8 Top-Rated Wineries and Vineyards in Santa Maria (2024)
Vineyards and Wineries affairs of Santa Maria hasn’t been said aloud like the one of Temecula, Sonoma, and Napa, but still, this best-known secret is sure to know about. Most of the world knows Santa Barbara County for its Colonial architecture and historical monuments; however, when you step deep inside in Santa Maria, the picture changes drastically, bringing in a worthy wine destination for enthusiast and admirers alike.
With mountain ranges on one side, funnel inland on another, and the proximity to coasts, Santa Maria has all those idyllic grapes growing conditions. The Santa Maria Valley is home to several wineries and vineyards growing 65 different varietals of grapes. From the world-class pinot noir to the deeply-nuanced Bordeaux’s, the city offers some real quality. And what’s better than enjoying the combined package of the authentic Santa Maria Style Barbecue and the locally grown Wine amidst the laid-back, peaceful environment. Have a look at our choicest pick for the 8 Most popular Wineries and Vineyards in Santa Maria.
8 Top-Rated Wineries and Vineyards in Santa Maria
Presqu’ile Winery
Known for its stunning ocean and vineyard views, Presqu’ile is a highlight of Santa Maria Winery affairs. It is owned by Dieter Cronje and Mike Murphy, who gained one fine experience of winemaking from South Africa and Napa Valley for creating this minimalistic wonder in Santa Maria. The wine selection here includes Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Rosé, Chardonnay, Sparkling Wine and a range of Pinot Noir. The pristine fruit quality and minimal manipulation in the making process can be tasted in every single sip of Wine here.
Presqu’ile offers not only elegant wines but also some breath-taking views and tranquillity. Here you can enjoy your time with winery tours and horseback tours in the vineyard or appreciate the entertainment scene at the outdoor amphitheatre. Food prepared by Chef Julie Simon with all local ingredients and mainly the organic growth from the personal garden is indeed droll over.
Reach at: 5391 Presquile Dr, Santa Maria
Brucher & Golden Bear Winery
Brucher & Golden Bear Winery was initially set up by the wine specialist Peter Brucher, later sold to his long-time family friends Janis and Mike Schmidt. Peter Brucher is well known for generating the best possible harvesting and production techniques, the result for which can be still found in the Golden bear winery. The Winery was initially set up in the Napa Valley, however, influenced by the climatic and geographical conditions of Santa Maria, it was later shifted here.
The Brucher & Golden Bear Winery in Santa Maria is also home to Peter’s signature Brucher label. The present owners decided to stick with the original name; however, they gave the Winery a re-build in only the best possible ways. They grow Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and makes sure to follow the tradition of fine, handcrafted wines. The exceptional and high-quality wines here are famous all-around California and are definitely worth a try.
Reach at: 2115 S Blosser Rd #118, Santa Maria, CA 93458
Cambria Estate Winery
For wine lovers who are keen on exploring a long spread of lush vineyards, the Cambria Estate is definitely for them. A setup with mountain views at the back and the Sisquoc River below is definitely worth a thousand-dollar winery and vineyard experience. It is owned by Barbara Banke and farmed with the sincere efforts of Katie Jackson and Julia Jackson. The Jackson sisters have grown amidst these vineyards, keenly noticing their parents love and efforts for the business, and thus, they, later on, joined it to flourish it further.
One can plan a trip here to taste some of their most refined wines in the menu, including Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay, West point Chardonnay, Clone 4 pinot noir, Element pinot noir and a wide range of pinot. Some of their exclusive offerings, like Barbara’s signature pinot noir and Julia’s Vineyard Rose of Pinot noir, are worth trying. Bright flavours, a strong aroma, the deep dark colour and the perfectly aged taste can be noticed with every single sip.
Reach at: 5475 Chardonnay Ln, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Riverbench Vineyard
Riverbench Vineyard has its reputation for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines not only in Santa Maria but all over Santa Barbara County. It has a 1920’s craftsman style restored tasting house with a horseshoe pit, a garden, and a bocce ball court. Riverbench can be reached at the south-eastern edge of the Santa Maria Valley; however, if you want to cut down on efforts, you can also reach their second tasting room at the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. Image Source
Riverbench Vineyards has a spread of 107 acres of Pinot Noir and 77 acres of Chardonnay. Their sparkling wines as well are all worth the tries. Most of the other wineries in Santa Maria also purchase their grapefruits from the Riverbench Vineyards and further transform them into their own wines. Even though Riverbench have relatively high tasting prices, but the taste and age of their wines justify it all.
Reach by: 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Costa de Oro Winery
Costa de Oro Winery is known for their artistic Wine that births when the Old-World winemaking styles and the New-World grape growing practices comes together. It is one of the most affordable wineries one can visit in Santa Maria, with wine tasting tours starting from a mere price of $10. It is also famous for the name tag “most unique tasting room on the Central Coast” all over California. They offer some of the tastiest wines you will ever sip on amidst the beautiful mountain and valley views.
Costa de Oro Winery offers Wine Down, i.e., live music, Wine, and a $12 food platter, especially on Friday nights. Apart from their Wine seen, their farmer’s market on the patio offers the famous Gold Coast strawberries during the seasonal months. Everything from Wine to fruits and food at Costa is undoubtedly trying worthy.
Reach at: 1331 Nicholson Ave, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Kenneth Volk Winery & Vineyards
No matter if you are in Santa Maria for its Wine affairs or not, the Kenneth Volk Winery & Vineyards is defiantly worth stopping at. The wine varietals you can sip on here are challenging to be found in even 10 wineries combined. It is originally a setup of Ken Volk, who was also the founder of Wild Horse Winery. Kenneth Volk primary focus upon Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are also the speciality of the place. They also offer a massive selection of local wine varietals that you will not find anywhere else in Santa Maria.
Kenneth Volk Winery & Vineyards tasting room is operation from Thursday until Monday, precisely from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. However, if you are here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, you can book special appointments for a detailed tour in peace.
Reach at: 5230 Tepusquet Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Foxen Vineyard & Winery
Foxen Vineyard & Winery is not a very old setup; however, the years of experience of its owner Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, give it the taste, class, and flavour that is required for. It is located at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic, north of Santa Barbara County, known for its small productions and minimalistic approaches. The Winery is named after Dick Dore’s great-great-grandfather, who came to the site during the early 1800s. The location is his original purchase which the present owners turned finely into the wine business.
Foxen isn’t the best-looking setup you will visit; however, it is more of a authentic location that will surely suit your taste buds. Tasting rooms here are operational all throughout the week from 11 am to 8 pm, however considering it isn’t really huge, make sure you book your slots (if visiting in groups) sometime prior.
Reach by: 7600 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard
About half an hour drive far from Santa Maria, the Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard are located in the beautiful settings of Los Olivos. It is situated on a 400 acres Foxen Canyon Road estate and is famous for its wine tasting and horseback riding alike. It was initially designed after an Australian sheep station, but specific changes and upgrades like stone floors, wraparound veranda, fireplace, and picnic tables gives it a different view altogether. The wineries also feature an amphitheatre-style lawn which is famous for summertime Shakespeare performances.
Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard is relatively modern and inviting. Their tasting room has one memorabilia of the late owner Fess Parker, who is famously known for playing the television characters Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett. The tasting room is operational all throughout the week from 10 am to 4:45 pm, with tasting costs of $14 per person. Out of all that their menu offers, the Addendum cab, Syrah and Pinot are worth trying.
Reach at: 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd, Los Olivos, CA 93441