Santa Barbara County region

Central Coast

Just 90 minutes from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County is one of the most unique wine growing regions in California. The rare east-west orientation of the coastal Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountain ranges create valleys that face the Pacific Ocean. The valleys are influenced by the coastal fog and ocean breezes shaping distinct micro-climates ideal for planting a wide variety of grape varietals.

There are five official appellations: Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Ballard Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills. About half the grapes grown in Santa Barbara County are put to use by local winemakers and the rest exported to wineries outside the area. With a wine history that extends more than 200 years before California was a state, today the County is home to more than 100 wineries and produces more than 50 different grape varieties. You will find classics like Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay to exotics like Mourvèdre, Grenache Blanc and others.

The County has several wine country wine trails as well as an Urban Wine Trail in Santa Barbara that encompasses 17 tasting rooms. Visit Corks n’ Crowns in the Funk Zone and taste wines featured in each of the six series Gold Medal Wine Club has to offer. With the region’s many award-winning wineries and vibrant wine culture it was no surprise that the hit film Sideways was filmed in the area furthering the area’s world-wide reputation. If you love Pinot join our Pinot Noir Wine Club.