Santa Maria Valley
Santa Barbara · Historic Cool Coast
12Wineries
Pinot NoirSignature
Santa Barbara CountyRegion
Pinot Noir Chardonnay Syrah
Why This Region Matters
Santa Maria Valley is one of California's most historic and consistently excellent cool-climate regions, home to legendary vineyards like Bien Nacido that supply top producers across the state. The persistent ocean influence yields Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah of bright acidity and elegance, with a track record stretching back decades that few Central Coast regions can match.
Pinot Noir Country
Santa Maria Valley is one of California's most historic and consistently excellent cool-climate regions, home to legendary vineyards like Bien Nacido that supply top producers across the state.
Distinctive Climate
Like its neighbors, Santa Maria Valley runs east-west, drawing cold Pacific air and fog deep inland.
12 Wineries
12 producers in Santa Maria Valley are catalogued on WinoNotion, from boutique family estates to established names.
Part of Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria Valley is a distinct sub-region within Santa Barbara County, with its own character worth seeking out on any visit.
Climate & Terroir
Like its neighbors, Santa Maria Valley runs east-west, drawing cold Pacific air and fog deep inland. The long, cool growing season, among the longest in California, develops intense flavor at lower sugars, ideal for balanced Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Sandy, alluvial soils dominate.
Visiting Santa Maria Valley
Santa Maria anchors the valley with its famous style of barbecue. The Foxen Canyon wine trail runs through the scenic backcountry.
Wineries in Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Au Bon Climat
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Bien Nacido Estate
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Clendenen Family Vineyards
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Foxen Ranch Wines
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Foxen Vineyard & Winery
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Kenneth Volk Vineyards
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Paul Lato Wines
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
♡
Presqu'ile Winery
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Qupé
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Qupé Wine Cellars
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Rancho Sisquoc Winery
📍 Santa Maria Valley
Not Yet Reviewed
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Riverbench Vineyard & Winery
📍 Santa Maria Valley
🗺 WinoNotion Visitor Tip
Santa Maria Valley rewards a focused visit. Santa Maria anchors the valley with its famous style of barbecue. Call ahead, many of the best estates here are by appointment only.