Explore The Central Coast Of California - WINERY RECOMENDATIONS

Exploring the Wine Regions of California's Central Coast

By our Guest Writer: Nick Eldridge

Follow him on Instagram @nickuncorked ( He has some brilliantly funny wine posts and educational content! Specializing in the central coast of California) 

After a deep dive into what makes this region so special, we have some top recommendations for you regarding wineries to visit! 

If you are planning your trip to this area save this blog for the insider scoop. 

California’s Central Coast, stretching from Santa Barbara to Monterey, is a treasure trove for wine enthusiasts. This diverse and picturesque region boasts a unique array of microclimates and soils that make it one of the most exciting wine-growing areas in the state. From mountains and rolling hills to coastal valleys, the Central Coast produces a wide variety of world-class wines. Here’s a closer look at some of the key wine regions within this wine-growing area.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County is renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent wines with around 300 wineries throughout the area. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah are the most widely planted grapes in the county. The area is divided into several distinct wine regions:

Definition [AVA: American Viticultural Area] This is a delineated wine-growing area due to the specific terroir of the area. They are a particular type of appellation of origin used on wine labels. If you drink Italian wine this is similar to a DOC or DOCG delineation. 

1. Santa Ynez Valley: Known for its varied microclimates and diverse soils, Santa Ynez Valley is home to numerous sub-regions such as Ballard Canyon, Happy Canyon, and Los Olivos District AVAs. The valley is celebrated for its Rhône varietals like Syrah and Grenache, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
2. Santa Maria Valley: This coastal region benefits from the marine influence of the Pacific Ocean. The East to West orientation allows the wind and fog from the Pacific help moderate the temperatures which leads to very long growing seasons. The area is particularly well-suited for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which thrive in the valley’s sandy, loamy soils.
3. Sta. Rita Hills: Located within the Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills is famous for its exceptional cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producing some of my favorite wines in the world. The region’s unique geography and coastal breezes contribute to the complexity and finesse of its wines. Some of the best vineyards in the AVA include Radian, Duvarita, Fiddlestix, John Sebastiano, and the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard which saw the first Pinot Noir planted in the county. A lot of producers in the area source their grapes from these vineyards that provide consistently amazing grapes for winemakers. 

San Luis Obispo County

San Luis Obispo County, also referred to as SLO, offers a mix of coastal and inland wine-growing areas including the San Luis Obispo AVA, which was only established in 2022. The coastal climate helps preserve acidity on grapes such as Albarino and Pinot Noir resulting in bright, elegant wines. Some of the other growing areas in the county include:

1. Paso Robles: One of the most prominent wine regions in California, Paso Robles is known for its rich and full-bodied wines. This hot climate region produces a wide range of Bordeaux varietals, including Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rhône varietals like Grenache, Syrah and Viognier. Paso Robles’ diverse terroir, which includes everything from rolling hills to flat plains, contributes to its versatility and complexity.
2. Edna Valley: Located near San Luis Obispo, Edna Valley is renowned for its cool climate and proximity to the ocean. This region excels in producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a focus on balance and elegance. The valley’s soils and climate create ideal conditions for these varietals to flourish.

Monterey County

Monterey County, also with its cool coastal influence, has been producing wines in the area for over 250 years. Here are a couple of larger growing areas in the county:

1. Carmel Valley: Nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Carmel Valley is known for its microclimates that favor cool-climate varietals. The region is recognized for its exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
2. Santa Lucia Highlands: This AVA is located along the eastern slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The cool, foggy climate is perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The high elevation of the vineyards adds complexity and depth to the wines produced here.
3. Monterey AVA: Encompassing several sub-regions, the Monterey AVA is known for its cool temperatures and diverse soil types. The region produces a wide range of varietals, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône varietals like Viognier and Grenache.

The Central Coast of California offers an exceptional variety of wine regions, each with its own unique characteristics and specialties. From the delicious cool-climate Pinot Noir of Sta. Rita Hills to the robust Zinfandel from the hotter climate of Paso Robles, this region provides a diverse array of options for wine lovers. The climates of the central coast vary so much, that you can find almost any grape varietal being grown in one of the vineyards here. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, exploring the Central Coast’s wineries promises an unforgettable experience. The blend of stunning landscapes, innovative winemaking, and diverse terroirs make California’s Central Coast a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast.

