Santa Barbara County

Santa Maria
This viticultural area is a natural funnel-shaped valley with approximately 7,500 acres of vineyards. Located in the northern part of Santa Barbara County, the region possesses a rich, fertile soil, ideal climate and optimum location. The remarkable consistency of the vineyards and the dedication of grape growers have led to the production of high quality grapes with a distinctive personality that is internationally recognized.

The grapes are grown on the valley floor at an approximate elevation of 300 feet and on the slopes and rolling hillsides up to an elevation of 800 feet.

The prevailing winds from the ocean cause the valley to have a generally cooler summer, warmer fall and cooler winter than the surrounding areas. On the U.C. Davis scale of heat summation, it is generally a very cool Region II; however, there are various micro climates within the valley. The soils within the viticultural area are well drained, fertile and range in texture from a sandy loam to clay loam. Primary grape varieties planted include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, White Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Canernet Sauvignon.

In 1981, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) approved the Santa Maria Valley Appellation.

Santa Ynez
The Santa Ynez Valley, south of the Santa Maria Valley, is a result of a unique east-west mountain range formation. Topography and geography distinguish the Santa Ynez Valley viticultural area from surrounding areas. The valley surrounds the Santa Ynez River and is defined by mountains to the north and south, by Lake Cachuma, the Los Padres National Forest to the east and by a series of low hills to the west. To the north, the Purisima Hills separate the viticultural area from the Los Alamos Valley. Similarly, the San Rafael Mountains separate the valley from the Santa Maria Valley.

Approximately 1,500 acres of vineyards are planted in this region at elevations ranging from 200 feet near the Santa Ynez River to 1,500 feet in the foothills of the San Rafael Mountains.

The Santa Rita Hills block the cooler ocean air and act to moderate the Valley's climate. The Santa Ynez Valley varies from a cool Region I at the west end to a warmer Region II further east. The soils vary from sandy looms and clay lams to shaley and silty looms. All soils have excellent drainage. The primary grape varieties planted include, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, White Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Cabernet Sauvignon.

In 1983, The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) recognized the Santa Ynez Valley as a unique viticultural area.