Vineyards in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is a colorful quilt of microclimates,
each defined by unique soils, proximity to the Pacific ocean
and geological traits. Indeed, there are 55 different winegrape
varietals planted here, each thriving in their own specific
terroir. Here, we can have something for everyone's wine preference
thanks to our unique transverse valleys. Diversity perfected,
indeed.
Great wine starts in the vineyard with great grapes. Blessed
with excellent climate, soil and topography and guided by their care
and concern for the
land, Santa Barbara County's winegrowers bring modern
growing methods to the age-old art of viticulture, producing
some of the finest wine grapes in the world.
For additional resources on viticulture on the Central Coast,
please visit these two organizations.
Member Vineyards
 Allan
Hancock College Vineyard
A student vineyard in Los Alamos Valley; 3.8 acres planted
in various clones and rootstocks.
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Alondra de Los Prados
Vineyard
2 acres in Santa Ynez Valley planted in Syrah.
805-686-2344
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 Bentrock
Vineyard
Perched on an undulating north facing bench in the far western
reaches of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA; taking full advantage of
the marginal climate that exists in the Sta. Rita Hills, Bentrock
provides the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay planted in its soils
the opportunity to ripen slowly during what are often the warmer
fall months of September and October in the Sta. Rita Hills.
This extended hang-time allows for sugars to ripen slowly,
allowing flavor development and tannin softening to occur in
slow unison, leading to deep and concentrated wines.
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 Bien
Nacido Vineyards
Bien Nacido Vineyards consists of over 800 acres, of which
over 300 acres are planted to Chardonnay, over 250 to Pinot
Noir, and a number of acres each to Barbera, Merlot, Pinot
Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rousanne, Syrah, and Viognier.
Bien Nacido has the distinction of being one of the major
viticultural nurseries in the state for certified, varietal
budwood. Most of the vines were originally from stock grown
by the University of California at Davis. While the average
increase block in California is less than 10 acres, Bien Nacido
Vineyards has several hundred acres of certified Chardonnay,
Pinot Noir, Merlot and a number of other varieties. Much of
the Chardonnay planted in California in the last twenty years
began as Bien Nacido Vineyards cuttings.
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 Black
Oak Vineyard
10 acres in Los Alamos Valley planted in Syrah.
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 Coghlan
Vineyard
Our vineyard is currently being farmed in an organic manner
and we are in the process of becoming certified.
The vineyard which is on a southwest facing knoll in the eastern
Santa Ynez Valley which serves for the ideal climate conditions
in their specific micro-area that is of particular benefit
to Bordeaux and Rhone-type varietals. In addition, the property’s
rock and loam soil types and well-drained hillsides result
in a terroir of remarkable potential. In 2003, ten acres of
vines were planted to four different clones of Cabernet Sauvignon
and the first harvest was in 2007. In 2010, nine more acres
were planted to Grenache Blanc, Grenache, Malbec, Petit Verdot
and Cabernet Franc. The addition of these varietals will broaden
the estate’s diversity and ultimately enhance the Coghlan
portfolio of wines.
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 Colson
Canyon Vineyard
15 acres in Santa Maria Valley planted in Syrah.
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 Estelle
Vineyard
This 80 acre vineyard is planted on the hillsides towards
the eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley. The soil is a rocky
loam full of cobblestones. The vineyard is planted in Cabernet
Sauvignon, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.
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 Fe
Ciega Vineyard
7.5 acres in Santa Rita Hills planted in Pinot Noir.
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 Highland
Oaks Vineyard
Highland Oaks Vineyard is a family-owned vineyard in the Santa
Ynez Valley appellation of Santa Barbara County.
Densely planted, hand harvested and field blended, our Viognier,
Syrah and Grenache thrive on a steep hillside that mimics the
northern Rhône Valley. Extreme heat and sun, rocky mineral
laced soil, steady winds and a profusion of wildflowers, bees,
ladybugs and raptors at a stunning 1,200 feet elevation create
an ideal microclimate and unique terroir for a premium Rhône
blend.
Petras family members, Jim, Kate, Diane and Jack, established
Highland Oaks in 2007. We are excited and honored to have Andrew
Murray as our talented and enthusiastic winemaker, ably translating
the fruit from our small corner of the beautiful Santa Ynez
Valley into a wine of exceptional quality.
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 Honea
Vineyard
The property consists of 40 acres on Alamo Pintado Road, the
major wine country road running between the wine center town
of Los Olivos and the Danish town of Solvang. The land consists
of three hills leading up from the flat land along Alamo Pintado
creek. Twenty acres have been planted in grapes and two in
olive trees.
The vineyard specializes exclusively on Italian grape varietals,
with the goal of becoming the premier grower of these varietals
in central California. The grapes are grown for Steve and Chrystal
Clifton and their Palmina label. The varieties planted include
Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Tocai Friulano, Moscato Canelli, Sangiovese,
Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Lagrein.The grape varieties
planted were chosen by Steve, in consultation with Jeff Newton,
who along with his partner, Larry Finkle, is the viticulture
manager for the vineyard. The first plantings occurred in the
summer of 2003 and the first harvest was in 2005. In addition,
a small acreage of Merlot was planted several years ago by
the previous owners and is bearing excellent quality fruit.