 

Wine tasting in Santa Barbara County: Top Wineries to Visit

On to the fun part - The best places to taste the incredible wines of this region. 
Santa Barbara County, a gem in California’s Central Coast, is renowned for its diverse wine regions and exceptional wineries. From the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley to the cooler coastal areas, this region offers an array of experiences for wine enthusiasts. Here’s a guide to some of the must-visit wineries in Santa Barbara County (in my opinion), each with its own unique charm and character.

1. Dragonette Cellars

Located in the town of Los Olivos north of Santa Barbara, Dragonette is one of my favorite producers in the area. Founded by brothers John and Steve Dragonette and friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis back in 2005, Dragonette sources their fruit from some of the best vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Visiting their tasting room is always a great experience with some very knowledgeable people and incredible wines. Check out their Pinot Noir (Radian Vineyard is my favorite), Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Tip: Book a winery tour at their winery in Lompoc and check out where the magic happens.

Visit dragonettecellars.com

2. Sandhi

Located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Sandhi Winery was founded by celebrated winemakers Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman. Sandhi focuses on crafting elegant and expressive wines, particularly their exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery emphasizes sustainable farming and minimal intervention techniques, allowing the unique terroir of the region to shine through in each bottle. We had a chance to visit the vineyards and winery for the first time this year and had a great time talking wine and learning about what makes Sandhi different.

Book a visit at sandhiwines.com

3. MarBeso Wines

MarBeso Wines is a small boutique winery located in the Santa Ynez Valley that’s producing high-quality, small-lot wines. With a focus on sustainable farming and a deep respect for the region’s terroir, MarBeso produces an interesting range of varietals, like a Gruner/Albarino blend skin contact orange wine and a Gamay Noir from Nolan Ranch in Alisos Canyon that is probably one of my favorite wines I’ve tried this year. Their Ascona Vineyard Pinot Noir is delicious as well. Colin and Hannah’s dedication to precision and artistry in winemaking is evident in each bottle, offering a refined tasting experience that highlights the unique character of Santa Barbara County's vineyards.

Check them out at marbesowine.com.

4. Story of Soil

Story of Soil Wines, located in Los Olivos, emphasizes sustainable practices and the unique characteristics of their vineyard’s soil. The winery’s commitment to minimal intervention and quality winemaking is easy to see when you are drinking their wines. One of my favorite wines there is the Gruner Veltliner from Fiddlestix Vineyard. They also produce some great Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache as well.

*Editors Note: A Gruner Veltliner in the US is almost unheard of (it is primarily Austrian) so to see they are doing this is very cool! Reason enough to visit!*

Visit: storyofsoilwine.com

5. Sea Creatures Wine/La-Bas Wine

Jesse and Avery at Sea Creatures are some of the most laid-back and knowledgeable people I’ve met in the wine industry. They are super passionate about their wines and the Santa Barbara area and producing Pinot Noir that specifically shows off the terroir and what the grape can do with minimal
intervention. Under the Sea Creatures label they only produce Pinot, whether it’s their “Blanc de Gnar” which is a white Pinot Noir made with no skin contact, Rose’ of Pinot Noir, or classic Pinot Noir from some of the best vineyards in the county. They have another label as well, La Bas; this label makes some killer Gamay Noir. 

*Editors Note: Pinot Noir with no skin contact can also be called Pinot Clair*

Check them out at Seacreatureswine.com

 

Final Words

We hope you learned a little bit more about this wine region and maybe inspired a visit.  Finding small boutique wineries that are really doing the best representation of the area can be difficult so a huge thank you to our local virtual guide! 

Santa Barbara County is a treasure trove for wine lovers, offering a diverse array of wineries each with its own unique story and selection of wines. Whether you’re drawn to the cooler coastal regions or the warmer inland valleys, there’s something for every palate. Some of these require appointments to taste their wine so check out their websites before your visit.

Cheers! Sante!  

Let us know what you thought below or what wineries need to be added to this list!