We've been going to the Solvang area now for decades and exploring the wineries. If anyone want an OPINION on a particular winery, send me a PM.
My parents lived in Santa Maria until they passed away. Every time we went up to visit we just had to eat at Anderson's Pea Soup restaurant. I still think its the best place when you don't want to search out a new place, such as late at night. The food is certainly consistantly very good, reasonably priced. Never a bad choice.
Many places in Solvang are interesting but pricey.
Most new businesses in Solvang don't last long enough to become really established, partly due to the huge rentals. I liked a lot of them but they didn't last.