5)Angel A.
The hot dogs are really good and the French fries are fresh I love this place I'll come back to this place again if I'm around Solvang!!
(5)Aaron B.
Awesome place to chill and drink! Brandon is a really cool dude! He welcomed us when we got here and has went above and beyond to help us.
(5)Susan P.
These guys made our morning. My boyfriend and I stopped by with a groupon I was given to try out the place. The guys are super friendly and too funny. They are very down to earth and it's def a nice clean spot. These guys know what their talking bout you'll get a good buZz and try things you def never had before I recommend it. Thanks guys you were great on our Hearst road trip!
(5)Heather L.
My boyfriend and I came here with a Groupon for wine tasting and had an amazing time. All of the wines were great. I ended up buying an old vine zinfandel from Ladybug which was only $18 and is now my new favorite wine! Brandon was such a great host, showing us tricks and brain teasers. We were having such a great time we stuck around and enjoyed some beers. Both of his recommendations were spot on. Everything sounded so delicious. Next time we take a day trip to Solvang we will defiantly be making a stop here!!!
(5)Hanyang L.
Pretty bad food! There is a different menu for Chineses with limited food choices. I just got a bottle of Carlsberg when I ordered Danish beer!
(3)Duke B.
Delicious beers and wine. I got to enjoy it while they set up a bed for my dog at the foot of the table. Delicious sausage in my mouth. The wait staff is also awesome. I did not taste them though. I'm sure they're also delicious.
(5)Diane A.
This place is awesome. Great wine, great atmosphere and the manager is the best! Adriana A. Is welcoming, funny and very knowledgeable. I would come back over and over. Loved it. Adriana made our time fly by too fast!!!
(5)David M.
A little slice of Viking domination right here in Santa Barbara County, where the beer and wine flow at the swiftness of Viking raids.
(4)Quinn Z.
Brad was awesome. This place had a nice atmosphere, but what sealed the experience was his personable attitude. Thank you for showing us a good time! :)
(5)Veronica O.
Went with my boyfriend and we loved this place! Top ratings in my book. Door-security made sure we got out food and taxi service. We felt like VIPs! Love the live music too!
(5)Joel V.
Excellent service, excellent selection! One of my favorite places to have a drink in Solvang.
(5)Marisol C.
My family and I were in Solvang this past weekend and were referred to the VGC by another wine tasting spot. Since my group wanted both beer and wine, this place sounded like the perfect match. It was so much more than we ever imagined! Not only did we taste great wines, beers and cheese; we received amazing service and learned a great deal. I really wish a review would do it justice. We truly loved the experience. Brad, not to be confused with Brad Pitt, was an outstanding host! He was so knowledgeable, hilarious and helpful. Apparently, there is hope for me still to become a wine connoisseur haha His sidekick was pretty awesome too! We will definitely be back :)
(5)Jonathan W.
We stumbled across this place after visiting Solvang on a whim en route to San Luis Obispo en route to Santa Cruz en route to San Francisco en route to Portland. Driving in, the relative local told us the town was Dutch. While it was a disappointment not to find clogs the Viking Garden Cellars more than made up for it. 3 friends, 3 customised wine and beer flights. Brad the guy who works there is incredible! He REALLY knows his stuff and was v v v funny, too. We would love to go back but adventures beckons!
(5)Isaias A.
Been back a couple more times here and as usual Brad never disappoints. I've been here with my eccentric mother and my wife and we've always had a great time here. Brad is so chill and a great host not to mention very knowledgeable about wine and beers. Btw thanks for the cheese plate you got us it was great he really knows how to pair wines and cheeses. Can't wait to go back to Viking Garden Cellars next time I make a trip to Solvang.
(5)Windy P.
Been here several times and each time a great experience. Hans was our most recent experience and he was knowledgeable and engaging. Food is amazing as well!
(5)Jessica R.
We used to only come here for one reason and that was to taste wine with Brad aka the wine guy. He always treated us well and it was never short of a great time. We noticed this time that Brad wasn't around so I asked the new manager where he was to just get a short mumbled answer about how he wasn't there but he was still somewhere in the area. We were sad he wasn't there but we would've been willing to see what the new manager was going to bring to the place. Instead we didn't get much of anything as far as an experience goes. We decided to just get a beer but the draft beer selection is seriously lacking - it wouldn't even be worth paying for a beer flight with the options being as generic as Guinness and Budlight. We opted to sit outside (a first for us here) because we felt unwelcome inside by the new manager. The guy working there who gave us our beers was a nice guy but he didn't seem overly knowledgeable regarding the beer. After this we will not return here because we enjoyed the personalized service we once received here and it was seriously lacking this last time we went.
