 Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is different than any other winegrowing
region in
California. Here, the east-west orientation of the coastal
mountains forms
valleys opening directly to the Pacific Ocean. This unique
topography allows
the flow of fog and ocean breezes to shape distinct microclimates,
perfect
for the cultivation of classic grape varietals and world
class wines.
The 50 miles stretching from Point Conception
to Rincon constitutes the
longest east-west traverse of shoreline from Alaska to
Cape Horn. Here, the
Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains form a unique coastal
range - the inland
ebb and flow of fog and ocean breezes make the region
one of the coolest
viticultural areas in California. This means that the
fruit has an unusually
long "hang time" on the vine, allowing it to fully
develop the acids,
flavors and tannins needed to produce wines of distinctive
character.
The region has many microclimates, with climates
influenced by proximity to
the Pacific Ocean. Cool and moderate temperatures toward
the west changes to
warm daytimes and cold nights to the east. There are
four official
appellations: Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Santa
Maria Valley, Santa Ynez
Valley, and Sta. Rita Hills. Within the broad Santa
Barbara County
designation are several other micro-regions - these
include the Los Alamos
Valley region, Ballard Canyon, the Los Olivos District
and the Santa Maria
Bench. Slightly less than half of the grapes grown
in Santa Barbara County
are used by local vintners, with the balance exported
to wineries outside
the area. Click here to read more about the distinct areas.
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