About Santa Barbara Wine Country
Santa Barbara County produces some of California's most compelling cool-climate wines. The east-west orientation of the Santa Ynez Mountains — unique in California — allows Pacific marine air to funnel directly inland, creating dramatic temperature contrasts between morning fog and afternoon sun.
The county contains six distinct AVAs, each with its own character. The Sta. Rita Hills, westernmost and coolest, produces structured Pinot Noir with remarkable longevity. The Santa Maria Valley brings Burgundian-style Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from benchland vineyards. Inland, the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Olivos District, and Ballard Canyon warm considerably, favoring Rhône varieties and Bordeaux blends.
The 2004 film Sideways brought global attention to Santa Barbara Pinot Noir and fundamentally changed wine tourism here. The Los Olivos village now offers over twenty walkable tasting rooms in two compact blocks — the most concentrated wine village per square mile in California.
Viticultural Areas
Winery Profiles
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