In 1971 Sanford Winery and Vineyards discovered an overlooked, grape-growing treasure in the Santa Rita Hills. Recognizing a magical combination of climate and soil conditions much like those in France's famed Burgundy province, Sanford planted the area's first Pinot Noir in its Sanford & Benedict vineyard.
Bridlewood Winery sits picturesque 105-acre estate rests on a high bench of ancient seabed, facing Pacific breezes that meander through the Santa Ynez Mountains to the South and the Purisma Hills and San Raphael Mountains to the north. The mountains run east-west, allowing the fog to roll in from the Pacific Oceam, which slows the ripening process and paves the way for a long growing season. With more time to mature and develop, the grapes develop a crisp balance between acid and sugar.
Rideau Vineyard was founded in 1997 by New Orleans native, Iris Rideau. Early on in the winery’s inception, Iris Rideau decided to dedicate her estate vineyard entirely to Rhône varietals. She felt that Rhône wines were not only ideally suited to the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, but also instinctively felt that they were best suited to the Creole cuisine of her childhood.
Recently the World’s most respected wine critic, Robert Parker, Jr. awarded Blackjack Ranch a Five-Star rating for the production of Bordeaux varietals, specifically Billy Goat Hill Merlot and for Harmonie. Blackjack Ranch Vineyards & Winery is one of only two wineries outside Napa/Sonoma to achieve his highest ranking. In issue #148 of The Wine Advocate, Robert Parker included the following pronouncement: “Blackjack Ranch is one of the best-run wineries in Santa Barbara.
Demetria Estate produces two separate portfolios of wines including, Burgundian varietals and Rhone-style blends that capture the singularity of the vineyards and the region from which they originated.
The Burgundian offerings comprise of varietal honest manifestations of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, farmed sustainably in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County.
The Rhone blends feature a rich, aromatic array of wines that are well-balanced, and intensely flavorful. The Rhone blends are styled after the famous Chateauneuf du Pape reds and are made from varieties of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Grenache. The white Rhone wines are blends of Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc.
Who would have guessed that a kid from Amherst, Massachusetts, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Sciences (Pre-Veterinary) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian from the University of Massachusetts, would end up in Santa Barbara County as an up-and-coming winemaker? Benjamin Silver did just that after catching the wine bug in 1993 at a summer job at Chicama Vineyards on Martha’s Vineyard.
Nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, in the western edge of Cuyama Valley, Alere Vineyards produces rhone-varietals and a bit of zinfandel. At an elevation of 2,400 feet, Alere's vineyard flourishes in a climate very similiar to that of the southern Rhone Valley.
Pour a glass of wine, kick back and read about our exciting adventure that is Flying Goat Cellars. A “Mission of Merriment,” which seeks to produce great wine that is reasonably priced and ready to drink upon release.
Relaxed ambience. Take the path less traveled and enjoy the ultimate wine experience here in historic Los Alamos. This is what wine tasting should be with a knowledgeable staff giving each customer one on one attention, great wines that are not main stream, and an unrushed, intimate atmosphere.
he Huber Estate was established in 1986, and the first vines were planted in 1987, making it one of the oldest vineyards in Santa Rita Hills. The premier grapes of the appellation, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are grown on the estate, as is the much sought after German red grape varietal called Dornfelder.
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Since the first harvest, grapes from the vineyard have been purchased by select premier winemakers throughout the valley. The first wines under the Huber label debuted with the 2000 vintage. Proprietors Norman and Traudl Huber are dedicated to growing grapes of flavor and quality and crafting wines of distinction.