(2)Jasmin F.
There's a coupon when u check in but as soon as u check in the manager tells you he won't honor the coupon and proclaims that yelp is awful for restaurants... Then why they advertise on here I'm not sure. I guess reap the benefits of advertising wout honoring the coupon. This wouldn't have been enough to write a bad review if our waitress wasn't slower than molasses and our food wasn't awful.
(1)Annette S.
Live music. Nice atmosphere. Hopefully Brandon is your server. Knowledgeable and fun. Be sure and ask him about spiders. Sure to entertain you and the wines are local and tasty. They even have fully sustainable wines. They have a hard root beer float that we did not try but heard it was fabulous.
(5)Henly K.
You come to Solvang more often than not as a tourist. You expect the touristy things; the Danish architecture, the occasional girl dressed in traditional clothes, the Danish dining. As someone who connects to culture through food I was thoroughly disappointed with the cuisine of this place despite the high reviews. Regardless, the place was friendly, cute and comfortable. Service was quick, constant but not overbearing. The server was new and although she did not have a grasp on the menu (which was frustrating), she was nice enough. Any requests were aptly and wholly fulfilled. So on to what got me irked about this place. I was going for some "Scandinavian food" and, not to sound pretentious, alarmed by the inclusion of Mexican and standard American cuisine. But regardless my family and I ordered off the Danish page hoping for the best. We started with pickled herring which was interesting as it was a new experience for me. I'm not entirely sure what I was looking for in terms of taste for a good herring starter, but it did catch my attention. We then got a cup of split pea soup, 3 sausage platter and liver. The sausages if I remember were the Dutch, German and another, they simply all lacked flavor, and although there was some texture it simply was not what you imagine when you think of a European sausage. The liver was just standard liver, grainy with nothing that brought your attention. It simply was. The soup was, also, just soup. So although my pint of guiness was delicious I can't say I was a fan of the food. TL:DR - Nice and quaint. Don't look here for food, haven't tried the drinks but people seem to recommend that well.
(3)Jennifer D.
Kid-friendly and dog-friendly! Perfect already! Plus great wine and great service! Thanks, Brian! You were the best!
(5)Audrey C.
Went there for my birthday last Wednesday and tasted 5 yummy wines! I even got to try some white port for dessert. Had the cheese plate too. All the cheeses were fantastic and the crackers and olives great too! My girlfriend and I were the only two in there when we arrived, but we loved the atmosphere. Good music playing and very friendly staff! Everything was awesome. Only I wish that the white wine was chilled, they don't have a fridge in the tasting area. Would definitely go back!
(5)John K.
Brad was one of the best!! We have been to a lot of tasting rooms but none where they made us feel appreciated...I loved the music, the HOWDA and the COPPA..We will for sure be back! His recommendations were spot on on every glass of wine we tasted...
(5)Nicole S.
Our first time wine tasting and it was a success thanks to Viking Garden Cellar! We really enjoyed ourselves and the gentleman that helped us was awesome! Made us feel really welcome and made us laugh the entire time ! They even welcomed our beagle inside. He brought over a little dog bed for our beagle while we sat and enjoyed our experience! Wish more places were like this one. Can't wait to come back and do it again!!!! Thanks for the memories!
(5)Vincent X.
This place has a beautiful environment feel. It's in the cutest little village. But don't be fooled! This place will rob your wallets and feed you mediocre food. My Danish hotdog costed around 9 dollars. It came with an ok bun with a terrible "Danish Sausage", some cabbage, and some sad fries. That "Danish Sausage" was by far the WORST tube of meat I've ever ingested. The fries were just sad. When I bit into them, the dustbowl of 1862 poured into my mouth. I could have gotten a hot dog two times better, with fries and a 32 oz drink for around 3 dollars at Costco. I could make a better sausage and I'VE NEVER COOKED SAUSAGE! If I were to throw road kill into a blender and threw in some spices, it would taste better than that atrocious, vile, horrid and utterly disgusting mesh of protein. It should be illegal to sell such crappy food for such a high price. I could get a plate of medium quality sashimi or Korean BBQ for the price we paid at this Danish Viking Trash Shack. Literally worse food I've had in 2015. But yeah, cute place tho. :)
(2)Amanda H.
As a group of 16 the cellar was extremely accommodating. We enjoyed wine and beer!! Highly recommend trying this place!!
