Home US The scenic wine region where Joe and Jill Biden fled after the inauguration and ‘looked at a retirement home’

The scenic wine region where Joe and Jill Biden fled after the inauguration and ‘looked at a retirement home’

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Joe Biden wasted no time heading to one of his favorite destinations after Donald Trump's inauguration

Joe Biden wasted no time heading to one of his favorite destinations after Donald Trump’s inauguration and it looks like he might settle down there for retirement.

Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington, D.C., the former president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, to a warmer and more inviting environment.

Departing from Joint Base Andrews, the pair set their sights on California’s picturesque Santa Ynez Valley.

Curious residents gathered at the Santa Barbara airport on Monday hoping to catch a glimpse of the Bidens’ arrival.

A no-fly notice in the airspace around Vandenberg, California, confirmed their arrival.

Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, said he believes the Bidens want to settle and retire in the Santa Ynez Valley.

“He and Jill visited last summer, so this marks his second visit in less than a year,” Sim said PEOPLE.

“Rumor has it that he is considering buying a house in the area,” Sim said.

Joe Biden wasted no time heading to one of his favorite destinations after Donald Trump’s inauguration

Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington, D.C., the former president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, to California's picturesque Santa Ynez Valley

Shortly after Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in Washington, D.C., the former president and his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, to California’s picturesque Santa Ynez Valley

However, he notes that this recent trip is “purely for rest and relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle.”

The region offers a stark contrast to Washington, D.C., with “no traffic” and “a charming hometown, country feel,” Sim said.

The Bidens have not announced their plans for where they will live after leaving the White House, but they have long owned two homes in Delaware — one in Rehoboth Beach and another in Wilmington.

Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, said he believes the Bidens want to settle down and retire in Santa Ynez Valley

Shelby Sim, president and CEO of Visit the Santa Ynez Valley, said he believes the Bidens want to settle down and retire in Santa Ynez Valley

The family shares a close connection to the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who, according to Politicshas previously hosted the couple.

Kiani, 58, is the founder of medical technology company Masimo, which he founded in 1989. Forbes estimates his net worth at $1.3 billion.

The Kiani Preserve, an extensive 8,000-acre ranch and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a retreat for the Bidens in times of controversy.

His official schedule did not reveal where he would stay during this visit, but local news outlets reported that a motorcade was spotted heading to Kiani’s 20,000-acre estate shortly after Biden arrived in town.

In September, Biden’s billionaire buddy Kiani stepped down as CEO of Masimo, just days after shareholders voted to remove him from the company’s board following a heated proxy battle with activist hedge fund Politan Capital Management.

The Bidens share a close bond with the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who previously organized the couple, according to Politico

The Bidens share a close bond with the region through Joe Kiani, a prominent Democratic donor and friend who previously organized the couple, according to Politico

The Kiani Preserve, an extensive 8,000-acre ranch and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a retreat for the Bidens in times of controversy

The Kiani Preserve, an extensive 8,000-acre ranch and vineyard in the Figueroa Highlands, has become a retreat for the Bidens in times of controversy

President Biden last visited Santa Ynez following a pivotal moment in his career — his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee at the Democratic National Convention in August.

During that visit, the Bidens explored Kiani’s expansive property, as reported by Keyt.

The Bidens also visited the historic Old Mission Santa Barbara, a former Spanish mission that now houses a museum, a Franciscan Friary and the Santa Barbara Mission-Archive Library.

Located about two hours north of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara Wine Country, the Santa Ynez Valley is a picturesque destination consisting of six unique towns: Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, Buellton, Los Alamos, Santa Barbara and the traditional Danish village of Solvang.

Known for its breathtaking rolling hills, world-class wineries and a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, zip-lining and horseback riding, the valley offers a scenic escape for everyone.

The once-slack Santa Ynez Valley has seen a wave of exciting new openings, including Auberge Resorts’ five-star inn at Mattei’s Tavern.

This historic social hub and events space has been converted into a luxurious resort with self-contained cottages, a spa and a wood-fire focused restaurant that sources ingredients from the grounds on site.

The Valley’s dining scene is also booming, with several highly anticipated restaurants slated to debut soon.

This idyllic area, which historically votes blue in elections, has long been a celebrity favorite (pictured: Olivia Newton-John's Ranch)

This idyllic area, which historically votes blue in elections, has long been a celebrity favorite (pictured: Olivia Newton-John’s Ranch)

Michael Jackson's famous Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre estate was located near Los Oliveros

Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre estate was located near Los Oliveros

The region is also home to the Los Padres National Forest, Sedgwick Reserve and Figueroa Mountain, which offers stunning wildflower foliage in the spring.

This idyllic area, which historically votes blue in elections, has long been a celebrity favorite.

Olivia Newton-John once owned a ranch in the valley, recently listed for $9 million by her widower.

Michael Jackson’s famous Neverland Ranch, a 2,700-acre estate, was located near Los Oliveros.

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