Santa Barbara Wine Country offers a tapestry of microclimates that produce some of the most exciting and varied wines in California. In the western Sta. Rita Hills AVA, the chilly, foggy conditions are ideal for cultivating world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, while the warmer, drier eastern regions excel in Rhone blends, Zinfandels, and Bordeaux varieties. This unique combination makes Santa Barbara a haven for wine enthusiasts seeking diversity and quality.
Bien Nacido Estate
Situated in the Santa Maria Valley AVA, Bien Nacido stands out not just for its size—with over 800 acres under vine—but for its impact on the region's winemaking. Esteemed for providing superior quality fruit to renowned producers like Ledge and Foxen, Bien Nacido has earned its reputation as the premier vineyard of Santa Barbara County. Here, the focus on viticultural excellence is palpable, and a visit offers deep insight into the foundational elements of great wine. The best way to experience this Estate is on the Private Vineyard Tour and Tasting where a guide will show you around the property on at ATV, and guide you through a tasting at The Gatehouse - their picturesque modern farmhouse tasting room.
Recommended Tasting: Private Vineyard Tour and Tasting
Hours: Mon; Thurs - Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm
Location: The Gatehouse at Bien Nacido; 3503 Rancho Tepesquet Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454
The Hilt/Jonata
Despite being the youngest winery on this list (founded in 2008), The Hilt quickly established itself in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA with some of the most impressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the region. Its sister label, Jonata, complements this with exceptional Syrah, Sangiovese, and Bordeaux blends. The winery's new estate tasting room—a chic, modern barn integrated into a vast, state-of-the-art production facility—reflects its innovative spirit and commitment to quality. Their JALAMA Tasting is an intimate exploration of their most prestigious and innovative creations, and allows for an exploration of both The Hilt and Jonata wines.
Recommended Tasting: JALAMA Tasting
Hours: Mon; Thurs - Sun 11:00am - 5:00pm
Address: 2151 Sweeney Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436
Melville Vineyards & Winery
Melville is synonymous with Burgundian-style Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County. Under the guidance of winemaker Chad Melville, their wines are a regular fixture atop critic's lists, frequently scoring 95 points or higher. The finesse and depth of Melville’s offerings make it a must-visit for lovers of refined, expressive and small production wines that mirror the cool, fog-laden terroir of their vineyards. Their Vineyard Venture is the best choice here as it highlights what makes Melville special. The tasting is an in depth, 2 hour exploration of the vineyards that includes many of Melvilles Small Lot Collection wines as well as a seated tasting of small production wines at the Estate.
Recommended Tasting: Vineyard Venture
Hours: Sun - Thurs 11:00am - 4:00pm; Fri - Sat 11:00am - 5:00pm
Location: 5185 California 246, Lompoc, CA 93436
Sanford Winery
A trailblazer since 1971, Sanford Winery has played a pivotal role in establishing the Sta. Rita Hills as the premier winegrowing region of Santa Barbara County. The winery continues to produce exemplary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, capturing the essence of the coastal climate with each vintage. Visiting Sanford is a journey through the history and evolution of the area, offering a tasting experience that is both educational and delightful. We recommend the All-Terrain Vineyard Experience to learn about the storied estate, and its sustainable farming practices and award-winning viticulture.
Recommended Tasting: The All-Terrain Vineyard Experience
Hours: Mon - Sun 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: 5010 Santa Rosa Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436
Tyler Winery
Founded in 2005, Tyler Winery has carved a niche for itself with exquisitely crafted Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Their recent acquisition of the Mae Vineyard signifies a promising new chapter focused on estate-grown fruit, highlighting the terroir's distinct characteristics. Tyler's approach is meticulous, with an emphasis on showcasing the subtle, elegant flavors influenced by the marine breezes and fog of the Sta. Rita Hills. Tyler also has perhaps the most epic tasting in the region: a Friday Lunch Series with Bell's Restaurant that is paired with a selection of Tyler's single vineyard bottles. This is an incredible showcase of Tyler's terroir driven wines along with lunch from the best restaurant in the region - it does not get any better than this!
Recommended Tasting: Friday Lunch Series with Bell's
Hours: Mon - Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm
Location: 4805 CA-246, Lompoc, CA 93436
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