Matthiasson Family Vineyards sources grapes from several outstanding grape growers to produce their red and white blends. Steve Matthiasson and Jill Klein take a very proactive approach to tending their grapes and vinifying their wine. In Matthiasson and Klein’s words, “our hands touch every vine and every bottle.” In addition to making his own wine, Matthiasson is also a highly respected vineyard manager in the Napa and Sonoma. He oversees all of the decisions in over 30 different vineyards, and purchases choice fruit for his own wines from several of these properties.

This place is really different and relaxing. The wines are very reasonable and great quality. Love the historic aspect and the grounds are beautiful to get your picnic on. Great Pinots and Cabs the atmosphere is so cool and off the beaten track. This winery is a little out of the way, but well worth the trip! The tasting room is lovely and the wines are good. There is a really nice lawn/yard outside of the tasting room that you could have a picnic on and there is a covered area with picnic tables for larger groups. The entire place has a very relaxing atmosphere.

History 

The term "Sisquoc" is a native Chumash word meaning quail. The Sisquoc River meanders through Los Padres National Forest, the San Rafael Wilderness area, and Rancho Sisquoc before merging with the Cuyama River, north of Santa Barbara.

James C. Flood arrived in California in 1850 in search of opportunity and sunshine. By 1882, the Flood family was established in California, engaging in farming and ranching. James C. Flood’s grandson, Jim, and his wife, Betty, continued the family tradition when, in 1952, they acquired the historic Rancho Sisquoc, an 1852 Mexican land grant.

During the 1950s, the Floods operated Rancho Sisquoc primarily as a cattle ranch, while also farming beans and grain. Jim and Betty taught their four children—Jimmie, Judy, Johnny, and Elizabeth—how to ride horses and round up cattle. Today, their great-grandchildren (the 6th generation Floods) refine their riding skills with the ranch’s cowboys, as the cattle operation persists.

Inspired by the chaparral watershed and the classic Mediterranean climate, the Floods planted their first vineyards in the late 1960s, among the earliest in Santa Barbara County. With guidance from Napa Valley enologist Andre Tchelistcheff, they matched grape varieties to the climate and soils of Rancho Sisquoc. By 1972, the Floods produced their first wine. Over the years, they have selected additional varieties based on the ranch’s microclimates, resulting in superb vineyards and award-winning estate wines.

Spelletich Family Winery . started with the 1994 harvest in Napa Valley. The first wines produced by winemaker Barb Spelletich, were Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Bodog Red, a blend. With minimal intervention, the Spelletich family – Barb, Timothy, and Kristen -- rely upon its secret weapon: Barb's palate.In 2012, The Spelletich Family Wine Company is united by four brands – Spelletich Cellars, SPELLwine, 3 SPELLS, and Crush 94. Spelletich Cellars produces about 3,000 cases per year made from grapes sourced from some of the finest Napa Valley vineyards. Kristen and Vanessa are so accommodating and helpful that it is impossible not to like what Spelletich Cellars has to offer. For a slice of the Napa Valley without any of the pretense you are likely to find in many of the Valley's high-end tasting rooms, you really couldn't do any better. Great value, great service and a personal touch drawn from years of hard work.

Clay Shannon has always been a bit of a maverick. In 1996, he decided to shake things up by embarking on a bold journey to establish a progressive and pioneering winery and ranch in Lake County, California.

This rugged, challenging terrain captured Shannon’s imagination and fueled his unwavering commitment to the land itself. “We wanted to grow the best fruit possible,” says Clay, “but we also wanted to enjoy living here.”

Today, Shannon Family of Wines encompasses over 2,000 acres of mountain property, with about half of that area dedicated to vineyards. In the face of a changing climate, the winery is stepping up to make a difference. They’re transforming 1,000 acres into a regenerative organic farming system, significantly reducing their environmental impact.

Nestled on ridges of ancient volcanic soil at higher elevations, Shannon Family of Wines offers an extraordinary guest experience. While the conditions may seem extreme, visitors are treated to rustic charm, breathtaking lake views, and abundant wildlife that celebrate the western spirit of Clear Lake.

Guests can indulge in award-winning wines and a diverse range of varietals—all crafted with an earth-first approach that prioritizes sustainability and quality. At Shannon Family of Wines, the commitment to authenticity shines through, staying true to both the land and their own values. Cheers to an adventure that promises unforgettable sips and stunning scenery!