Stolpman

The unique character of the grapes grown at Stolpman Vineyards has much to do with the limestone in the soil, which adds a wonderful mineral quality to the Rhône and Italian varietals in which the vineyard specializes. Syrah, Sangiovese, Rousanne, and Viognier all do beautifully in Stolpman’s southern exposure, enjoying the ideal climate of their Ballard Canyon location.

Tierra Alta

Located on a steep hillside at one of the highest points on Ballard Canyon Road in Los Olivos, Tierra Alta (“high land”) Vineyard produces small quantities of very high quality Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc and Tempranillo grapes. The terrain provides an interesting variety to the fruit grown here, as the grapes on the upper slope ripen sooner than those below.

Morehouse

Down a slope as you drive on Hwy 246 between Santa Ynez and Solvang, you can see Morehouse Vineyard. It is planted with Durrell and 5C Syrah clones in a well-drained, silty, clay soil. The extremely poor soil keeps the normally prolific Syrah vines in check, naturally concentrating the aromas and flavors into a meager 2 tons per acre.

Great Oaks Ranch

Sandy, clay loams ridden with ancient river materials provide excellent drainage for the vines, which enjoy a very long growing season due to the lack of rain in the summer months. But it is the climate that provides such an ideal location at this end of the valley for Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. After early morning fogs from the nearby Pacific ocean, the warm days allow the thicker skins of these grapes to fully ripen. As the day ebbs to dusk, the temperature drops dramatically and allows the grapes to retain a natural acidity that would not be present in any other type of climate. This environment results in grapes of spicy flavors, elegant tannins and a lively acidity.

Westerly

In Happy Canyon, the southeastern most point of the Santa Ynez Valley, Westerly Vineyards (now Jack McGinley Vineyards) produces both Rhône and Bordeaux varietals using only sustainable farming techniques. The region’s warmer climate allows for a longer growing season, resulting in wonderfully rich fruit with excellent structure and flavor.

Colson Canyon

Colson Canyon Vineyard, located in the San Rafael Mountains on the east side of Santa Maria, produces some of the richest and fruitiest Syrah in Santa Barbara County. Planted almost exclusively in Syrah, with a small amount of Grenache, Colson Canyon intentionally limits production so as to specialize in smaller, more intensely flavored grapes. The result is a fruit full of almost explosive flavor, which is always high in demand.