Exploring the Best Wineries in Santa Barbara, CA
Santa Barbara is a remarkable wine region with a long history of winemaking. Its diverse microclimates, combined with rich soils and vibrant vineyards, make for unique and complex vintages that delight wine lovers from all over the world. Our guide presents some of Santa Barbara's best wineries, each offering something special that adds to the local terroir. From classic tasting rooms to picturesque vineyard views, join us as we explore these beloved destinations and uncover a few tips for making your visit extra special. Each destination promises a truly unforgettable experience - no matter your level of expertise - so grab your glass and let's get started!
The rich history of winemaking in Santa Barbara dates back to the early 19th century when Spanish missionaries first planted grapes in the region. In the decades that followed, the local wine industry grew and flourished, with many wineries and vineyards establishing a reputation for producing high-quality wines. In the 20th century, Santa Barbara's wine industry faced many challenges, including Prohibition and a series of natural disasters. Still, it has since rebounded and is now considered one of the premier wine regions in California. Today, Santa Barbara is home to a diverse range of wineries, producing a wide variety of wine styles, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and many more. The region's unique microclimates, combined with its long history of winemaking, make it a special place to explore and discover the art of wine.
Top Wineries to Visit
Many wineries in Santa Barbara are known for producing high-quality wines. Here are a few of the best wineries in the area:
1. Grassini Family Vineyards
(805) 897-3366
www.grassinifamilyvineyards.com
24 El Paseo, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
The Grassini Family Winery is a unique and sustainable winery located in Santa Barbara, California. It is situated on a hillside with wine caves that provide natural temperature and humidity control, similar to the Roman practice of storing wine in catacombs. The winery's wooden structure is made from reclaimed antique fir timbers that were originally used to transport materials down the Columbia River to lumberjack camps in the late 1800s. The same timbers were also used to build the tasting room bar in the Wine Collection of El Paseo in downtown Santa Barbara. The winery is powered by solar energy, and the irrigation water is sourced from the estate's well-fed lake. In addition, all water used in the wine production process is reclaimed and used to irrigate the surrounding landscaping. The Grassini Family Winery is dedicated to sustainability and preserving history while looking toward the future.
2. Melville Winery
(805) 770-7952
melvillewinery.com
120 State St Suite C, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Melville winery is known for its focus on sustainability and commitment to producing high-quality wines. They place a great emphasis on being an "estate" winery, which involves using only fruit from their vineyards and managing all aspects of wine production and sales. They strive to preserve the purity of the land, vines, and fruit by taking a holistic approach and focusing on important work in the vineyard. They produce a range of wine styles, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.
3. Sunstone Vineyards & Winery
(805) 688-9463
sunstonewinery.com
125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Sunstone Winery is environmentally conscious and focuses on organic grape growing, worker health, and recycling and reusing. They promote excellence in grape growing, winemaking, hospitality, and ethical responsibility to their employees and customers. Their 28-acre vineyard, planted with various grape varieties, is organically and bio-sustainably farmed. They are dedicated to making top-quality Bordeaux and Rhone style wines using organically grown grapes from their vineyard and other certified organic vineyards. They aim to maintain the natural quality of the grapes throughout the wine production process and create a healthy environment for all.
4. Santa Barbara Winery
(805) 963-3633
www.sbwinery.com
28 Anacapa St Ste. A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Santa Barbara Winery is recognized for producing award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Syrahs. Two years after Pierre Lafond founded the first post-prohibition commercial winery in Santa Barbara County, he established this winery facility. It has been successful, receiving numerous awards for its wines, and is expanding to meet consumer demand. Lafond originally owned a wine and cheese retail shop and decided to go into wine production for personal and business reasons.
Wine Tasting Tips
Wine tasting can be a fun and enjoyable activity, so here are some tips for making the most of your wine tasting experience:
Choose a designated driver: If you plan on visiting multiple wineries or tasting a lot of wine, it is important to have a designated driver to ensure everyone's safety. Consider hiring a tour company or using a ride-sharing service to get to and from the wineries.
