Solvang Julefest: Stroll Schedule and Holiday Highlights

The Solvang Julefest Skal Stroll

The Solvang Julefest Skal Stroll is an annual holiday wine walk with a Danish flair, and it’s a lively, festive experience. Held over a weekend, the two-day event features wine, craft beer and glogg (mulled wine) tastings across town, with a glogg competition where ticket holders vote for their favorite.

We began at the Visitors’ Center to pick up our commemorative wine glasses, a map and a list of the 16 participating tasting stops. Tickets allow you to sample at your own pace on both Saturday and Sunday, making it easy to spread tastings out and enjoy the day.

Everything is within comfortable walking distance, and many attendees take advantage of local hotels for an overnight stay. Solvang offers a wide variety of tasting venues, from traditional winery tasting rooms to trendy spots and even a secret speakeasy bar. Each location has its own personality, which makes exploring the route especially enjoyable.

Photo Gallery: Julefest Skal Stroll

Solvang Visitors’ Center

Skal Stroll Checklist

Sort This Out Cellars

I voted for Sort This Out Cellars in the glogg competition — their mulled wine stood out with balanced spices and warming depth.

Presidio Winery

Presidio offered a Swedish-style glogg featuring star anise, which added a distinctive aromatic note to their mulled wine.

Olive House

At Olive House I discovered a blackberry sweet wine that quickly became a favorite. I bought bottles to enjoy at home and to give as Christmas gifts.

Casa Cassara

Casa Cassara felt like stepping into a warm, welcoming living room — a comfortable place to gather with friends and savor tastings.

Valley Brewers

Valley Brewers is primarily a homebrew and winemaking supply shop, so arriving there felt unexpected. After checking the map I realized the tasting took place in their speakeasy-style backroom, a fun hidden gem.

Secret Door to The Backroom at Valley Brewers

Beyond the shop a dark hallway leads to a disguised door and The Backroom at Valley Brewers. The space features a solid craft beer selection on tap and a pleasant courtyard seating area.

Wandering Dog Wine Bar

Wandering Dog entered the glogg competition with the most inventive offering: an iced shrub spritzer rather than a warm mulled wine. It was refreshingly different and delicious.

Copenhagen Sausage Garden

The outdoor beer garden is a popular place for hearty food and full pours, a lively stop on the stroll.

Calilove

Calilove is a relaxed spot to enjoy wine paired with music, perfect for lingering between tastings.

Lions Peak Vineyards

Lions Peak offers a traditional tasting room atmosphere and served a port that many attendees were talking about.

Solvang Brewing Co. Restaurant and Bar

This spot provides a broad selection of beers and wines in a casual bar setting, convenient for groups with varied tastes.

The Good Life Cellar

The Good Life showcases local wine and beer and often features live music on weekends, adding to its lively atmosphere.

Lucky Dogg Winery

Lucky Dogg is family-friendly — kids and dogs are welcome — making it a great stop for visitors traveling together.

Dascomb Cellars

Dascomb Cellars, a family-run winery from nearby Santa Barbara, pours estate wines and rounds out the tasting options with classic varietals.

Downtown Solvang

Downtown Solvang is ideal for wandering from tasting room to tasting room. The compact layout, varied venues and festive atmosphere make the Skal Stroll an enjoyable way to experience local wines, craft beers and creative holiday beverages.