Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara is one of the oldest wine-producing areas in California; the first wine grapes were planted as far back as the late 1700s by Spanish missionaries. As in much of the country, Prohibition put a stop to nearly all production, but in 1964, a renaissance began: Uriel Nelson planted the first commercial vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. The following decades saw the birth of new vineyards and wineries, as many were drawn to the diverse, coastal region. Today, a laid-back California vibe and innovative mindset define the wineries in Santa Barbara County.
From ocean to mountains, Santa Barbara’s got it all, geographically speaking. Elevation ranges from sea level to almost 7,000 feet, which creates numerous microclimates. Coupled with widely variant soil types, it’s no wonder winemakers think of Santa Barbara as winemaking nirvana.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay dominate the plantings, but the anything-goes mentality of the region means a range of varieties—from Syrah to Grenache to Chenin Blanc—thrive in the coastal environment.
In total, Santa Barbara County encompasses 7 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), including our piece of heaven, Santa Maria Valley.
Santa Maria Valley
Many unique elements in the Santa Maria Valley contribute to our signature style of wine. It became the first official AVA within Santa Barbara County back in 1981, and we embrace this spirit of pioneering in everything we do.
As home to a rare geological feature, found in only a few places in the Western Hemisphere, the Santa Maria Valley is an ideal place to make wine. A transverse mountain range—running east-west instead of a common north-south orientation—plays a major role in grapes’ maturation. Cool air and fog funnel from the Pacific Ocean inland. These elements temper what would normally be a hot climate — we call it our “refrigerated sunshine.” As a result, our vines benefit from a long and steady growing season, about 200 days a year. Compare that to 175 days in the Russian River Valley, or even Burgundy’s 160-day-long season, and it’s easy to see how our wines develop a beautiful texture and great fruit, while still retaining energy and bright acidity.
To truly understand the region, pull up a seat at the Santa Maria Bench. The land, the “seat,” sits slightly higher than the valley floor and is protected from heavy winds by the mountains — the back of a chair, if you will. However, the east-west orientation allows the fog to roll in during the early hours, roll out mid-day, then back in again during the afternoon, almost like the ocean waves. This consistently cool environment, broken up by peaks of radiant sun, allows for slow ripening.
The Pacific Ocean not only influences the climate, but our soils as well. Marine sediments, like seashells and fossils, coupled with mixed sand, create numerous sites, all which give grapes diverse personalities and profiles.
EXPLORE OUR VINEYARD
The Pacific Ocean not only influences the climate, but our soils as well. Marine sediments, like seashells and fossils, coupled with mixed sand, create numerous sites, all which give grapes diverse personalities and profiles.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics of a single grape clone.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics of a single grape clone.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics of a single grape clone.
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Winemaker's Collection is an exploration of site and style vintage to vintage.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics and variations of a single grape clone.
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Geographical or “Geo” Series captures a sense of place and the unique expressions ac
Fake product :) This is just a test product for purposes of flow & testing. Because we love to test.
Savor a sampling of our sustainably-made estate wines that are crafted for your dinner table.
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Winemaker's Collection is an exploration of site and style from vintage to vintage.
Element celebrates a singular aspect of our Estate each year, whether it's a specific clone or a distinct block.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics of a single grape clone.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics and variations of a single grape clone.
From our vineyard to your holiday table, these wines were made to bring a little extra cheer to your holiday season.
Great to give and to receive, perfect your holiday table with three classic varieties from Santa Barbara County.
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Winemaker's Collection captures a sense of place and the unique expressions across o
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics of a single grape clone.
Spring is pure magic in the vineyard: bees buzzing about the sea of yellows, oranges and greens, doing their life affir
Purchase the Pinots Along the Pacific Collection and receive $15 flat-rate ground shipping.
Dreaming of having a 6-pack this summer? We'll cheers to that!
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Winemaker's Collection is an exploration of site and style vintage to vintage.
There's a reason Chardonnay is America's favorite grape.
We bottle our Clone Collection to highlight the individual characteristics and variations of a single grape clone.
- 2022 Katherine's Vineyard Chardonnay
- 2020 West Point Chardonnay
- 2023 Julia's Vineyard Rosé
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Winemaker's Collection is an exploration of site and style from vintage to vintage.
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Winemaker's Collection is an exploration of site and style vintage to vintage.
Sourced from various blocks across the vineyard, our Geographical or “Geo” Series captures a sense of place and the unique expressions ac
A Pinot Noir from our library selected as the perfect gift for the wine collector.
