Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara

Sanford Winery

glass of red wint - Pixabay

In the Sta. Rita Hills, it all began with Sanford. In 1971, the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard became the first vineyard in what would develop into a world-class, cool-climate wine-growing region. From its inception, Sanford Winery has been a pioneer in the Sta. Rita Hills, thriving and innovating under the vision and hands-on leadership of the Terlato family.

The story starts with botanist Michael Benedict and his friend Richard Sanford, who were dedicated to finding a cool climate location with just enough heat to ripen wine grapes without over-ripening them. They sought a place where they could grow grapes and craft wines that would rival the best in Europe.

Michael embarked on an extensive journey, researching and touring the cool coastal regions of California to find the ideal site. After much observation and data collection, he identified a unique part of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, located at the foot of what would ultimately become the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. The first vines were planted in 1971, and the Pinot Noir from this remote vineyard soon generated significant buzz. This success inspired others to seek out the magic of the region, establishing the foundation for what is now the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

Though Michael Benedict and Richard Sanford would part ways after the 1980 vintage, Sanford Winery continued to flourish. Over the years, it has remained notable for its pioneering history and for producing exceptional wines from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, which also supplied cuttings for many surrounding vineyards.

 

Silver Wine

cluster of grapes

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.

Brewer Clifton

Wine swirling in the glass - Pixabay

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.

Image: Saman Teher, Pixabay

Star Lane Vineyards

rows of wine barrels - Pixabay

Bankers by profession, Jim and Mary are no newcomers to wine. They've owned one of America's oldest wineries, Hermannhof, since 1974. It's located in their home state of Missouri, where Jim was raised in a farming tradition.The wines at Hermannhof are good, but the Missouri climate is not conducive to growing the European varietals that have made France and California famous. This winemaking couple are constructing their dream winery on the Star Lane property. It's dug into the hillside for efficient use of energy and will host some 26,000 square feet of caves for barrel aging.

Barbieri Wine Company

Grape Cluster - Pixabay

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.

Gainey Vineyard

wine corks and wine glass - Pixabay

The Gainey Vineyard is part of a large, sustainable farming operation owned and run by the Gainey family for the past 50 years. The Home Ranch, the largest of the three Gainey ranches in the Santa Ynez Valley, is 1800 acres. It is comprised of 100 acres of vineyards, an Arabian horse operation, 1000 acres of rangeland upon which beef cattle feed on native grasses, and 600 acres farmed primarily to organically grown fruits and vegetables. The other two Gainey ranches are located in the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Evan's Ranch and Rancho Esperanza are farmed exclusively to wine grapes. These very cool sites are perfect locations for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and small amounts of Syrah, while the Home Ranch on the warmer, eastern end of the Santa Ynez Valley is ideal for growing Bordeaux varieties of Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Au Bon Climat Winery

Bottle of the winery's Chardonnay

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.

Conway Family Wines

beach bar woman with wine - wine artist Agata Zamobowski

About DEEP SEA and Conway Wines

DEEP SEA and Conway Wines are produced by siblings Tom, John, and Gillian Conway in Santa Barbara, California.

DEEP SEA Wines are sourced from coastal vineyards to reflect the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Crafted in a contemporary style, these wines cater to the modern wine drinker.

Conway Wines are sourced from the highest quality vineyards in Santa Barbara. The best barrels, lots, or vineyard sources are reserved for this label, which was created for the Conway family. These wines exhibit the most character, complexity, and ageability in the cellar.

Wine Style

Based in Santa Barbara County, much of the land planted with grapevines is located within twenty miles of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air is cooler than inland regions, and the unique geology of Santa Barbara County, particularly in areas like the Sta. Rita Hills, traps cool air and moisture in the valleys. This “ocean effect” allows the grapes used for DEEP SEA wines to ripen over a longer period. The slow, steady development of this fruit leads to the perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and mature flavors, signaling the ideal time to harvest. Wines from this area are known for their balance, bright acidity, and beautiful California fruit, all of which are captured in DEEP SEA wines.

DEEP SEA and Conway Wines are produced by siblings Tom, John, and Gillian Conway in Santa Barbara, California.

DEEP SEA Wines are sourced from coastal vineyards to reflect the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean. Crafted in a contemporary style, these wines cater to the modern wine drinker.

Conway Wines are sourced from the highest quality vineyards in Santa Barbara. The best barrels, lots, or vineyard sources are reserved for this label, which was created for the Conway family. These wines exhibit the most character, complexity, and ageability in the cellar.

Wine Style

Based in Santa Barbara County, much of the land planted with grapevines is located within twenty miles of the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air is cooler than inland regions, and the unique geology of Santa Barbara County, particularly in areas like the Sta. Rita Hills, traps cool air and moisture in the valleys. This “ocean effect” allows the grapes used for DEEP SEA wines to ripen over a longer period. The slow, steady development of this fruit leads to the perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and mature flavors, signaling the ideal time to harvest. Wines from this area are known for their balance, bright acidity, and beautiful California fruit, all of which are captured in DEEP SEA wines.

Diatom Wines

wine drop in the glass - Pixabay

Winemaker Greg Brewer’s primary goal is to capture and convey the essence of the sustainably farmed estate vineyards with clarity and honesty. He believes that each winery should reflect its unique style while embracing the transparency of their specific appellations.

"This objective aims to provide the most authentic voice of our estates," Brewer explains. "While the three labels bear my name, the final product is truly a testament to our entire team. Their dedication to every aspect of the process informs, motivates, and inspires our work."

As both the winemaker and founder, Greg Brewer emphasizes the collaborative spirit that drives the winery's success.

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Whitcraft Winery

red wine pouring into a wine glass - Pixabay

A long-standing member of the Santa Barbara winemaking community, Whitcraft Winery is obsessed with producing the highest quality wines. Their signature varietals are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, but also produce a variety of other unique, hand-crafted varietals.

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