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LETTER CONTRIBUTORS LIVE Fall’s best moments and places TASTE The OGs of harvest, top sommeliers, and more STYLE From Western fashion to cultural gatherings

TOC THE MAN WHO LISTENED Written by Stefan Siegel. Photographs by Ryane Nicole

REFRAMING THE FUTURE Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter. Photographs by Sam Frost

SOULFUL WANDERER Written and photographed by Matt Titone

FOUR GENERATIONS, ONE RANCH Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick. Photographs by Sara Prince

WINERY GUIDE Edited by Gabe Saglie. Illustrations by Olivia Joffrey

BACK PAGE Cowboy culture endures at Maverick Saloon

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Where Every Detail Feels Effortless Maureen McDermut Montecito & Santa Barbara Advisor Ranked Among Montecito’s Top 10 Advisors 805.570.5545 Maureen.McDermut@sothebys.realty Sotheby’s International Realty - 1165 Coast Village Rd, Suite A I Montecito, CA I sothebysrealty.com © 2025 Sotheby’s International Realty. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark and used with permission. Each Sotheby’s International Realty office is independently owned and operated, except those operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All offerings are subject to errors, omissions, changes including price or withdrawal without notice. Equal Housing Opportunity. DRE#01175027

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U N A N D E R C O N S T R U C T I O N .C O M | 8 0 5 . 6 8 2 . 5 6 8 5

all arrives quietly. The weather is at its peak and we are still seaside, enjoying our surroundings. How can you seasonally shift into an autumnal mindset when you are baking at the beach (with SPF slathered on, of course)? This issue will help get you in the mood. At the top of the list is wine and wine country, where the vistas of the valley are incomparably breathtaking. They made a tried-and-true L.A. girl—philanthropist and collector Quinn Ezralow—change course and buy her “one day” dream of a ranch in the heart of Santa Ynez (“Reframing the Future,” page 94). After finding an idyllic spot, she updated it with design company J2 to include her modern art and beloved pieces. The result lets her next chapter unfold while still honoring her authentic style and a lifetime of collections. The Fess Parker family also holds true to their roots with their legacy vineyard as they entertain at their ranch with family and friends. The joie de vivre of alfresco life surrounded by those rolling hills hits differently, and we take you right to the table to break bread and toast with their wine all that is right in this good life (“Four Generations, One Ranch,” page 114). Speaking of life and its lessons, Monty Roberts, known as the horse whisperer,

was the man to learn from (“The Man Who Listened,” page 86). What he gleaned from these mighty animals can be applied to so many things. We had an opportunity to visit him at his home before he passed away in July. His philosophy has moved so many, including his close friend Queen Elizabeth II, who trusted him and spoke to him on the regular. This sage man in our midst will be sorely missed as neighbor and oracle, and we are thrilled to honor him and his legacy as the cover story. If a big part of life is finding your passion and doing it every day, then famed surfer Chris Malloy—who added filmmaker and rancher to his résumé—opens his gates and lets us see the world he has created (“Soulful Wanderer,” page 106). He, too, lives an authentic life that is a direct reflection of who he is as a person, with the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Valley as home base. All these stories, along with this issue’s focus on food and wine and the best our area has to offer, reflect being true to one’s self and doing what you love in a place you adore 365 days a year—no matter what season it is.

Edit Letter

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Hannah Goodfield of Los Padres Outfitters in Carpinteria. Photograph by Dylan Gordon.

Bryant & Sons

VENETIAN PRINCESS PIROUETTE

DAVID NASH David Nash, who penned several stories for this issue, is a writer, an editor, and a regular contributor to Elle Décor, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, and Wallpaper*. S.B. MUST DOS Midland School Trails in the Santa Ynez Valley are nature’s gift • The Well Gardens in Carpinteria • Booking The RitzCarlton Bacara’s Fireside Suite.

MATT TITONE Matt Titone, who wrote and shot “Soulful Wanderer” (page 106), is an artist, designer, photographer, and author who cofounded the design + branding studio ITAL/C and Indoek. S.B. MUST DOS Surfing Rincon, the Queen of the Coast • Dang Burger in Carpinteria • Santa Barbara’s Lighthouse Skate Shop.

Contrib

STEFAN SIEGEL Stefan Siegel is the founder of IRON, a cultural platform celebrating the craftsmanship, heritage, and evolving spirit of the American West. Born in Northern Italy and now based in Los Angeles, he has spent the past several years immersed in Western riding culture, working alongside horsemen, artisans, and makers across the country. For this issue, he wrote the feature on Monty Roberts, “The Man Who Listened” (page 86). S.B. MUST DOS Riding the mountain trail at Monty Roberts’ California Horse Center • Coffee and people watching at the Honor Bar in Montecito • Driving the San Marcos Pass past Lake Cachuma.

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GABE SAGLIE The author of several stories in the issue and editor of our Winery Guide (page 124), Gabe Saglie has been covering the Central California wine industry for more than 20 years. S.B. MUST DOS Snacking and treasure hunting in the Funk Zone • Picnics at the Santa Barbara Mission • Catching the views from atop the Santa Barbara Courthouse tower.

NASH: MAXIMILLIAN TORTORIELLO; SIEGEL: CHRIS FRARA

RYANE NICOLE The photographer behind “The Man Who Listened” (page 86), Ryane Nicole is known for her archival handprinted platinum, palladium, and silver gelatin prints of horses, land, and legacy. S.B. MUST DOS A sunrise horseback ride along the beach • A golden hour walk along Stearns Wharf • Spanish tapas at Loquita.

L AU R A D R A M M E R & A S S O C I AT E S

Berkshire Hathaway - Drammer

Lafond Winery: A Santa Barbara Wine Country Icon 6855SANTAROSA.COM & 8669SANTAROSA.COM Two distinguished Sta. Rita Hills vineyard and winery properties are now offered for sale. Presenting two exceptional opportunities to acquire a significant piece of Santa Barbara Wine Country history. 805.448.7500 Laura@LauraDrammer.com DRE: 01209580 LauraDrammer.com © 2026 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties (BHHSCP) is a member of the franchise systemof BHH Affiliates LLC. BHHS and the BHHS symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company,a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. BHH Affiliates LLC and BHHSCP do not guarantee accuracy of all data including measurements, conditions, and features of property. Information is obtained from various sources and will not be verified by broker or MLS. Buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information.

