Riverbench Vineyard & Winery — Santa Maria Valley Winery & Tasting Room

Riverbench Vineyard & Winery takes its name from its terrain — the river bench, the flat elevated ground above the Sisquoc River in the Santa Maria Valley where the estate's vineyards are planted. It is a topographic name that describes exactly where the wines come from: above the river, on the bench, in the Santa Maria Valley.

Established in 1973, Riverbench is among the Santa Maria Valley's founding estates — planted before the valley was recognized nationally, before the Wine Spectator was writing about Central Coast Chardonnay, before Bien Nacido became famous. The estate's Foxen Canyon Road location places it on the route that connects Santa Maria to Los Olivos, making it one of the Santa Maria Valley's most accessible stops for visitors heading between wine regions.

The estate produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris from 56 acres of estate vineyards, with winemaking that reflects the valley's cool, fog-influenced maritime character. Wine Spectator has scored Riverbench at 89–93 points.