3. Ballard Canyon
Ballard Canyon is a tightly focused sub-AVA of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation, accounting for only 10% of that larger region. The north-south oriented canyon provides a unique weather pattern of wind, fog, and maritime influence, giving each wine a fingerprint of the specific place. Ballard Canyon encompasses a small geographical area totaling 7,800 acres, of which only 550 acres are currently planted to vineyards. It is nestled between the towns of Solvang and Los Olivos.
Over half of Ballard Canyon’s planted acreage is Syrah and an additional 30% of acres are planted to other Rhone varietals including Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne.