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Santa Barbara

Marine fog moves through Santa Barbara's east-west valleys. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grow in the cooler west, while bolder Rhône and Bordeaux varieties grow farther east. Santa Maria Valley is associated with intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that retain acidity.

Place
Santa Barbara, California · Central Coast
Look for
Santa Ynez Valley · Sta. Rita Hills · Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara · Los Olivos District
Producer profiles
7
Atlas locationSanta Barbara · California · Central Coast34.65° N · 120.18° WOpen in Atlas

Santa Barbara's east-west valleys funnel marine fog and air inland. Large day-night temperature swings let fruit ripen while retaining acidity. The cooler west grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with bright acidity and mineral character; farther east, bolder Rhône and Bordeaux varieties grow alongside aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Syrah. Its appellations include Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Los Olivos District, Ballard Canyon and Alisos Canyon. Santa Maria Valley's cool, windy conditions favour intensely flavoured Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that retain acidity. Modern winegrowing accelerated after 1965 soil and climate studies identified Santa Ynez and Santa Maria as suitable for premium grapes. The 2004 film Sideways later brought wider public attention to Santa Barbara Pinot Noir.

Continue through the region

Elsewhere in California · Central Coast

  1. Monterey & San Benito2 producersMonterey & San Benito includes Gabilan Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco and Carmel Valley among its appellations. Wines from the Gabilan Mountains are described as complex, fruity and mineral-driven.
  2. San Luis Obispo7 producersOften called SLO, San Luis Obispo is associated with Rhône blends, heritage Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its listed appellations include Paso Robles and Arroyo Grande Valley.
  3. Santa Cruz & Bay7 producersSanta Cruz & Bay includes the Santa Cruz Mountains and San Francisco Bay appellations. Mountain vineyards often sit above the fog line. The Santa Cruz Mountains produce ageworthy Pinot Noir and crisp, mineral-flavoured Chardonnay.

Producers in Santa Barbara

Producer profiles

  • A Tribute to Grace Wine CompanyAngela Osborne founded A Tribute to Grace in 2007.
  • Au Bon ClimatSanta Barbara County winery making vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a Burgundian style since 1982, founded by Jim Clendenen at Bien Nacido vineyard.
  • Domaine de la CôtePinot Noir and Chardonnay estate on the western edge of Sta.
  • Foley EstateOregon brand Acrobat sources Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir from partner vineyards across three AVAs.
  • Melville WineryA family estate in California’s Sta.
Browse 2 more
  • Sea Smoke EstateSta.
  • Stolpman VineyardsBallard Canyon estate wines shaped by dry farming, own-rooted vines and a cellar range that runs from carbonic Sangiovese to oak-framed Roussanne.
Sources for this guide1 source

Sources for this guide are listed below. Featured producers are a selection, not a ranking.

  • World of Wine Atlas and learning records

Where to go next

placeReturn to California · Central CoastSee how Santa Barbara fits within the wider California · Central Coast region.mapSee Santa Barbara in the AtlasSee the area and nearby producers on the map.producerMeet A Tribute to Grace Wine CompanyRead about A Tribute to Grace Wine Company and its wines.