(5)andria a.
what great people! Adriana, the manager, and Brandon (I think?!) the bartender just gave us the best evening. Great company, great wine - Adriana and I talked about all kinds of things, including wine, and she helped us choose the most awesome Red Zin that tastes like bacon - never had anything like it. She comps the wine tasting if you purchase a bottle of wine - what a great deal. Again, it's the pleasant and friendly vibes and the wine that would definitely get me back again - highly recommend!
(5)Laura R.
Tucked away off the street, this is an amazing gem of a wine cellar! Friendly, helpful, knowledgeable staff and a warm, upbeat vibe. Doesn't hurt that they play 90s music either! I highly recommend stopping here for a tasting of local wines. They also have brews and ciders, but I can't comment. Add a cheese plate, or wander next door when you get hungry. Love this place!
(5)Beth D.
Great choices - great atmosphere - great knowledge - Brad - you make it great. The fun happens here. .
(5)Robbie P.
If you want to enjoy some wine or beer with someone that truly knows what they are talking about; then Brad and Viking Garden Cellars is for you. Brad has always been top notch and is constantly bringing in wonderful wines and beers (the Whiskey Barrel Ale is amazing). We always recommend people to go see Brad, especially when they aren't sure about what they like yet. Brad has one of the most amazing palettes and can guide anyone based on flavors that they prefer. Brad has yet to steer anyone wrong while we have been there. His witty banter and welcoming spirit makes Viking Garden Cellars an absolute must to visit while in Solvang
(5)Keri M.
Just like all the reviews say, Brad is amazing and hilarious! Really down to earth and not for snobby snobs! Loved the tasting. Everything he recommended was amazing! He really knows his stuff.
(5)D G.
Love it here! Great service, great selection of food, great selection of drinks. Patio seating is sweet, especially if you have kids.
(5)Joyreeta S.
Went on a whirlwind trip to this cute little wine bar with my friend from Texas Brad is wonderful and not condescending like how other hosts in wine cellars can be He also gave suggestions on where else to go for wine n food! I will come bac for more next time !!
(4)Tamara V.
I don't think I have ever had someone more outgoing, knowledgeable and funny as our guy was here (I feel terrible for not remembering his name)! We happened upon this place while looking to do some tasting. He picked the wine for us, which I was not too sure about at first. Turns out, I was glad he did because he brought out several wines that I have never had before, and they were all delicious! Aside from the good wine, what really made the experience stand out more than any other time I have gone wine tasting was the guy who worked there and helped us out. We exchanged small talk and quickly realized we are from the same town, (San Diego). He was so informative and funny! He was the only one there and our service was still great considering how busy he was getting towards the end. We ended up staying there for over an hour because we were having such a nice time. If ever in Solvang again, I will definitely be stopping by Viking Garden Cellars again :)
(5)Tonis P.
On our 20th anniversary trip. Bartender in wine tasting area made us miserable. A true dickhead!!!!
(1)Vellany V.
Our first time visiting, and it won't be our last! I stopped by looking for some craft beers to bring home for my boyfriend, and received the best service from Brad! He took the time to ask questions about what my boyfriend likes, the area we're from etc. Not only was he able to put together a 4 pack variety, he went through each one so that I would know about the differences of each :) He went above and beyond to share his favorites, and made our experience there exceptional! He even made sure to let us know about special parties they hold throughout the year. I highly recommend this as a great place to visit for drinks, a bite to eat, and a fun casual atmosphere!
(5)Amanda S.
This place is awesome! I'm not really big on wine usually, but Brad made the experience fun and informative. Our flight of 5 wines (mixed red and whites) turned into a flight of 7. Brad ensures that all of his guests are treated well, regardless of how much or how little someone knows about wine. He is hilarious and the place lacks all the pretentiousness of other places of the sort. I can't wait to make the drive back to Solvang from Los Angeles so that i can visit Viking Garden Cellars again!
(5)Hi D.
My husband and I love VGC. Every time we are in town we stop by for a couple of drinks. We love the music! we love the variety of drinks to choose from which come with a very interesting educational story for each drink. Brad is very informative and has a wonderful personality! He always goes the extra mile to find you the perfect drink! His funny personality makes your visit so enjoyable!! And let's not forget about his wonderful sidekick Tonya, her sweetness and his lively personality make the perfect balance!! VGC is a hidden treasure in Solvang!
(5)L P.
Brad is the MAN! The wine man, that is! Before visiting Solvang, I contacted him via email to ask if I can bring my 5 lb Maltese to which he responded in a timely manner to bring my baby in! So off our family (me, my boyfriend and our Popple) goes from LA to Solvang in the middle of the week in traffic. Needing to escape the city... needing a bit of tranquil tourism and obviously WINE. We hit traffic.. ok. Had a flat tire... fine. Poop, we need gas... alright. We finally arrive in town around 730 (everything closes by then btw) and we go straight to VGC. Brad was closing but gave us the full experience... super knowledgeable, hospitable and hilarious. 5 stars because that's all there is to pick from! THANKS BRAD!