DM H A X SA NTA BA R BA R A M AGA Z I N E

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PHOTOS: CAITLIN ATKINSON, ERIN FEINBLATT AND DMHA

Building Community DMHA

joined DMHA after 12 years with nationally recognized LPA Design Studios. Bringing award-winning design experience, fresh energy, and a new generation of leadership, Driven by mission and powered by placemaking, he reflects the firm’s commitment to innovation while honoring the DMHA Architecture + Interior Design leaves their legacy on which it was built. “We are mark on the local landscape By Jenn Thornton a collective of individuals who love what we do, and do what we love.” That passion is evident game, we believe we are just getting With placemaking at the heart throughout DMHA’s work. The firm’s started,” say Founding Partners of its award-winning practice, philosophy centers around creating Michael Holliday, FAIA; Ed DeVicente, Santa Barbara–based DMHA “inspired architecture that works” AIA; Ryan Mills, and Michael Stroh. ARCHITECTURE + INTERIOR design that is timeless, thoughtful, That future has been strengthened DESIGN is dedicated to making the financially responsible, and deeply by the addition of Senior Project world a better, more beautiful place. connected to its surroundings. Architect Erik Holliday, AIA, who For more than three decades, the Placemaking is more firm has helped shape than a design philosophy; California’s Central Coast (clockwise from top left) it’s the foundation of through an exceptional Michael Holliday, Mike Stroh, every project. Whether portfolio of custom Ryan Mills and revitalizing Santa residences, boutique Edward DeVicente Barbara’s Funk Zone, hospitality destinations, helping transform Linden commercial environments, Square in Carpinteria, and transformative or restoring the historic community projects. Hotel Santa Barbara, Despite a legacy DMHA creates places spanning hundreds of that strengthen both the successful commissions, client experience and the the Partners believe their surrounding community. most exciting work still lies Among the firm’s ahead. “While some may signature hospitality see us at the top of our

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos; the Spyglass Ridge Residence and Hope Ranch Oceanfront Estate in Santa Barbara; Grimm’s Bluff Winery in Santa Ynez Valley.

projects is the restoration of The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos, where the team helped preserve and reimagine the beloved 1886 landmark as Auberge Resorts Collection’s celebrated luxury destination. In nearby Solvang, DMHA transformed The Landsby, converting an aging hotel into an elegant Scandinavianinspired boutique retreat that has become one of the Santa Ynez Valley’s defining hospitality experiences. The firm’s residential work is equally distinguished. Estates throughout Santa Ynez Valley, Montecito, Hope Ranch, and Santa Barbara reflect each owner’s vision

“

while responding thoughtfully to the landscape. Projects such as the Spyglass Ridge Residence—a striking composition of concrete, steel, and glass overlooking the Santa Barbara coastline—and a timeless Tuscan Farmhouse Estate demonstrate the firm’s ability to create architecture that is both enduring and deeply personal. Behind every successful project is an equally important relationship. DMHA believes extraordinary architecture begins with extraordinary collaboration. “Our clients are the heroes of every story,” the Partners say. “We have the privilege of serving as their

DMHA

”

Our clients are the heroes of every story. DMHA Partners

trusted guide through planning, design, permitting, and construction. Our responsibility is to lead with creativity, technical excellence, and unwavering commitment toward realizing the destination of their dreams.” That collaborative philosophy extends beyond architecture. Guided by the belief that “we should give before we get,” DMHA invests its time, talent, and resources in organizations that strengthen the communities it serves. Through pro bono design work, charitable contributions, mentorship, and civic leadership, the firm has supported Habitat for Humanity, Santa Barbara Humane, and the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, among many others. For the Partners, architecture is about far more than designing beautiful buildings. It is about creating places where people gather, communities flourish, businesses prosper, memories are made, and future generations feel connected to something larger than themselves. As DMHA enters its next chapter with expanded leadership, renewed creative energy, and an ever-growing portfolio of transformative work, its purpose remains unchanged: to create timeless architecture, enduring relationships, and extraordinary places that enrich lives for generations to come. 1 N. Calle Cesar Chavez, Suite 102, Santa Barbara, dmhaa.com.

FALL 37

Ramsey Asphalt

STYLE | CULTURE | WE LIVE IN PARADISE | TASTE | TRENDS

Fall’s best moments + places

TALIA HELVEY

Live Opener

An hour north of Santa Barbara, family-owned Alisal Ranch opened its doors—and its hearts—to guests in 1946.

FALL 39

THE WILD WEST COAST

Live

Welcoming cowpokes and buckaroos for 80 years By David Nash

fter its opening to the public in 1946, the biggest stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age—including Doris Day, Kirk Douglas, Ava Gardner, and Gregory Peck—booked stays there. Clark Gable married his fourth wife, British socialite Lady Sylvia Ashley, on the property three years later. And during an early visit, Walt Disney may have even found inspiration for his future family-friendly theme park. The place was ALISAL RANCH, just 36 miles north of Santa Barbara, in the picturesque Santa Ynez Valley. The Ranch has epitomized the spirit of the American West for generations of visitors since it began welcoming guests 80 years ago. Since then, the 10,500-acre property has expanded from accommodations for 30 people—with several barns and some rodeo fields—to a city slicker’s off-the-grid paradise that includes a championship par-72, 18-hole golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, a private lake, and trails for horseback riding that span more than 50 miles against a backdrop of golden hills and sycamore groves that cocoon the canyon floor. Purchased by Ann and Charles Pete Jackson Jr. in 1943, the property is still owned and operated by the family and, apart from its impressive roster of resort activities, continues to function as a working cattle ranch. “Alisal is part of my DNA,” says third-generation owner and CEO Jim Jackson. “It’s where a large part of our family’s history is rooted and where we’ve been lucky enough to welcome generations of other families into our own.” Featuring 73 guest cottages and suites—each outfitted with authentic western flair and intentionally void of telephones and televisions—Alisal Ranch invites genuine connections to nature and offers the opportunity to slow down and unplug.

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In celebration of its 80th anniversary this year, the ranch has conceived several limited-edition collaborations and experiences, including The 1946 Legacy Package, an ultra-exclusive, expertly curated two-night stay for six adults at the private Jackson House. Symbolically priced at $19,460, the getaway includes daily meals and libations, a candlelight dinner in the historic home’s library, a “Wild at Dusk: Birds & Bourbon” event complete with falconry and a whiskey tasting, a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Santa Ynez Valley, a group horseback ride, and plenty of signature mementos. “[This] has always been a place where generations come together to disconnect from the modern world and connect with the spirit of the American West,” general manager David Merklinger says. “This 80th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past but a tribute to the incredible community, the land, and the loyal guests who continue to shape our legacy every day.” Commemorating the place’s enduring history, which stretches back to the mid-19th century, there’s a new coffee-table book, Alisal Ranch: 175 Years of Ranch History ($75), celebrating the resort’s heritage, landscape, and lasting spirit. “Reaching 80 years is an incredible milestone, but at the end of the day, we’re still just trying to do what my parents wanted: protect this beautiful piece of the West and make sure everyone who visits feels like they’re part of the family,” Jackson says. 1054 Alisal Rd., Solvang, alisalranch.com.

