Santa Barbara is often referred to as the "American Riviera" – a place that conjures up images of waves, spas, beachfront dining and, of course, the perfect glass of wine. Wine lovers looking for the fresh, modern style of Santa Barbara County will be delighted with these high-quality, luxurious wines.
Santa Barbara County has joined Napa and Sonoma as one of California's most prestigious wine regions. "This is the most exciting place in the world to be growing grapes," says Don Ackerman, General Manager Central Coast Vineyards for Santa Barbara Wine Company. "Our climate and our soils are proving to be ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. For a relatively young region we are already producing great wines, and the potential in our vineyards clearly points to a tremendous future," he added.
The Santa Barbara Wine Company wines come from two exceptional vineyards situated on the Central Coast. In the Los Alamos subregion of Santa Barbara County, the Cat Canyon Vineyard provides the backbone for the Chardonnay. The vineyard's cool climate, combined with sustainable farming practices, produces vibrant, fruit-driven Chardonnay. This wine is crafted in a refreshing style, with limited oak treatment and minimal malolactic fermentation, and retails for $17.
The Santa Barbara Wine Company Pinot Noir is sourced entirely from the North Canyon Vineyard, which is located adjacent to one of the most famous vineyards on the Central Coast, Bien Nacido. The Cuyama River runs alongside the vineyard, and, with its maritime influence from the Pacific Ocean, the vineyard produces elegant and expressive Pinot Noir. The wine offers vibrant strawberry and cherry aromas with racy acidity, making this a very food friendly Pinot Noir, which retails for $20.
