California’s north-south coastal mountain range abruptly turns to run
east-west for almost 50 miles in Santa BarbaraCounty, framing the valleys in a
unique transit to the Pacific Ocean. It's the only stretch of land from Alaska to Cape Horn comprising an east-west traverse, and this unique topography allows fog and
ocean breezes to flood into vineyards in the Ste. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley
and Santa Maria Valley AVAs.This is one of
the coolest viticultural areas in California,
yet plentiful afternoon sun ripens Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir to
perfection.Terrain and climates vary
widely—from steep, wind-swept hillsides to rolling inland valley vineyards
where summer temperatures often reach 100 degrees.
Santa BarbaraCounty boasts approximately 17,000 acres
of vineyards, with 125 wineries crushing approximately two percent of the
total state wine grapes.