Live

MUST HAVES The Great joins Alisal Ranch with some exclusive apparel from their collection. Western Shirt, $395; Silk Bandana, $65; The Gus 6x Hat, $525, thisisthegreat .com. Silver Bolo Tie, $110; Suede Floral Cowboy Boots, $550, shopalisalranch.com.

RODEO: TALIA HELVEY

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Families have always enjoyed the property’s amenities; a foldout of a 1947 brochure that showcases activities, events, and accoutrements; a new book celebrates the ranch’s history; rodeo at Alisal Ranch Rodeo Field.

FALL 41

ITALY IN THE ‘HOOD Montecito’s Upper Village is becoming a foodie corridor again, as chef Luca Crestanelli of S.Y. Kitchen takes over the former Via Vai space. Crestanelli, a co-owner of ANCORA OSTERIA, has imported his signature Roman-style pinsa for the opening menu, including a margherita and a blistered cherry-tomato pie, but expect heartier mains and formal dishes at this sit-down restaurant. Described as a sister spot to S.Y. Kitchen and Nella Kitchen in Los Olivos, Ancora includes thoughtful touches like small mains for kids—simple butter or pomodoro pasta—alongside bonein ribeye and grilled pork chops with fennel. Seared yellowfin tuna and prosciutto with stracciatella round out the starters; a fresh pasta section is crowned by francobolli with short-rib ragú and ricotta salata. The wine list emphasizes both Italian producers and local growers from Santa Ynez Valley, continuing Chef Crestanelli’s hallmark of combining California products and Italian vintages. 1483 East Valley Rd., Montecito, ancoraosteria.com. CAITLIN WHITE

“The intention for Ancora was to create a space that feels warm, collected, and timeless,” according to Jacob Gerhardt and Blair Moritz, the design duo behind the restaurant’s renewal. “Natural materials and an emphasis on craftsmanship form the foundation, while vintage lighting, art, and carefully chosen pieces bring a sense of history and character, as though the room has evolved organically over time.”

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NICK SHAMBLOTT

Live

Beladora

Montecito’s newest wine-tasting bar, Vic’s, is inspired by the café cultures of New Zealand and Europe.

RAISING THE BAR

VIC'S: ZACH AND DUNE; PORTRAIT: BRIGITTE PAK

“My aunt, Victoria, has been the north star of hospitality for us— always warm and inviting,” says Ethan Elisara, referring to the inspiration behind VIC’S, the wine bar he and his wife, Aleah, just launched at The Post, across from the bird refuge. Inspired by the café culture of Auntie Vic’s native New Zealand and the allure of the cafés of Europe, Vic’s is actually the result of a nightly transformation: The space that houses Little King Coffee by day converts to a cozy hangout for oenophiles by night. “We hang artwork and light candles to set the ambiance,” Aleah says. The concise wine list is a 50-50 blend of California bottles—mainly unique Santa Barbara labels—and special European finds, all of which can be ordered by the glass or bottle. There’s also a 20 percent discount on bottles to go. The handful of food options includes a homemade savory sausage roll, another Kiwi inspiration. Guests can sip at the four-seat bar, at one of a few indoor tables, or on the outdoor patio. “We want them to have an unhurried experience,” Ethan says, “and to linger a little longer.” 1801 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, vicswinebar.com. GABE SAGLIE

Live

SLICE OF HEAVEN For their new enterprise, MILIO’S PIZZA, restaurateurs Miles Robbins (left) and Kamil Jumale (right) are so determined to bring authentic New York–style pies to State Street that they’re shipping in water from the Big Apple. Working with consultant chef Anthony Falco, they have combined the imported water with organic flour to create a sourdough crust that undergoes a 72-hour fermentation process. The menu includes traditional round pizzas, Sicilian square pies, and by-the-slice fare, culminating in a signature offering: The Milio boasts vodka sauce, pancetta, and pickled chiles, all topped with Grande East Coast mozzarella. Soft-serve ice cream and garlic focaccia bites are also on the opening menu, with plans to add specialty pizzas. 801 State St., Santa Barbara, miliospizzasb.com. C.W.

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Slices of cheese, pepperoni, and white pies are available daily, plus a spicy vodka square.

“I intentionally work with Compass - Patrice Serrani

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only a select number of buyers and sellers at a time to maintain a hands-on, personalized approach. While I have an incredible team supporting me, when you hire me - you get me.”

805.637.5112 | Patrice@PatriceSerrani.com PatriceSerrani.com | DRE.01764713

#1 BROKERAGE IN THE U.S * Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01991628. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate. If your property is currently listed for sale this is not a solicitation.

Live

46 FALL

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Morro Bay King salmon and lamb prepared by chef Kevin O’Connor for the Sternberg exhibition preview; dinner guests; Sternberg’s work installed inside the Bunker at Presqu’ile; danza group Kalpulli Coatlicue Atlachinolli at the show’s public opening; the artist and his wife, Kelsey Lee Offield.

The landscape itself is part of Sternberg’s palette.

Live

EARTH WORKS

ANYA MCINROY

A Cole Sternberg installation launches Presqu’ile Winery as an art hub concrete bunker at PRESQU’ILE WINERY in the Santa Maria Valley merging built and natural environments holds conceptual artist Cole Sternberg’s new installation, along the high embankments. The show—a series of paintings by the Santa Ynez–based creative, whose practice is centered around environmental forces and the effect of time—launches as part of a multiyear collaboration between Los Angeles Nomadic Division (LAND) and the Central Coast winery. The landscape itself is part of Sternberg’s palette: He buries canvases in soils and exposes them to the elements, highlighting nature’s power and the ephemerality of the work. 5391 Presquile Dr., Santa Maria, nomadicdivision.org. ELIZABETH VARNELL

FALL 47

Live

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Cold-pressed olive oil tastings are complimentary for guests; the farm recently began selling lavender body products; the farm’s serene grounds are now available for private event bookings.

FRESH PRESSED

TALIA HELVEY

Los Olivos is well known for its wine tasting, but olive oil might just be the next frontier. Set on what was once a stagecoach stop at Lansing’s Crossing, OLIVE + LAVENDER FARMS offers complimentary tastings to visitors, no reservations needed. The serene environment is enhanced by more than 100 imported olive trees and acres of lavender fields. Gravel paths edged by stone walls guide visitors to a restored airstream trailer, home to Farm Chic Radio, and the quaint tasting room. Opened four years ago by Jennifer Wood and Randy and Alecia Spendlove, the farm recently began hosting private events and now welcomes local vendors to pop up at the space every weekend. Olive varieties like Spanish Arbequina and Greek Koroneiki are grown to produce cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil, which is high in polyphenols and antioxidants. The farm also offers lavender body products made with their own flowers and a line of balsamic vinegars. 2450 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, oliveandlavenderfarms.com. C.W.

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CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Wild West memorabilia; the ivy-covered exterior; vintage lighting, furniture, and artwork define chic guest rooms in this Los Alamos landmark.

