Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Wine Country has grown very quickly; many of the vineyards were planted in the last 20 years. Today, there are over 50 wineries and 20,000 acres of vineyards in the region. A number of Santa Ynez Wineries have opened tasting rooms, and there are several local wine trails if you are interested in touring the region.
Santa Ynez Wine Country
It is difficult to generalize Santa Ynez Valley wineries and the grapes they specialize in producing. While Pinot Noir and Syrah immediately come to mind, this is really only the tip of the iceberg. A number of different grapes thrive in the vineyards of Santa Ynez Wineries.
Santa Ynez Valley’s climate produces everything from graceful Riesling to robust Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. The valley has a relatively narrow opening to the Pacific Ocean which shelters more inland locations. Additionally, the elevation rises significantly as one moves east, with important implications for the climate and local vineyards in Santa Ynez Wine Country.
The ancient marine terrain of Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country has played a large role in the wine region’s success. Delicate grapes mature in the cooler, western parts of the wine region and fuller bodied grape varietals thrive in the warmer, eastern hills. This contributes to the diversity seen in Santa Ynez Wineries.
Santa Ynez Valley’s wine history began in 1804, when the first vineyards were planted by the Spanish. In that year, Mission Santa Ines was founded in what was then an isolated, peripheral part of Alta California. Despite these early origins, the majority of Santa Ynez Wineries did not emerge until the 1960s. Until then, the conventional wisdom was that the climate was too cold to grow grapes for the jug wines that the market demanded at the time.
Popular Santa Ynez Valley Wineries
-->Latest News – Santa Ynez Valley
- Mar 09, 2007
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Recent Awards for Bridlewood Estate Winery
Recent Awards from 2006 and 2007 wine competitions from Bridlewood Estate Winery. - Mar 09, 2007
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Recent Praise for Beckman Vineyard’s Wines.
Recent reviews for Santa Ynez Valley’s Beckman Vineyards. - Feb 28, 2007
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Koehler Winery Annual BBQ
Santa Ynez Valley's Koehler Winery to hold annual BBQ. - Feb 24, 2007
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Zaca Mesa Winery’s Upcoming Events and Releases
Santa Ynez Valley’s Zaca Mesa Winery’s Upcoming Events and Releases. - Feb 23, 2007
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Andrew Murray Releases New Wines
Santa Ynez Valley’s Andrew Murray Vineyards releases a new Syrah and Pinot Noir.
daveulrich said:
what a terrific escape for the fall, but i can see how the summer might see the place overrun. nonetheless, it's far more enjoyable than temecula, and so close to LA. a lot of nebbiolos up there (although i much prefer cabs).
Posted 614 days ago.
diamondgirl said:
I know how you feel, its heading in the Napa Valley "Disneyland" style atmosphere. I would much rather have intimate tasting experiences with friends.
Posted 623 days ago.
jazzchiq said:
I love tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. I've been going there for ten years. It's always been a little piece of heaven for me. The post-"Sideways" boost helps the economy, but the weekend crowds make it tough to enjoy many wineries in one day.
Posted 623 days ago.
diamondgirl said:
I love tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley. Its one of favorite regions for Pinot Noir.
Posted 639 days ago.