Santa Barbara Wineries
Happy Canyon Vineyards
Happy Canyon Vineyards situated at Piocho Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley boasts otherworldly beauty with grand horses roaming green pastures and immaculate vineyards. Nestled in the hills of Piocho Ranch, Happy Canyon Vineyard derives its name from the Happy Canyon AVA, established in 2009. This AVA is celebrated for having the warmest microclimate in the Santa Ynez Valley making it an ideal location for cultivating top-notch Bordeaux varietals. The family that owns the property seamlessly blends a commitment to excellence in wine with a passion for Polo, creating a unique and harmonious combination. For wine enthusiasts and members of the Happy Canyon Vineyard wine club, the estate offers an exclusive opportunity to stay in beautifully appointed cottages with sumptuous fittings, providing a serene setting to relax and unwind. Overall, Piocho Ranch and Happy Canyon Vineyard stand as the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering a retreat into the beauty and tranquility of the Santa Ynez Wine Country.
Folded Hills
Folded Hills is a sprawling 600-acre family-owned sustainable farm and working ranch that’s nestled between the coastal mountains of Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s a hidden gem that captivates wine enthusiasts with its unique approach to winemaking. The estate cultivates organic Grenache, Syrah, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Clairette Blanche grapes using biodynamic principles. The result is a collection of small-batch, artisanal wines crafted with minimal intervention. This allows each vintage to authentically convey the nuances of that year's growing conditions. In addition to their winery, they have a tasting room and wine shop in Montecito.
Babcock Winery
For those seeking a wine tasting adventure with a touch of whimsy and nostalgia, Babcock Winery in Lompoc beckons. It’s masterfully curated by the dynamic couple Bryan and Lisa Babcock. With Bryan's seasoned winemaking expertise dating back to the 1980s, he has significantly shaped the reputation of Sta. Rita Hills as an AVA, becoming an iconic figure in the industry. Rooted in the unique terroir of the Santa Rita Hills, Babcock Winery benefits from cool coastal valleys that create optimal conditions for cultivating exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah grapes. The Babcock Winery tasting room offers a unique journey through time and style, blending nostalgia and modernity. Lisa Babcock is a former fashion executive and has an eye for eclectic aesthetics and a penchant for all things vintage. The vintage-inspired decor, adorned with mid-century furnishings and rock 'n' roll memorabilia, creates a retro fantasyland where wine enthusiasts can sip, savor, and immerse themselves in the ambiance.
The Hilt Estate
The Hilt Estate in Lompoc is a picturesque winery that’s beautifully designed. This estate is renowned for its commitment to producing premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills. Visitors to The Hilt Estate are treated to an immersive wine-tasting experience, where they can savor the distinct flavors and aromas that characterize the estate's wines. The Hilt Estate's vineyards benefit from the cool maritime influences that define the region, resulting in grapes of exceptional quality. The winery's dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures that each vine is nurtured with precision and care.
Presqu'ile Winery
Presqu'ile Winery, located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, is a family-owned estate celebrated for its dedication to crafting exceptional cool-climate wines. Perched high on a hill overlooking rolling vineyards, Presqu'ile, meaning "almost an island" in French, captures the essence of its unique coastal terroir. Specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, the winery takes advantage of the cool maritime influence that defines the region, resulting in wines with elegance, balance, and vibrant acidity. The state-of-the-art winery and tasting room offer visitors a warm and welcoming environment to experience the distinctive flavors of Presqu'ile's wines while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. With a commitment to sustainability and a passion for crafting wines that reflect the essence of the Santa Maria Valley, Presqu'ile Winery stands as a beacon of excellence in California's Central Coast wine country.