The tiny enclave of Los Alamos has increasingly become a can’t-miss Central Coast destination, and the latest addition to the town of less than 2,000 is the rebirth of one of its oldest hostelries. The 1880 UNION HOTEL, located on central Bell Street, officially reopened this spring with nine distinct guest rooms, while it continues to host private events and weddings. Built 145 years ago, the original structure served as stagecoach stop, general store, lodging house, and telegraph office. It was rebuilt after a fire in 1915, then renovated in 1972. During the 1950s, legend has it, Johnny Cash played the saloon, and its lore only deepened when the property served as a backdrop for Paul McCartney’s and Michael Jackson’s “Say Say Say” music video in 1983. Now officially a California historic landmark, the estate includes a vintage saloon, rose garden, lawn, gazebo, and brick patio. Rooms boast atmospheric amenities like clawfoot tubs, fourposter beds, and antique chandeliers, as well as plenty of Wild West charm. 362 Bell St., Los Alamos, 1880union.com. C.W.

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ISLE OF FILM

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BA XT ER MOER M A N X SA NTA BA R BA R A M AGA Z I N E

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Baxter Moerman interiors; unique pieces crafted on-site; inside the Garden Street boutique; Aura Necklace, Niki Flat Link Necklace, Sophie Ring, Coil Ring and Piedras Pavé Signet Ring; founders Matthew Moerman and Matthew Baxter.

A Modern Classic Shines

Baxter Moermann

Matthew Moerman and Matthew Baxter

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Since meeting more than 25 years ago and then introducing their first jewelry collection in 2007, Matthew Moerman and Matthew Baxter have followed a distinctive creative path in San Luis Obispo. From the first compact 400-square-foot studio, workshop, and storefront on Morro Street that the duo opened in 2009 to the more expansive space on Garden Street they’ve occupied over the past decade, BAXTER MOERMAN JEWELRY has become a destination for loyal clients and those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and design. Locals and traveling customers appreciate the unique pieces crafted on-site, using precious stones and metals in forms that feel simultaneously contemporary and timeless. Baxter Moerman Jewelry’s “Modern Classic Jewelry” tagline

has proven to resonate organically. “It’s classic style with clean lines and modern finishes,” Moerman says about the overall sensibility. The company exclusively designs, produces, and sells its original pieces from the SLO home base. Much like chefs let ingredients lead or architects highlight the

COURTESY OF BAXTER MOERMAN: JAMES MOUSLEY, ELLIOT JOHNSON (INTERIOR); BARRY GOYETTE (PORTRAIT)

Inside the San Luis Obispo atelier where Baxter Moerman Jewelry designs, makes, and sells every piece under one roof By Jessica Ritz

“

There might be a ring that stays in the case for a couple of years, and someone might walk in and bond with it. That’s an Matthew Baxter incredible experience.

inherent characteristics of building materials, Baxter and Moerman allow the gemstones to help determine their final presentation. “The most inspiring thing is to start with finding exceptional gemstones,” Baxter says, adding that Baxter Moerman Jewelry creations resist feeling “overdesigned.” Annual trips to the Tucson Gem Show and other direct sources mean the vault holds surprises—certain finds that often won’t be available again, given that scarcity is part of the magic of jewelry. “One of the unique things about gemstones is there’s a source that might be mined out. Some in our vault have become rare,” he says. Baxter Moerman Jewelry has also garnered a reputation for its finely textured metals and intricate motifs, exactingly executed in 18-karat gold and platinum. Although Baxter Moerman Jewelry maintains a robust e-commerce platform, the in-person shopping experience at the downtown SLO boutique is a core extension of the brand ethos. “We have an aesthetic we both like, and we want it to be an expression of that,” Baxter says. The attention to tactile detail, as seen in

”

the bespoke artful wood-and-glass display cases and the warm woodlined walls, echoes the intention and care applied to all the work produced mere steps away. Guests who walk into the store, either out of curiosity or as a destination, “feel like there’s a level of quality that is subtle” yet nonetheless palpable, Baxter says. Compared to other relatively formal jewelry stores, the open, gallery-like space is approachable and warm—a place where the hospitable team can listen closely to clients’ needs and interests to find the perfect match. “We’re

passionate about everything we put in the case,” Moerman adds. Customers are welcome to touch, feel, and try on goods that often represent deeply personal, meaningful decisions that will last a lifetime. Baxter and Moerman intuitively understand the emotional significance of both the product and the selection process, and they respond accordingly. “We want to have a relationship with our customers,” Baxter says. Many pieces are customized to suit a client’s needs. Whether it’s showcasing stunning engagement rings and wedding bands with dazzling solitaires or stone clusters, or the bold yet restrained geometric Phoenix collection, staying true to their personal vision rather than chasing trends has proved to be the most rewarding strategy for these artisans. “The jewelry we’re designing and making is based on what we are inspired by, and what we like,” Baxter says. “There might be a ring that stays in the case for a couple of years, and someone might walk in and bond with it. That’s an incredible experience.” 1128 Garden St., San Luis Obispo, baxtermoerman.com.

Baxter Moermann

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Hearing Concierge of Montecito

STYLE | CULTURE | WE LIVE IN PARADISE | TASTE | EVENTS

Magan Kunin in The Valley Project tasting room in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone.

SARA PRINCE

Taste Opener

STILL STANDING

The old guard continues to harvest and ones to watch FALL 55

“We’re in the business of mentoring wine professionals, too.” CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Displays at The Valley Project tasting room include soil samples; Kunin has two wine brands—her eponymous Kunin label and Valley Project.

Magan Kunin

THE LEGACY CONTINUES “We are slaves to making wines that go great with food, and wines that should live in your cellar!” says winemaker Magan Kunin. This mantra echoes the formula for success set by her late husband, Seth, which could have fizzled when he died suddenly in 2017, at age 50. His partner in life and business, however, decided to follow his formula—and build on it. Seth “was a meticulous person,” Kunin says, “who kept a log of every single day in the winery for 10 years.” Those detailed notes provided a road map that allowed two projects to flourish. The KUNIN label, with a focus on Rhône varieties and elegant blends, is home to some of the best Syrah and Chenin Blanc wines in California, as well as the crisp, clean grenache-based Phoebe Rosé. The VALLEY PROJECT brand, aimed at terroir exploration and wine education around Santa Barbara County’s seven AVAs, delivers standout Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc, among others. Across both labels, she produces about 5,000 cases of wine each year. And each tasting room—Kunin in the Presidio neighborhood and Valley Project in the Funk Zone—acts as an anchor for Santa Barbara’s wine curious. Kunin has placed her own stamp on the brands, including contracting with new vineyard sources and visiting both tasting rooms to pour and mingle with guests on a daily routine. She’s also keen on fostering new careers in the wine business. “We’ve always thought that we’re in the business of mentoring wine professionals, too,” she says. 831 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, kuninwines.com; 116 E. Yanonali St., Santa Barbara, thevalleyprojectwines.com. G.S.