(5)Bryan P.
Some friends and family did a guided beer tasting. I know my beers and know what I like, but the guide was dismissive and condescending. Don't get me wrong, nice guy, just don't try to disagree with him about beer. Overall, we thought the beers offered were less than spectacular and most of us wished we had just ordered a beer instead of doing a tasting.
(3)Amanda M.
Brad is so knowledgable about all things wine! He taught me so much about wine history in the Santa Ynez Valley. I would def recommend stoping here on your trip to Solvang. It's also open later than most of the tasting rooms in Solvang which is nice.
(5)Flavah B.
Visited VGC on Feb. 16th. Partner and I found ourselves feeling a bit like outsiders at most of the wine bars in Solvang but not at VGC. The bar is not a long one but just spacious enough and sufficiently lit--not cellar-dark like some wine bars, if you know what I mean. Personally, I like to see what I am drinking. We split a $10 wine flight that include a rose', three reds, and a white. I am not a big red wine fan and did not care much for the three we tasted. The Riesling was outstanding, however, dry yet fruity with a fresh, orchard-like bouquet. The rose' was equally refreshing. The staff is what really stands out at VGC. Our sommelier made us feel welcome. He was friendly, funny, and very knowledgeable about all the wines served. He took the time to really educate us, which we greatly appreciated, and didn't pressure us to buy. He actually gave me an additional taste of the Riesling since I enjoyed it so much. Loved the low-key ambience--a fireplace in the corner, plenty of seating, good music, and original art on the walls. VGC is a nice place to wile away an afternoon in Solvang.
(4)Eric O.
Brad knows his wine (and beer). Look to him for suggestions and entertaining banter.
(4)Rudia L.
It has been over 15 years since I've gone back to Solvang and the place I originally visited closed down. (Right in front of VGC)... in any event, it was sad but right around the corner (my friend and I) heard great things about VGC and we were taken care of immediately. Brad was wonderful and what a wonderful way to end the day with good company and the shop was so quaint and the interior was just perfect. Hope to go there again~~
(5)Zack M.
We stopped during our time in Solvang and were treated to an incredible cornucopia of rare wines, beers and interesting conversation with Brad. Definitely stop by if you are in Solvang!
(5)Kevin D.
Showed up at 11am and brad was out front sweeping. Was going to come back but decided to stay best place we drank all day .so much I we came back again before they closed brad was great funny guy and the girl had a great time wish every place could have a brad. Thank you brad for a fun time.
(5)Don W.
Great place! Nice selection of wine
(4)Molly G.
Brad was really helpful. His knowledge of wines is extensive. He asked me where I was from and what I liked. I find that a rare quality in Californians. The shop was immaculate filled with a great variety of wine. The wine he suggested was marvelous and just what we were looking for in regards to taste and pallet. He carries a a plethora of local wines. I highly recommend this stop. Enjoy.
(5)Jaci R.
This place was cool, the wine server was friendly & gave us a great recommendation...a wine spritzer was perfect for the hot day!! Will totally go back when I visit Solvang again. Plus the decorum was totally awesome!! There was a pic someone took of a restaurant (I think) which recycled the corks & bottles. The bottles were used for the counters and the corks for the ceiling.
(3)Robert L.
Ask for Brad, sit back and he'll take care of the rest. Awesome experience, muchas gracias Brad
(5)Jessica I.
This place was a hidden treasure during our stay in Solvang. We were in town for a wedding and wanted to have a quick tasting before joining in on pre-wedding festivities. Viking Garden was a literal 1 minute walk from our hotel. Everyone was super friendly and knowledgable and not intimidating (i.e. not wine-snobby). That's just the kind of tasting I like! Oh yeah, and they have beer! Good beers at that!
(4)Julie P.
We came here based on what others had said. If you want a tasting or just a glass of beer or wine, you will not be disappointed! You will stay just to hear what Brad has to say next, and you will leave in stitches. We had so much fun our family came back the next night for round 2. Do yourself a favor and give it a try.
(5)William H.
Anyone who gave Brad and VGC anything less than 5 stars probably walked in the wrong store and is confused... I am a absolutely pleased that my wife and I walked in to this shop and THANK BRAD for making a simple tasting, a fun and educational experience... Brad, Lisa and I very much appreciated your conversation and we will be back as soon as possible!!!
