Navigating Through Wine Country
Road Trip to the Santa Ynez Valley in a Lincoln Navigator
Ever dream about taking a road trip through "Sideways" country? Read about our recent trip to Santa Barbara's Santa Ynez Valley in a 2007 Lincoln Navigator.
When we were asked if we wanted to attend a Harvest Festival (www.sbcountrywine.com) sponsored by the Santa Barbara Vintern’s Association, it didn’t take long for us to answer positively. The deal was sealed when we discovered we’d be driving the beefy 2007 Lincoln Navigator.
First off, we packed up everything up and we were delighted to find a power-controlled folding third row seat, which was super easy to use. (For those who need tons of space, the Navigator L has an additional 25 cubic feet of cargo space.)
The five-hour drive through LA’s afternoon traffic was brutal, except for the smooth ride of Lincoln’s newest luxury SUV. The all-new frame and independent rear suspension does seem to help this Navigator roll along smoothly. However, make no mistake that Lincoln’s Navigator is built on a truck platform. This behemoth rolls along with a certain truck-like feel – much like you are sitting in a giant rolling living room.
The 300hp, 5.4 liter, three-valve Triton V8, six-speed automatic transmission certainly does move the Navigator along at good speeds. There's no mistaking this vehicle zooms along California's freeways and has outstanding braking for those not-so-fun driving moments.
The best thing about the 2007 model, however, is the new telescoping running boards. Now able to compete with Cadillac's Escalade in this department, the Navigator's boards whoosh out to meet you feet as you climb aboard this gentle giant.
The next great improvement in the new Lincoln Navigator is the interior. We were especially glad to find the new dash is more user friendly and more handsome than previous year models. The in-dash, push-button media and navigation system screen seems a bit too small and a bit too low from the driver’s view point though.
The graphics on Ford’s voice-activated navigation system also was a bit lacking and needs a major upgrade for better driver visibility. However, this in-dash system is definitely worth the extra price as any voice-activated GPS guidance system is better than no system at all.
The light-colored Anigre wood complements the beige, ivory and silver chrome interior accents. The cream-colored leather seats are supremely comfortable with a good balance between soft cushion and firm support, especially on long drives.
We finally pulled into the porte cochere of the Santa Ynez Marriott just after a glorious orange, pink and purple sunset while driving north through Santa Barbara with views of the grand Pacific ocean and gently rolling hills. Located just down the street from the Hitching Post restaurant, which was made famous by the Academy Award-winning movie “Sideways,” the hotel is comfortable enough and just off Highway 101.
But don’t expect a five-star experience as this Marriott feels like it has been caught in a time warp. The design of the public spaces and rooms are like something from the early 1990s. The restaurant and pool area is deserted. It seems everyone is out enjoying a sunny day in wine country.
After a night luxuriating in the Marriott’s soft and fluffy linens, we get ready for the 30-mile trip north to the Harvest Festival, which was being held this year at the Rancho Sisquoc Winery.
We drove through farm country on the way, getting lovely views of oak-covered hills, flat valleys, multi-colored cows and horses and lots of vines. Finally, after driving down a one-lane road, we arrived at the festival.
Vintners really know how to party in a friendly atmosphere as we found a grass-covered hillside filled with smiling faces. Most of the festival goers had been there for several hours, gleefully dancing to a rockin’ band, sipping on wines from more than 20 wineries and eating their way through samples from area restaurants.
Nobody was stuffy here. People wore jeans, t-shirts and boots or sneakers. An eclectic mix of people lazily sat on the grass or at tables, thankful for another bountiful grape harvest.
The next day, we drove home to Orange County in our pimped out Lincoln Navigator, which boasts more chrome than ever on the front grille and a big ribbon of silver down both doors.
We are already planning a trip to the association's spring festival.
Hopefully, we can drive another super luxurious Navigator. The next time, however, we are leaving the kids at home so we can enjoy wine country in a more adult style.