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Taste

KELLY FAJACK

True Love Always

TRUE LOVE ALWAYS A Highly Curated Lifestyle Boutique

Owner, Lori Runnfeldt

1115 Coast Village Road, Montecito | 805.679.5456 | @tlagoods | tlagoods.com

SOMMS LIKE IT HOT “I feel incredibly fortunate to have met and learned from some of the most inspiring winemakers over the years, including Philippe Blanck and Albert Seltz, both from my hometown of Alsace, [France],” says STEPHANE COLLING, owner of Montecito-based wine advisory and concierge service, 750mls. “[They] became early mentors who shaped not only the way I understood wine, but also the importance of humility, sense of place, and relationships.” Those relationships—along with his obvious passion for wine—have defined his nearly 35-year career as a trusted resource for all things ready-to-drink and collectible. Moving to the U.S. in 1989, Colling landed in New York. By the time he was 18, he received a sommelier certification that solidified his vine-laden path. “There have been countless wines and experiences that have marked me in different ways,” he says, “from sharing a dinner with [French winemaker] Lalou Bize-Leroy to an unforgettable deep-dive tasting with Olivier Krug at the winery.” Other career-defining experiences have included tenures with Michelin-starred chefs like Alain Ducasse, Joël Robuchon, and Daniel Boulud, as well as a three-year stint as wine director for The Modern at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2011 Colling relocated to the West Coast, first for the role of food and beverage director at San Ysidro Ranch and, later, for tenures with Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos and the historic hillside El Encanto hotel in Santa Barbara. When asked about his most impressive career highlights to date, Colling mentioned two. The first came to fruition in 2023—two years after founding his bespoke wine service—when Château d’Yquem offered Colling a 130-plus bottle collection that he acquired for San Ysidro Ranch’s Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar at the Stonehouse restaurant. “Those kinds of offers don’t cross my desk every day,” he says, noting that the earliest vintage was from 1811. The second highlight involved a longstanding private client who, when he became a parent, began collecting wines from the birth years of his children. “Today, each child has a collection waiting for them: bottles chosen at birth, carefully stored, and destined to be opened for future milestones.” This past June, Caruso’s at Rosewood Miramar Beach received the Wine Spectator Grand Award, the world’s highest honor for a restaurant wine program, With just two years at the helm, director of wine ROB SMITS had a big role in earning the prestigious accolade. “We have worked to create a collection that celebrates both iconic producers from around the world and the remarkable wines of Santa Barbara,” he said, adding it was a recognition made possible “when a wine program is built with equal parts ambition and authenticity.” For Smits, that ambition peaked after he graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelor of Science in history. “When I was growing up, my uncle made wine at [his] house, and he’d bring it as gifts for Christmas,” he says. “It was kind of inspiring when I was a kid, and I knew that when I was old enough, I’d make wine, too, so after college I

Taste

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TOP: Stephane Colling, 1988 Barbaresco, Gaja: “Beautifully mature: dried cherry, rose petal, tobacco, cedar, and earthy spice.” BOTTOM: Rob Smits, Chartogne-Taillet Hors Serie Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018: “Delivers remarkable tension, structural precision, and chalky minerality.”

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FROM TOP: The wine cellar at San Ysidro Ranch; David Fainberg, Domaine Génot-Boulanger, Meursault-Bouchères 1er cru 2022: “Bright and precise, with citrus, orchard blossom, and minerality.”

moved to Santa Rosa.” Shortly after his arrival in Northern California’s coastal wine region, Smits befriended winemakers and bought winemaking equipment from a couple who’d been garage vintners for 30 years. “I made Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in my own garage. I think the first vintages were 2009 and 2010.” He went on to become the wine director for Farmshop in Larkspur and, later, Mason Pacific in San Francisco before joining The MINA Group as head sommelier for the San Francisco 49ers. Not surprisingly, his history degree has come in handy over the years. “I talk a lot about history, geography, and politics when narrating wine lists,” he says. “And we’ve developed a very historical presentation for [Caruso’s] list that’s been really beneficial to the program.” Growing up in the San Bernardino County community of Lake Arrowhead, DAVID FAINBERG, now wine director of San Ysidro Ranch, was looking to make a little extra money during high school when he took his first job at a fine dining restaurant next to his parents’ jewelry store. “I got a job as a busboy there, worked my way up through the ranks, and really found a passion for hospitality,” he says. “A friend of mine ended up purchasing the restaurant and suggested I try making a career out of it.” Realizing wine was arguably the most fun aspect of that work, Fainberg aced his first-level sommelier exam, and the rest is history. Even after a year-long foray under Chef Kyle Connaughton at Healdsburg’s three-Michelin-starred SingleThread Farm and two-and-a-half years at San Ysidro Ranch, Fainberg still thinks about the biggest influence on his chosen métier. “Mark Sullivan was kind of this grizzled representative for Regal Wine Company when I was still living in Lake Arrowhead,” he says. “And when I really started to show interest [in wine], he would come in and buy bottles off our list, open them with me, and talk through what made them so special. He made such an impression on me and helped me see what a future as a wine professional could look like.” Earlier this year Fainberg traveled through France’s renowned Bordeaux wine region, which, he says, “reinvigorated my passion for what we do here at San Ysidro Ranch.” Since his arrival, the cellar’s Bordeaux selection has grown substantially as the award-winning collection continues to broaden. “We’ve recently brought in a lot of wines from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, and now there’s a focus on developing our Italian [wine] program.” Cheers to that. D.N.

Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

OUR LOCAL PICKS Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

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Taste

Storm Wines Sauvignon Blanc Presqu’ile Vineyard 2015; Tyler Chardonnay La Rinconada Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills 2022; Chanin Zotovich Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2021.

Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

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Young Construction

Inspired by the land. Crafted for living. Building spaces for people to live, work, and play. YOUNGCONST.COM

HEART OF THE VINETaste Wine for a good cause

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Kim and Andy Busch enjoy a moment at their Folded Hills winery; the August/September 2007 cover showcases the family’s love of polo; a generous pour; the label of their 2024 Roper Reserve Syrah reflects the ranch atmosphere.

