Cambria Estate Winery: The Place

Place

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Vineyard

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. 

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Vineyard

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.

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