Research the wineries beforehand: Look up the wineries you plan on visiting and read about their wine selection and tasting room experiences. This will help you have a better understanding of what to expect and allow you to tailor your visit to your preferences.
Pack a picnic lunch: Many wineries offer outdoor spaces where you can enjoy a picnic lunch while sipping on wines. Bring along some snacks or sandwiches to enjoy between tastings.
Take notes: If you are serious about learning about wine, consider bringing along a notebook and pen to take notes on the wines you taste. This can help you remember what you liked and didn't like and can be a useful reference for future wine purchases.
Don't be afraid to spit: While it may seem rude to spit out wine, it is actually a common practice at wine tastings. Spitting allows you to taste a wider range of wines without becoming too intoxicated.
Pace yourself: It is important to take your time and pace yourself while wine tasting. Sip slowly and give yourself time to savor the flavors and aromas of the wines.
Some Nearby Activities to Do After a Day of Wine Tasting
After a sublime wine tasting experience, there are many nearby restaurants and activities to enjoy in Santa Barbara. Here are a few suggestions:
Dine at a local restaurant: Santa Barbara is home to a wide range of restaurants, offering cuisines ranging from farm-to-table to seafood to Mexican and more. Many of the local restaurants also offer a selection of local wines to pair with your meal.
Go on a brewery tour: Santa Barbara is also home to a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering tours and tastings.
Visit the beach: Santa Barbara is located on the Central Coast of California, which means it is just a short drive from beautiful beaches. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze.
Explore the downtown area: Santa Barbara is home to a wide range of shops, galleries, private clubs, and restaurants. Take a leisurely stroll through the area and discover all that the city has to offer.
Go hiking or biking: Santa Barbara is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a hike or go mountain biking in the nearby mountains or along the coast.
The city is full of opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and enjoyment, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. There is no doubt that those visiting for a wine tasting will discover something special about Santa Barbara. It's important to take advantage of all that the city has to offer so you can enjoy every moment and leave with great memories of your exploration.
In Summary
Santa Barbara is widely recognized as a premiere destination for wine connoisseurs, celebrated for its winemaking tradition and range of spectacular vineyards. From Grassini Family Winery’s picturesque scenery to Melville Winery’s focus on sustainability, visitors can find the ideal winery no matter their preference. In addition to exploring various vintners, guests can explore tasting rooms throughout the area, offering samples made from native grapes and utilizing traditional methods of winemaking. Afterward, they may enjoy nearby restaurants and activities that this exceptional region provides. Comprising an awe-inspiring landscape with top quality wines produced by renowned wineries and expansive tasting rooms, Santa Barbara is simply a must-visit getaway for lovers of delightful wines everywhere.
Bonus: Wine and Food Pairing Suggestions
Here are some wine and food pairing suggestions for various types of wine:
Chardonnay: Chardonnay pairs well with a range of dishes, from roasted chicken to creamy pasta dishes. It can also be paired with seafood, such as salmon or scallops, and with rich, creamy cheeses.
Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes, including roasted meats, such as chicken or pork, as well as with lighter fare, such as grilled vegetables or salads. It can also be paired with earthy, mushroom-based dishes.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold wine that pairs well with full-flavored dishes, such as grilled steaks or lamb. It can also be paired with rich, hearty stews or braises, and with strong, hard cheeses.
Merlot: Merlot is a softer, fruitier wine that pairs well with a range of dishes, including grilled meats, such as steak or pork, as well as with roasted vegetables or pasta dishes. It can also be paired with milder, creamy cheeses.
Syrah: Syrah is a bold wine that pairs well with rich, full-flavored dishes, such as grilled meats, stews, and braises. It can also be paired with strong, bold cheeses, such as blue cheese or gorgonzola.
Pairing wine with food is a skill that requires knowledge and understanding of the flavors, textures, and intensities present in both. It is essential to consider these components when selecting the perfect combination. The best rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the wine and food to create complementary flavors and textures, as this will bring out intense flavor profiles from each item. Experimentation can be a great way to have some fun while discovering new flavor combinations and ultimately finding the ideal match for any pairing.