WINE: KYLIE ENHOLM; PORTRAIT: CARA ROBBINS

tend to do everything by jumping in,” says Kim Busch, who owns Folded Hills winery, ranch, and farmstead with her husband, Andy. That was her mode when the couple decided to plant grapes on their Santa Ynez property in 2014 and when they launched their wines three years later. And it was also how she founded GRAPES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA, a 501(c)(3), in May of this year. The story of the nonprofit has an intimately personal impetus. In 2023 Andy was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a serious and aggressive brain cancer. As the family navigated his health journey through doctors, second opinions, and multiple treatments, they realized that others with this disease often faced financial jeopardy and other hardships. The Busches had long partnered with and donated portions of their sales to local charities. But this situation called for something else. “Most nonprofits fund research,” Kim says, “and thank goodness for that. But we are a little more grassroots.” The organization gives financial support to families who might need a driver to get to an appointment, since those with this diagnosis cannot drive. Other grants might allow people to afford a hotel before an early exam out of town, seek a second opinion in another city, or hire a caregiver for a much-needed break. “It’s complicated to write checks to a caregiver,” Kim adds. “The learning curve is steep.” A dedicated fundraiser may take place next spring, but for now, 10 percent of every sale of Folded Hills wine goes to the nonprofit. “It changes lives to have a little help,” Kim says. “All we can do is the smallest amount, but that’s a win.” grapesforglioblastoma.org. JOAN TAPPER

Lilac Montecito

Simply Seasonal. Always Delicious. A locally owned Montecito bistro where seasonal ingredients meet classic European inspiration.

1209 COAST VILLAGE RD MONTECITO, CA 93108 (805) 845-2457

BREAKFA ST | LUNCH | DINNER | HAPPY HOUR

LILACMONTECITO.COM

Taste

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Valerie Rice washes produce from her garden at home; sungold cherry tomatoes are ideal here because they hold their shape and deliver little bursts of sweet flavor; if you have the time, let the pasta sit for 15 to 20 minutes before serving; like a great tomato salad, it only gets better as the tomatoes, olive oil, and pasta get acquainted.

FEAST OF THE SEASON n Italy, ingredients are meant to be enjoyed where they come from. The tomatoes, wheat, olive oil, and cheese are connected to the land, the people, and generations of knowledge. The recipe may be simple, but the ingredients are anything but ordinary. Luckily, we have our own version of this magic right here in Santa Barbara. Our farmers markets are a feast for the senses— rows of colorful produce, baskets overflowing with the season’s best, and farmers who know their crops like proud parents. And while I will always have a soft spot for Italian wine, cheese, ceramics, and olive oil (my suitcase is proof), I’ve been inspired by the incredible ingredients being made right here at home. This recipe is exactly that kind of cooking. It’s relaxed, seasonal, and forgiving—the type of dish that makes entertaining feel effortless. It can be prepared ahead, served at room temperature, and enjoyed while everyone lingers over a glass of wine, tells stories, and inevitably goes back for “just one more bite.” One of my favorite parts of cooking this way is getting to know the people behind the ingredients. For this recipe, I’m using Pasta Santina’s trumpet

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Valerie Rice shares the bounty from her garden for a Cal-Ital culinary experience

FROM TOP: Pasta Santina is available in 10 shapes, all produced at their facility in Carpinteria, which also features a small retail shop. There is something wonderful about a dish that doesn’t demand attention at the last minute. Make it ahead, set it on the table, and spend your time where you actually want to be— with your guests.

TOMATO PASTA SALAD

pasta made by my friend Sergio, who mills local California wheat into beautifully creamy pasta with incredible texture and flavor. I’m also reaching for Luretik olive oil from Santa Ynez, made by my friend Elise—a former Italian philosophy professor who now grows Italian olive varieties and produces an oil that is vibrant, peppery, and full of character. These products are proof that exceptional ingredients don’t have to travel thousands of miles. Sometimes they’re growing, milling, and being crafted right in our own backyard. Ricotta salata is the perfect finishing cheese because it stays crumbly and adds a bright, salty bite. I usually find it at the Upper Village grocery, but feta or shaved Pecorino Romano make good substitutes. eatdrinkgarden.com; pastasantina.com.

Taste

1 lb cherry tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, finely grated ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil Zest and juice of 1 lemon 1½ tsp kosher salt ½ tsp red pepper flakes 12 oz trumpet pasta 2 generous handfuls basil 2 handfuls baby arugula 4 oz ricotta salata, shaved Bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil. Halve the tomatoes, and combine with the garlic, oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes in a large serving bowl. Cook the pasta until al dente. Transfer the hot pasta directly to the tomato mixture, bringing along a few spoonfuls of the pasta water. Toss well until the pasta is glossy and coated allowing the pasta to absorb the tomato juices. Just before serving, tear the basil and fold it into the pasta along with the arugula until just wilted. Finish with the ricotta salata and a drizzle of oil.

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FROM ART TO WINE

Producing natural wines is like walking the tightrope without a safety net,” says Ash, pictured in his Los Olivos tasting room.

If art by any other name is still art, then Ashkahn “Ash” Shahparnia is in the perfect place. The Redondo Beach native is a professional illustrator by training, a graduate of the Otis College of Art, with a resumé that includes brands like Capitol Records and Target. A trip to visit his wife’s family in Paso Robles sparked a love for wine, leading to harvest internships at Bien Nacido and Presqu’ile wineries and a job at Stolpman. Ash closed his L.A. design gallery and in 2020 launched ASHKAHN WINES, his viticultural brand, which has an unapologetic focus on natural wine. Minimal intervention in the cellar means using only native yeasts, as well as no filtering, no fining, and no defensive additives of any kind. Colorful and eclectic, the Los Olivos tasting room opened in May, featuring wines like Chardonnay and Gamay alongside the artist’s original greeting cards. 2446 Alamo Pintado Rd., Los Olivos, ashkahnwines.com. G.S.

Taste

CUP OF JOY Artist Georgina Gettman is the force behind JOY CAFÉ in Solvang, a holistic apothecary and café that stocks medicinal herbs and adaptogens alongside Beacon coffee and organic sweet treats. “I believe beauty, nourishment, and community are essential to our well-being,” Gettman says, teasing fall specials like third-eye-opening orange-blossom and blue-lotus lattes. 1623 Mission Dr., Solvang, @joycafesolvang. C.W.

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JOY CAFE: MEGHAN SANDERS; ASHKAHN: TALIA HELVEY

“Joy is a space to slow down, connect, nourish yourself, and hopefully leave feeling a little better than when you arrived,” café owner Georgina Gettman says.

