About Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County's unique geography — transverse mountain ranges that funnel cool Pacific air inland through east-west valleys — creates ideal conditions for Burgundian varieties. The region produces some of California's finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with expressive Syrah and a growing portfolio of Rhône and Italian varieties.
Unlike most of California's coastal ranges, which run north-south, Santa Barbara County's mountains run east-west, creating a natural funnel for cool Pacific Ocean air. This geography allows marine influence to penetrate deep inland, making the region significantly cooler than its latitude would suggest. The Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills, and Sta. Rita Hills AVAs each offer distinct expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, while the warmer Happy Canyon and Ballard Canyon sub-appellations excel with Bordeaux and Rhône varieties respectively.
Sub-Appellations
Featured Wineries
Brewer-Clifton
A benchmark producer of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the cool Santa Rita Hills AVA.
Dierberg Vineyard
A family-owned Santa Maria Valley estate producing elegant, site-expressive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
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