When Kory Koehler acquired the property in 1997, all of the estate grapes were being sold to local wineries. Koehler soon recognized that some of the best wines in the valley were being produced with grapes harvested from her own vineyard so she made the resolved to launch her own winery and tasting room. From the start, Kory Koehler's vision was to create a world-class winery committed to making premium wines at affordable prices.
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Rusack was established in 1995 by Geoff Rusack and Alison Wrigley Rusack with a commitment to creating world-class wines. In the years since then, this dedication to quality has meant some dramatic changes at the winery. The most visible change is in the vineyard. Following the 2001 harvest, many of the original vines were pulled out and replanted. Utilizing cutting edge technology and taking advantage of Ballard Canyon’s unique terroir, varieties to be grown were carefully chosen and limited to those clones best suited to the microclimate. Syrah, Sangiovese, and Sauvignon Blanc have been planted, along with smaller lots of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot to be blended into the renowned "Anacapa."
While winemakers at Brewer – Clinton are grounded in traditional ideals found in Europe, Steve and Greg do not feel the necessity to be fettered by them. Instead they both make great effort to be certain that the wines that they produce truly are representative of the Sta. Rita Hills. Brewer and Clinton do not strive to emulate any other producer or any other region as they follow their own pursuit. This winemaking duo has espoused themselves to the appellation and will continue to do everything to display and celebrate it in as honest and impactful manner possible – in their wines.
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Jim Clendenen graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with High Honors in Pre-Law in 1976. It was during his "junior year abroad" in 1974, while turning 21 in France, that he discovered life beyond tacos.In 1982, Clendenen decided, along with now ex-partner Adam Tolmach, to start his own winery in leased quarters. Au Bon Climat (which means "a well exposed vineyard") has grown over its history to over 30,000 cases through careful re-investment from its own production.
Summerland Winery is a boutique winery dedicated to the production of fine wines from the Central Coast of California. Nebil “Bilo” Zarif founded Summerland Winery in 2002 with the goal of producing premium wines from expressive vineyard sources spanning from Santa Barbara to Monterey. Since then, the winery has built a name synonymous with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 14+ different varietals from 9 renowned vineyards allow the Central Coast and Single Vineyard Collections to showcase their excellent fruit character combined with strong regional character. The winery’s tasting room is located in Summerland’s charming seaside setting, just 10 minutes south of Santa Barbara.
D'Alfonso-Curran Wines is a family of professionals created out of a shared passion for wine. The crew was created with the same love and consideration that Kris & Bruno use to craft and stylize their unique wines.
The Dierberg family began cultivating Drum Canyon Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara in 2008. Siblings Ellen Dierberg Milne and Michael Dierberg, now second-generation growers, have embraced a sustainable approach to producing world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This commitment has established Dierberg as one of the select few California Certified Sustainable vineyards.
Winemaker Tyler Thomas, who apprenticed with the renowned Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, employs a minimalist approach in crafting exceptional wines. His focus is on allowing the unique character of the vineyard site to shine through in every bottle of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
For wine lovers exploring California’s wineries, Dierberg offers not only outstanding wines but also a genuine connection to sustainable viticulture and a commitment to quality that truly reflects the beauty of the Sta. Rita Hills.
When producing world-class Pinot Noir, location is everything. For years, vintners have coveted a stretch of land in the western end of Santa Barbara’s Santa 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.Sea Smoke does not feature a tasting room because we have no wine available for sale at the winery. Sea Smoke wines are pre-allocated to our List Members and to our distributor partners before release each year, and are sold out upon release. This leaves no wine to offer for sale to potential visitors.
Andrew Murray fell in love with the emerging Rhône varieties, Syrah and Viognier, in the late 1980’s while traveling through France’s Rhône Valley. Leaving his UC Berkeley paleontology studies behind, he pursued his new mistress, Syrah, with an internship in Australia. As Robert Parker, Jr. put it, “…Andrew Murray’s offerings are a breath of fresh air given their exceptionally high quality and realistic prices – reader take note.
Barbieri Wine Company (BWC) has been delighting wine lovers since its founding in 2005 by Master Sommelier and Winemaker Paolo Barbieri. Before BWC came to be, Paolo began his winemaking journey crafting small lots in his garage in Las Vegas, fueled by a passion for producing exceptional wines. His goal was clear: to create Rhone varietals from the top vineyards in Santa Barbara County, using a minimalist approach that emphasizes the quality of the grapes without heavy oak influence.
With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Paolo's expertise has been shaped by managing world-class wine lists in both Europe and the United States. This background not only honed his palate but also inspired his philosophy toward winemaking. Joining him on this adventure was Erin Kempe, and together they cultivated their passion for crafting hand-made boutique wines that truly reflect their love for the art of winemaking.
Meet Paolo Barbieri
Born in Parma, Italy, Paolo Barbieri developed a passion for wine at a young age, with a bottle of wine always gracing his family’s dinner table. His curiosity about the winemaking process led him to study farming management in Rome, where he deepened his love for nature. Paolo's career took him to England, where he started working in restaurants, further igniting his passion for food and wine.
After relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area, he helped develop wine programs for several esteemed restaurants. In 1998, Paolo moved to Las Vegas, where he played a pivotal role in opening high-profile establishments like the Bellagio, Wynn, and Cosmopolitan Hotel. His dedication and extensive knowledge earned him the prestigious title of Master Sommelier, a testament to his hard work and passion.
During his time in the industry, Paolo discovered the remarkable quality of Santa Barbara County's vineyards. Inspired by their potential, he partnered with long-time friend and winemaker Joey Tensley to launch Barbieri Wine Company, producing just 375 cases from Colson Canyon Vineyard in its inaugural year. Over time, Paolo expanded his portfolio to include some of the region's finest vineyards, creating both single vineyard and blended wines that showcase the unique terroir of Santa Barbara.
For those who love exploring California's wineries and learning about its exceptional wines, Barbieri Wine Company offers a delightful journey into the heart of winemaking. Each bottle tells a story of passion, dedication, and the beauty of the vineyards that produce these remarkable Rhone varietals.