JULIE ANDERSON MATHIAS SOLO EXHIBITION

October 1 - November 8, 2026

Horizon Detail, 2017, Acrylic on Canvas, 78 7/8 x 78 7/8 x 2 in

Seimandi

SEIMANDI & LEPRIEUR Gallery 3 3 WE S T AN APAM U S T R E E T SA NTA BARBARA , C A LIF OR NIA 93101 ( 8 0 5 ) 610 -12 0 3 WWW. SE IMAN D ILEP R IEUR .CO M

CALIFORNIO-CATION During the mid-19th century, Santa Barbara was shaped by the Ranchero Era, an entrepreneurial period following Mexican independence marked by old land grants, cattle ranches, and the so-called Californio culture. Inspired by this history, in 2025 a group of local friends conceived RANCHERO WHISKEY, a blend of 100 percent California-grain malt whiskey and traditional bourbon that pays homage to the Central Coast’s past. “It’s a whiskey that’s intended for everyone to enjoy in the sense that it’s very approachable, very flavorful, but not overbearing,” says cofounder and master distiller Justin McCabe. “There’s a little bit of spice and nuttiness that’s complemented by the sweetness of the bourbon. It’s very seductive.” The brand’s other cofounders, Brad Vernon and Matthew Pifer, and partners Jennifer and Kris Zacharias, were all in agreement that their inaugural spirit be “rooted in tradition and built for the modern West, [and] celebrate independence, authenticity, and the enduring culture and stewardship of today’s California ranchers.” The easy-drinking whiskey had a soft launch this summer at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club (where it could be sipped on its own or enjoyed in artisan cocktails like the Kick’n Mule) and the Santa Barbara Rodeo. Now it’s available direct to consumer as the rollout to local retailers and watering holes ramps up. “We also really hope to connect with the female whiskey drinkers,” Jennifer says. “It’s incredibly smooth on its own and great in cocktails, and really ideal for anyone who might be whiskey curious but worried about intensity.” rancherowhiskey.com. D.N.

MUST READS

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Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

Spilled: Natural Winemakers Stories & Recipes (Rizzoli, $50); How to Sound Wine Smart (Simon & Schuster, $25); Wine Simple: Perfect Pairings (Clarkson Potter, $38).

RANCHERO WHISKEY: KATHERYN BOYD BROLIN

Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

Jan Barboglio El Rey Decanter, $400, coast2coastcollection .com.

Tile patterns to be excerpted for boxes

Taste

Santa Barbara’s Local Appliance Dealer Family Owned Since 1966

Reid’s Appliances

409 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara | (805) 569-5373 www.reidsappliances.com

Mark Gonzales makes every crispy rice treat himself, from browned butter to the final wrap.

FAIR AND SQUARE It’s a “crispy rice treat, the sticky, ooey-gooey square enjoyed by children and adults alike,” says Mark Gonzales, founder of THE GOOD SQUARE, about his creation. And it’s the universal love of this delectable snack that inspires him to keep a “six-pack of them” in his passenger seat, ready to give to the UPS guy, the teacher, or the gardener. “It’s the look on their faces,” he adds, that’s his favorite part. A private chef for the Busch family for more than 25 years, Gonzales started The Good Square somewhat accidentally. It was 2012 when the family wanted a signature sweet for their Folded Hills farmstead. He perfected a recipe, brown butter and all, and wrapped the results like presents. They were an instant hit, with people even from San Luis Obispo calling for him to “hold six of ’em.” Fourteen years later, that popularity has never wavered. You can find a Good Square all over town, from Third Window Brewing to the Santa Barbara Bowl to The Well in Summerland. Gonzales makes everything himself. “I want to stand behind every single square,” he says. @thegoodsquare. TIANA MOLONY

Taste

Super Mallows, from Carpinteria, makes artisanal marshmallows using fine ingredients like organic maple syrup, organic vanilla bean paste, and sea salt. supermallows.com.

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GOOD SQUARE: DORETTA BONNER

MUST HAVES Coastal Coffee Collective Toro Canyon Espresso, $15, available at Room Service Coffee.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Carolina Bucci Montecito interiors; FORTE Got Lucky beads; Pavé EveryDay bracelets and necklace; Holbox FORTE bead necklace; Carolina Bucci.

CA ROLI NA BUCCI X SA NTA BA R BA R A M AGA Z I N E

Florentine Flair

Carolina Bucci on honing her craft and bringing her creations to the Central Coast “We have a room fragrance that I created, inspired by the smell of my parents’ garden in Florence in the warm breeze. Walking around in Montecito and Santa Barbara, I caught a whiff of it and I thought, ‘I even have this,’” says fourthgeneration fine jeweler CAROLINA BUCCI. She selected Montecito for

Carolina Bucci

PHOTOS CAROLINA BUCCI

diamond-tipped tool to achieve a signature Florentine finish that allows metals to shine like faceted stones. Her work has a lighthearted, relaxed quality that mirrors the feel of coastal California. “The whole vibe, the way that you wear it, there’s a relaxed approach to it,” Bucci says of her jewelry, pointing to her customizable Downtown necklace with its colorful spheres carved from semiprecious stones, enamel, or gold, and threaded on a Lurex cord with 18k gold tips. “To prove to my father and my industry that fine jewelry could be fun, I started questioning everything.” She applies the expertise and high level of craftsmanship she learned as part of a jewelry-making family who always wore gold designs, but she uses the process to make pieces that are more relaxed and effortless. “As a teenager, I wanted to wear fun stuff, but I wasn’t allowed—I had real pieces.” As an adult, she makes and wears lively pieces that have real heft but remain casual enough for a day on the town. Her Lucky bracelets were inspired by the knotted friendship variety, but she elevates them with 18k gold charms and silk thread. “I taught

the first stateside flagship of her fine jewelry house, which is known for its playfully modern pieces made by hand. Her designs include earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even single beads in white or yellow 18k gold. The pieces are hammered with a

the industry you don’t always need a clasp. When making a double knot, you can make a wish,” she says. FORTE beads inspired by camp bracelets allow for endless combinations, and 18k EveryDay necklaces have a patina—a Patinato finish—designed to look lightly worn and loved. “Through the years, it evolves. Every collection is inspired by a moment, a time, everything I create is something I dream of, something I want to wear,” Bucci says. 1024F Coast Village Rd., Montecito, 805-869-2222; carolinabucci.com.

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Art 8 Nature in Romantic Britain

Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

Oct 9, 2026– –Jan 4, 2027 John and Peggy Maximus Gallery

SANTA BARBARA

MUSEUM NATURA[ -

2559 Puesta del Sol • Santa Barbara • 805-682-4711 • sbnature.org · HISTORY

STYLE | CULTURE | WE LIVE IN PARADISE | TASTE | EVENTS

ALEXA VITUG

Style Opener

Lela Rose’s new boutique designed with Studio DB combines ready-to-wear and Ranch collections with accessories and home design items.

FASHION FRONTIER

Western is certainly having a moment

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: White glazed breeze blocks inside the new boutique nod to California’s indoor-outdoor aesthetic; the designer in Montecito; tiles with Rose’s Lasso motif line the store.

TEXAS ROSE LELA ROSE, with its blend of elegant dresses and western-inspired Ranch collections, seems tailor-made for Montecito, but the designer’s new boutique at The Post is her first foray into California. Rose, who was raised in Texas and studied painting and sculpture in Colorado before landing at Parsons School of Design in New York, has an eye for color and embellishment in her ready-to-wear fashion. Her new boutique, reflecting the West Coast’s indoor-outdoor architectural style, was designed in partnership with Studio DB and is decorated with her signature lasso motif. The space includes a dried-flower installation by Tedde Minogue of floral design studio Scenery and handmade metal birds in tribute to the region’s bird reserve—and avian motifs frequently turn up in the lush prints included in her collections. 1807 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, lelarose.com. E.V.

