Vineyards Revitalized

By Sean Davies

Outside of Santa Barbara, the Santa Ynez Valley shelters lush vineyards that burst to life each spring. The historic region has built up a reputation for bountiful harvests and beautiful weather throughout its storied past, a past that still inspires the local valley vintners.

Two Santa Ynez Valley vineyards are returning to their roots

Karen and Jimmy Loizides are two such vineyard operators with an eye on the past and a foot in the future. On October 5, 2022, they opened the Vega Vineyard & Farm, a working winery, farm and event venue located on historic land. While it was called the Mosby Winery when it was purchased by the Loizides, the 206-acre estate was known by another name when it was gifted as a dowry in 1853 to Dr. Roman de la Cuesta.

Dubbed Rancho de Vega by Francesca Cota, mother of the bride, the land would retain that name as two generations of de la Cuestas flourished under the still standing roof of the adobe home built by Roman and his wife, Michaela Cota.

When it was purchased by the Mosby family in 1976 after more than 100 years as Rancho de Vega, the name was changed to Mosby Winery.

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And yet, something in that storied past called to the Loizides when they purchased the land from the Mosby family.

“This property has an incredible, tangible history, and such energy of its own,” said Loizides, “but it was in need of some love…”

Following their purchase, the Loizides family launched the property’s winery and tasting room into a series of extensive updates and design changes. The tasting room, situated in a barn that was previously used as a carriage house in the 1880s, joins the likes of other historical structures on the ranch still in use, including the original adobe home, dating back to 1853.

To accompany the renovations, they renamed the property Vega Vineyards in honor of the ranch’s initial identity, Rancho La Vega, and its important place in the heart and history of northern Santa Barbara County.

“We are overjoyed at the chance to be the people who inject new life into this important place,” said Jimmy Loizides. And with live music and events, fresh produce, roaming animals and delicious wines, it’s hard to find a spot on the property that’s not brimming with life. vegavineyardandfarm.com

In the neighboring village of Solvang, Gleason Family Vineyards is also bringing new energy to a treasured property, reinvigorating the 10-acre farm, two-acre orchard and 42-acre estate vineyard at the newly-acquired Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard. And, they’re doing so with the property’s past in mind.

Originally founded in 1968, Buttonwood Winery & Vinyard was the vision of founder Betty Williams. A trailblazer in the sustainable farm movement,

Williams set out to create a working farm based on good practices for people, animals and the earth. Working with Michael Vining, Gleason Family Vineyards’ director of farming and sustainability, Buttonwood is doubling down on its mission to provide sustainable growth to the region.

“We’re using organic methods to fertilize the soil, aiming for sustainable plant growth and optimal crop yields, while keeping our environmental impact at a minimum,” said Vining. “This isn’t just about ‘now,’ this is about farming this region for our future.”

With the help of Vining, fresh fruit and produce are being grown in organic and sustainable methods. A fruit stand in the tasting room allows visitors to sample the bounty of the land, grown with the same ethics that founder Betty Williams imbued into the property back in the 60s.

Visitors are invited to sample the wine in a 90-minute tasting held in their beautiful garden alongside the peach tree grove, or on the intimate tasting room patio. The vineyard even hosts special events like stargazing and farm to table dinners. More information and a calendar of events can be found on their website. buttonwoodwinery.com