My philosophy on making wine is that the fruit is EVERYTHING. What happens in the vineyard determines the quality of the wine - I can't make it better - I can only screw it up! That's why I'm extremely picky when choosing vineyards to buy grapes from. Not only am I looking for the right soil, micro-climate, and clones, I'm also looking for a grower with the same passion and dedication to producing great wine that I have. In other words, a total Pinot Freak! - Brian Loring
Craddled in the breathtaking Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a true hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. This charming spot began its journey with a commitment to sustainable farming practices, nurturing a harmonious relationship between people, animals, and the earth. It all started with horses, then blossomed into an organic vegetable farm, and finally evolved into a flourishing vineyard.
Today, Buttonwood boasts a sun-kissed 42-acre vineyard on the eastern side of its 107-acre property. Since planting its first vines in 1983, the farm has lovingly tended to 38,000 vines—small in the vast wine world but monumental to their passionate team. The tasting room, surrounded by the vibrant bounty of their working farm, is a feast for the senses, featuring a delightful array of olives, pomegranates, peonies, herbs, vegetables, and, of course, their beloved peaches!
Over the years, Buttonwood has embraced change and innovation, grafting some of their original vines to introduce exciting new varietals. Among the standout additions are the Rhône varieties of Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Grenache Blanc, alongside the rich Malbec that complements their red Bordeaux lineup. They’ve also enhanced their white offerings with the Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc, adding layers of complexity and aromatic charm. And in 2017, they planted a bit of Chenin Blanc—because let’s face it, outside of the Loire Valley, Santa Barbara County is simply the best place to grow this delightful grape.
For those looking for a unique wine experience, Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard is a must-visit, where sustainable farming meets exceptional wines in the heart of California's wine country. Cheers to the adventures waiting at Buttonwood!
Barreto Cellars, founded by Michael and Joey Barreto, Barreto Cellars was established with the idea of becoming the leader in California producing high quality wines featuring grape varieties native to the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). Because of relatives who migrated to America from these regions there is an obvious connection and desire to learn more about and develop wines utilizing these varieties. Many of these are unheard of in California except for a few elite growers and select winemakers. Currently we are creating wines in the New World style while trying to capture the truly unique characteristics each variety possesses. Each lot of wine is carefully hand-crafted from vineyard to bottle to bring the true sense of the vineyard to your glass. In an attempt to represent both Spain and Portugal equally, a red variety noted for each country is being produced.
Absolution Cellars specializes in limited-production, handcrafted, single-vineyard wines from select vineyards all throughout the beautiful Central Coast. With over 20 different varieties and wines made each year, you’ll find something to please every palate. Each wine that we make is the best version of itself – a unique portrait of place and time, an honest expression of where and when the grapes were grown. Made for you to savor, enjoy, and share with your family and friends, as well as strangers, who may become one or both.
Painting by Agata Zaborowski
David and DeAnn Taylor founded Cordant Winery in 2014 to produce Pinot Noir and Rhone-style wines that would become favorites in their cellar, and hopefully those of friends, family, and customers. Today the Taylors make about 3000 cases of wine per year, from Monterey County in the northern California Central Coast moving south through Santa Barbara County, a distance that covers almost 200 miles.
Russel From releases is limited production wines twice a year in the spring and in the fall. All wines are allocated via a membership list or by dropping in to the tasting room which is open Thursday through Monday.
Costa de Oro Winery's mission is to craft the finest wines from the Central Coast by blending the artistry of Old-World winemaking with New-World grape growing practices.
In 1989, Ron Burk and Bob Espinola, owners of Gold Coast Farms, planted the Gold Coast Vineyard. This 30-acre vineyard, featuring Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, is situated on a stunning bluff at Fuglar's Point in the esteemed Santa Maria Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County.
The vineyard began yielding fruit in the early 1990s, with grapes sold to local wineries including Au Bon Climat, Foxen, Lane Tanner, and The Hitching Post. During this period, Gary Burk, Ron Burk's son, formed a friendship with Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. In 1994, Clendenen offered Gary a harvest position at the renowned Au Bon Climat/Qupé Winery, where Gary eventually accepted a full-time role and remained until 2002.
While at Au Bon Climat/Qupé in 1994, Gary produced the first Costa de Oro wines—one barrel each of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Costa de Oro continued to expand each year, reaching 2,500 cases by 2002, when Gary chose to dedicate himself entirely to the winery. Today, Costa de Oro produces 6,500 cases annually and also creates special private labels for clients such as James Beard Award Winner Roy Yamaguchi of Roy’s Restaurants, the Halekulani Hotel on Waikiki Beach, and CF Pinot Noir for Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya of the Sansei Restaurant Group.
The Costa de Oro Tasting Room opened in 2006 at the original location of the Gold Coast Farms' strawberry stand off the 101 Freeway in Santa Maria. Gary and his wife, Teresa Gasca-Burk, manage the tasting room, where visitors can enjoy local live music on weekends. Occasionally, they can even be seen performing with the bands. Guests are invited to savor wine, music, and the relaxed ambiance at Costa de Oro.
Monterey and Carmel are beautiful places to visit at any time of the year. De Tierra Vineyards has a tasting room in the lovely Carmel Village that you just must stop in and experience for yourself. Join Alix and her team to experience some wonderful wines. The De Tierra winemaking team works hard and with passion to produce "in the glass" wines that define the vineyard that the grapes came from without a lot of manipulation during the process. Experience the end results for yourself at De Tierra Vineyards and tell them California Corks sent you. If you love Reds, be sure to try the Russel Estate Cab Franc and the Monterey Pinot Noir. Whites, SLH Chardonnay and Monterey Riesling.~
Hours:
Mon 2:00 to 8:00 pm
Tue 2:00 to 8:00 pm
Wed 2:00 to 8:00 pm
Thu 2:00 to 8:00 pm
Fri 12:00 to 8:00 pm
Sat 12:00 to 8:00 pm
Sun 12:00 to 8:00 pm
SummerWood Winery & Inn has joined together a dedicated team of industry professionals who share a passion for wine, food and hospitality along with their enthusiasm for living on the Central Coast and being a part of the exciting Paso Robles wine region.
They are a family-owned estate winery is in the Willow Creek District of the picturesque Paso Robles. They believe the most memorable experiences occur at the crossroads of exceptional wine and food. Open daily, they offer seated tasting flights and a fresh, seasonal lunch menu sourced from local farms and their Chef’s Garden.
