In 1962, Pierre Lafond re-established Santa
Barbara County's winemaking tradition by founding Santa Barbara
Winery The winery was the first since prohibition and is part of an
association that has grown to 40 wineries located in Santa Barbara
County. In the early years, Pierre made wine from purchased fruit,
but soon realized the potential for premium wine made from Santa
Barbara County grapes. In 1971, he purchased land in the western
Santa Ynez Valley and began planting what is now a 95 acre vineyard.
In 2001, the BATF recognizes Santa Rita Hills (at the western end of
the Santa Ynez Valley) as a separate and distinct viticultural area.
Distinct in climate and geography, the wines grown in this cool
(Region 1) and unique growing area are permitted to be identified as
Santa Rita Hills. Unusual for California, the San Ynez Valley runs
east-west which permits cool ocean breezes to significantly alter
the climate. As a result, the area is the coolest growing climate in
all of California. The wines from the area are typified by great
intensity of fruit (from the intense sun of southern California)
while maintaining excellent levels of acidity (from the cooling
effect of the ocean).
office (206)
332-1995