(5)sonia h.
Delicious wine; knowledgeable and friendly owner/;pourer.Great atmosphere. I was feeling so good I almost left without the change from my $100 bill until the owner stopped me with it! I'll definitely be back. :)
(5)Laura J.
Don't share ur opinions or anything beyond ur wine & beer preferences. 1 guy (don't remember his name) will shoot you down and debate endlessly w/ u while mocking ur thoughts. Screw that... Personally I enjoy wine in the company of easy going individuals & solving has more to offer than this jackass
(2)Marcela M.
Brad was awesome! From the moment we walked in we were treated well. Great ambience, music and an amazing explanation of wines and cheeses. Brad knows how to pair everything deliciously!
(5)Joseph L.
Listening to my cousins band The Luck. She has great music. Great atmosphere.
(5)Stevie S.
The decor is leaps and bounds nicer than their restaurant. However, we were served nearly every wine of our flight from the same vineyard. None were very good. I'm not a wine snob by any means, but there are several reputable vineyards in the SY Valley. Seemed like they had a deal with a particular vineyard and just pushed their line.
(2)Brent S.
My wife and I went to Solvang recently, and Viking Garden was our last stop. We unwittingly saved the best for last, even though it didn't seem that way at first. It's set off from the road about twenty yards or so, at the back of a sparse, concrete (somewhat uninviting) courtyard, so it's kind of easy to miss. We probably would have passed it up, except we wanted to taste cheese with our wines, and there was a little chalkboard sign on the street indicating wine and cheese tastings were available. Since not all the wine tasting rooms offer cheese, we decided to give it a try. We got inside and were still a little unsure about sticking it out. The room itself isn't very cozy, as they leave empty space for the bands they bring in, but when the bands aren't there, it just seems kind of empty. Then we met the manager, Brad, and that's when the fun started. Brad is very knowledgeable and passionate about wine. Even though we'd been to a good half dozen wine tasting rooms that weekend, I learned more from Brad than from everybody else combined. He picks the wines and the cheeses you taste, which we found a tad off-putting at first, since all the other wine rooms give you choices, but it turns out his expertise resulted in each wine being a great choice. Every other tasting room we went to had at least one or two (or three) wines that weren't so great, but every wine at the Viking Garden was excellent. My wife doesn't like white wine, and in fact had not had a white wine the whole weekend, but Brad made her start with a couple of whites anyway. She was reluctant, but then couldn't believe that the whites he put in front of her were both very good. He told us why he picks the wines he chooses, his philosophy on creating the best tasting experience for the customer, and the best way to judge the wines. He was very funny - at times it was almost like stand-up - and the cheeses were great, too. We hit the Viking Garden last, but after meeting Brad, next time it will be our first stop. We got Brad's personal email so in the event he ever leaves Viking Garden, we'll be able to track him down and visit him wherever he's working. A great experience!
(5)Emelle D.
Brad is wonderful!! We're up from Long Beach and have done about 15 wineries and tasting rooms. The only place where I absolutely loved all of the tastings was here and learned more about the wine making process than any other location. Must Go!
(5)Minna P.
I was very displeased with VGC. I paid $2 for wine tasting. People were kind in the beginning. I tasted two different types of Moscato, which were somewhat sour or too sweat. A employee gave me another one. It was not my taste, either. when I asked for Chardonnay or different one for my family, he told me ' No' because he did not think we would like any of wine there, based on my response. I became red-faced and my family were speechless. I don't understand how come he was so rude. I wish i didn't go there. There are so many other places offering wine tasting. I definitely DO NOT recommend VGC.
(1)Tom F.
Brad was a great and knowledgeable host who introduced us to some new local wines, made us laugh, and kept the mood fun for everyone at the tasting bar. Also, he had some great recommendations on where to eat and what to do while in the Solvang/Santa Ynez area.
(5)Susie M.
My boyfriend and I went to Viking Garden Cellars last month and I can't say enough good things about it. Brad, the wine guy, poured us some excellent wines and gave us a mini-lesson in wine tasting. He was so funny and really generous with his knowledge, I would have had a great time even if the wine was only okay. But the wine was great, too! He sold us a nice barbera, which I had never even heard of before. If you're going to Solvang, be sure to find this place.
(5)Mike C.
Not just a wine bar, many beers on tap too. A classy little place with a nice patio and great live music.
(4)Kerry C.
We just started coming here, and found that we love their wine list! Great cool vibe, and they support local music! Great outdoor seating as well for a sunny Solvang afternoon! Definitely recommend for the local or the traveler.
(4)