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 Larner
Vineyard
Since 2001, Larner Vineyard has established itself as a premium
vineyard site selling grapes to boutique wineries throughout
Santa Barbara County. Wine critic Robert Parker Jr. states,
in his review of 2006 Jaffurs Larner Vineyard Syrah, “emerges
from a site that would merit grand cru status in France. Larner
Vineyard nearly always produces wines with excellent minerality,
ripe fruit, and distinct personality.” The family-owned
and operated Larner Vineyard is planted to mostly Rhône
varietals Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Viognier with a small
amount of Malvasia Bianca. UC Davis graduate Michael Larner
runs the vineyard with his family and maintains a reputation
for meticulous farming practices and top quality fruit.
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805-686-2440
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 Mount
Carmel Vineyard
The highest vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills; planted to Chardonnay
and Pinot Noir.
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 Paradise
Road Vineyard
Located in the majestic back-country of the Santa Ynez Valley
on historic Rancho San Fernando Rey, Paradise Road Vineyard
grows award winning Syrah and of Viognier. The interior valley
location provides warmer growing season temperatures than most
local vineyards and the iron rich nutrient deprived soil produces
small clusters of tiny grapes with concentrated flavors.
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Puerta del Mar Vineyard
Puerta del Mar is located to the west of the Sta. Rita
Hills AVA in one of the far western reaches of Santa
Barbara County. Residing less than 10 miles from the
edge of the Pacific Ocean, Puerta del Mar is at the confluence
of where the cool marine influence of the Pacific Ocean
rushes in to infiltrate the inland Santa Ynez valley.
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 Radian
Vineyard
Radian is one of the westernmost vineyards in the Sta.
Rita Hills AVA. Planted on a wide selection of slopes,
aspects and exposures, Radian seemingly wraps around
the undulating hillsides that comprise this cool climate
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyard. Many winemakers have
commented on the unique “Pinot Noir Bowl” that
exists in the center of Radian, a set of blocks that
wrap around the hillsides of Radian in an almost 360° pattern.
The “Pinot Noir Bowl” is planted to a mix
of Dijon Pinot Noir clones and offers almost every aspect
imaginable to winemakers.
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Rancho Rita Vista Vineyard
Pinot Noir in Santa Ynez Valley
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 Rio Vista Vineyard
Rio Vista Vineyard was first planted with 26 acres of Pinot Noir in 2001 and with an additional 38 acres in 2006. The vineyard supplies Pinot Noir fruit to Consilience, Fess Parker, Flying Goat Cellars, Hitching Post, Ken Brown Wines,Tantara and Thorne Wine. The ranch property, which includes the vineyard, has been in the family since the mid fifties and operates as a cattle ranch.
Thorne wines are blends of Pinot Noir clones 777, 115 and 2A.
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 Rita's
Crown Vineyard
Rita's Crown is located in the geographic center of
the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, on the southwest facing slopes
of the Santa Rita Hills. The vineyard resides at an elevation
between 600' and 950', making it one of the highest planted
vineyards in the AVA. This cool–climate site, heavily
influenced by the proximity of the Pacific Ocean, is
ideally suited for producing world-class Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay grapes. The east-west aspect of the Santa
Rosa and Santa Rita Hills is ideal for allowing cool
ocean fog to flow through the Santa Ynez River Valley.
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 Sandoval
Ranch & Vineyard
Sandoval Ranch and Vineyard is a small family owned
and operated vineyard using sustainable farming practices,
producing Tempranillo, Garnacha and Albarino.
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 Sea Smoke
For years, vintners have coveted a stretch of land in the western end of Santa Barbara's Sta. Rita Hills AVA known to have the perfect microclimate, soils, and exposure to grow world-class Pinot Noir. In 1999, fulfilling a long-held dream of owner Bob Davids, this sought-after stretch of land became Sea Smoke Vineyard.
At Sea Smoke, we produce Pinot Noir grown exclusively on the south-facing hillsides of our estate vineyards. On summer evenings, the Santa Ynez River canyon funnels a cool maritime fog layer (sea "smoke") across our hillsides, slowing the ripening process and providing the extended maturation period essential to the development of top-quality Pinot Noir.
Our shallow clay soils are planted to French clones on vigor-reducing rootstocks, resulting in fewer grape clusters of intense flavor, and our artisanal approach to winemaking results in wines that are a reflection of the unique land on which they are grown.
We believe that Sea Smoke's rare geography and commitment to quality have produced wines of exceptional complexity and grace. We hope that you agree and welcome your comments.
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 Solomon
Hills Vineyards
Solomon Hills Vineyards are owned and operated by the
same team that manages Bien Nacido Vineyards. Located
at the western most end of the Santa Maria Valley AVA,
Solomon Hills Vineyards are nestled in its namesake Solomon
Hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard enjoys
a cool growing climate creating ideal conditions for
growing some of the most exciting and innovative Pinot
Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County.
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 Thompson
Vineyard
The steep hillsides and south facing exposure of the
Thompson Vineyard ensures complete ripeness. That combined
with low tonnage produces an amazing concentration, robust
dark crimson color and equally rich flavors. The Thompson
vineyard consists of 37 acres in Los Alamos Valley planted
in Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite
Sirah, and Pinot Gris, but it is known primary for its
Estrella Clone of Syrah.
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Vincent
Vineyard
13.9 acres in Santa Ynez Valley planted to Cabernet Franc,
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc
and Syrah.
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