Mark and Wendy Horvath, long-time figures in the Santa Barbara County wine industry, have embarked on a journey to establish a small, family-run winery that highlights the finest fruit the region has to offer. Their venture, Crawford Family Wines, showcases grapes from esteemed local vineyards such as Babcock, Bentrock, Radian, Rita’s Crown, and Zotovich. Embracing the "garagiste" style of winemaking, they produce tiny lots of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that capture the essence of the unique Sta. Rita Hills vineyards.

Committed to authenticity in varietal character and a sense of place, the Horvaths employ a minimalist approach, allowing the fruit to express itself fully. With a small Rhône program underway sourced from the Ballard Canyon appellation, the winery is evolving into a true showcase of meticulously farmed vineyards.

Mark Crawford Horvath began his winemaking career as a moonlighter alongside his good friend, Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kimiji. This invaluable experience, tasting and learning about wines from around the world with one of the country’s most celebrated sommeliers, helped Mark develop a well-rounded palate. Once captivated by the world of wine, he became determined to create it himself.

Together with Wendy, Mark left their previous jobs and moved to Sonoma to immerse themselves in the wine business. Mark took a position at Carmenet Winery, located high atop Moon Mountain in Sonoma Valley. Starting as a cellar worker, he quickly advanced to the lab, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the winemaking process.

While at Carmenet, Mark pursued various courses offered by UC Davis’ extension program. During a four-day Viticulture course, he met a group of passionate young winemakers from Santa Barbara County. Their enthusiasm for this emerging wine region was contagious, prompting Mark and Wendy to visit the Santa Ynez Valley multiple times over the following year. When Bryan Babcock advertised for an assistant winemaker, Mark seized the opportunity.

At that time, Santa Barbara County had yet to garner significant national attention, and the Sta. Rita Hills had not yet been established as an official appellation. The Horvaths quickly became part of this burgeoning winegrowing region. Mark spent five years at Babcock, the last two as Associate Winemaker, where he oversaw all winemaking responsibilities.

During his tenure at Babcock, Mark launched a side project with his close friend and colleague, Kenneth Gummere. They started with a single barrel of Pinot Noir from the 2000 vintage and, after producing one delicious wine, formed Kenneth-Crawford Wines. Over the next decade, they crafted some of the region’s finest and most sought-after Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache.

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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.

Ken Brown Wines focus is on very small lots of Pinot Noir from the finest vineyards of Sta. Rita Hills. The wines are produced at the Ken Brown winery in Buellton at the gateway to the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, and most lots consist of 250 cases or less. Total annual production is only about 2,000 cases. Ken work with growers, many of whom he has known for years, to hand select vineyard blocks for our program. Some of the remarkable vineyards we work with include Cargasacchi, Clos Pepe, Rio Vista and Sanford & Benedict. Ken Brown Wines also produce limited bottlings of Chardonnay and Syrah.

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Tensley Wines is a family owned and operated winery focusing on vineyard designated Syrah within Santa Barbara County. Established in 1998, the first release of Tensley totaled just 100 cases. In 2006, our production reached 3,300 cases and included seven single-vineyard Syrahs, the most in Santa Barbara County.