Style

WE LOVE

Samantha Wennerstrom x Beek suede moccasin loafers, $350, beekshop.com.

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SAMANTHA WENNERSTROM: SARA PRINCE; LELA ROSE: ALEXA VITUG

Santa Ynez Country Club hats and branded hoodies, from $42, allcountrynoclub.com.

Hlavaty Dental

CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Barrie Glabman (left) and Georgia Dant; Parachute Quilted Bomber, $1,695; Weatherproof Bonded Raincoat, $2,595; Aviator Patrol Shearling Hood, $1,595.

MODULAR MIX

Style

Jackets and buildable clothes meant to be reversed or pared back form the core of the collections at MARFA STANCE. Now the adaptive essentials are stocked alongside freewheeling featherweight parachute styles in a new coastal boutique at Montecito Country Mart. Along with part-time Montecito resident Barrie Glabman— who has a storied background in the fashion and design world—designer Georgia Dant launched her British brand after a road trip to Marfa, Texas, and a visit to Donald Judd’s studio there. The Central Saint Martins graduate, who previously led design teams at Burberry and Rag & Bone, found inspiration in the geometric aesthetic and multifunctionality of a Judd desk and dreamed up the modular garments during her transatlantic flight home. The made-in-Italy clothes are designed to evolve over seasons for a functional wardrobe and are crafted in three small family-run factories in Florence, Modena, and Venice using dead-stock shearling, double-faced wool, and quilted waterrepellent nylon. The lightweight parachute styles are landing in California in updated shapes and seasonal colors such as dark sienna and soft peach, reflecting the region’s warm hues. Aviator designs cut for a closer fit are accented with soft, lightweight alpaca and suede for mornings and evenings when the cooling marine layer moves inland. 1016 Coast Village Rd., Montecito, marfastance.com. E.V.

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Furniture Gallery

Carly Pippin (at right) brings her background in art and museums to her new antique shop in La Arcada Plaza.

Style

Since her antique shop, PIPPIN, opened in Santa Barbara’s La Arcada Plaza in May, “reception has been fantastic,” says owner Carly Pippin. That had always been her dream. “Antiquing is my happy place.” With a background in art, Pippin worked in museums for 12 years, first at the Smithsonian’s Freer and Sackler galleries in Washington, D.C., and later at The Getty Center in Brentwood. Drawing on that experience, she brings a mix of new and old art and antique home décor to the shop, much of it sourced during shopping trips to France. Soon she will add a collection of antique and vintage jewelry that she is very excited about. The past few months have been rewarding for Pippin, but one pinch-me moment stands above the rest: the time Martha Stewart visited and called her shop beautiful. Pippin was starstruck, to say the least. “Hearing that from someone I consider the goddess of home makes me feel like I can just wrap things up now,” she says, laughing. “I have nothing more to accomplish. Except, of course, I’m just getting started.” 1114 State St., Ste. 24, Santa Barbara, pippinhome.com. T.M.

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SARA PRINCE

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MOVING FORWARD The sprawling grounds of Bellosguardo and the Pacific Ocean beyond were the setting for a gala launch of THE SANTA BARBARA FUND FOR NEW CHOREOGRAPHY founded by Benjamin Millepied and Jennifer Smith. The celebratory dinner, cohosted by Belle Hahn, Cindy Robinson Mullen, Lily Hahn Shining, and Smith drew members of L.A. Dance Project, the artist collective cofounded by Millepied, and the region’s arts supporters to the historic estate. A program of open-air performances launched the initiative dedicated to commissioning new works, an artistic exchange with the coastal city, and a forthcoming dance festival in Santa Barbara. After cocktails on the estate’s veranda, guests gathered on the grand lawn to see excerpts from the Millepied-choreographed triptych Reflections, as well as portions of Resonance, a work created by a handful of choreographers as part of the Gettyorganized PST ART collaboration, and Hymn to Freedom, also created by Millepied to the Oscar Peterson civil rights anthem. Millepied announced that he would soon premiere a new ballet in Paris titled Summerland, inspired by his time living in Toro Canyon. Smith said the initiative is well on its way to realizing the vision she and Millepied have nurtured over the years for the formation of the new dance showcase. ladanceproject.org. E.V.

Style

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bellosguardo; Jennifer Smith joins dance supporters; dinner in the Lath House; Benjamin Millepied performing; gala guests; LADP dancers Robert Hoffer, Shu Kinouchi, Audrey Sides, and Hope Spears.

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SUPPORT SBIFF’S FILM CENTER PROJECT AND NAME A SEAT AT THE NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART M C HURLEY FILM CENTER AT 916 STATE ST! PLEDGE PAYMENTS CAN BE PAID OVER 5 YEARS

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GARDEN EXTRAVAGANZA It’s always a pleasure to visit GANNA WALSKA LOTUSLAND, but the worldrenowned 37-acre nonprofit is about more than enjoyment, and the sold-out fundraising gala on July 18—Lotusland Celebrates 2026: Botanical Splendor— showcased its enduring power to “inspire beauty, creativity, community, and promote environmental stewardship.” Special guest Martha Stewart and host Jane Lynch underscored the creative legacy of founder Ganna Walska during the glittering annual event, which provides philanthropic support for the horticultural collections. Certainly the beauty and creativity were evident from the moment the 500 guests (many in garden-themed attire) set foot on the winding paths through Lotusland’s diverse environments and went on to enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. After the alfresco dinner, television personality and avid gardener Martha Stewart spoke about the excellence and impact of Lotusland. A private tour of Stewart’s own garden, plus luncheon at her Cantitoe Corners estate, was a sought-after item during a spirited live auction. Among the other one-ofa-kind offerings were a stay at a chateau in France, jewelry by David Webb, a customdesigned rose garden, and a private dinner at Lotusland. Along with more than 40 additional online auction items, the gala raised over $1.5 million to sustain Lotusland now and in the future. lotusland.org. J.T.

Style

DAVID MENDOZA III

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Host Jane Lynch; special guest Martha Stewart; gala guests; blooming headwear; tables with flair; a floral flourish.

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Well Opener

WHO THE LISTENED A morning with legendary horseman Monty Roberts, and the legacy he was still building

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fter a beautiful sunrise heading north along Highway 1, with Ranger beside me and Braveheart in the trailer behind, I pulled into the iconic California Horse Center, known as Monty’s Flag Is Up Farms in Solvang, and started unloading my adopted one-dollar horse named Braveheart. I felt like unloading a scrappy muscle car at Monterey Car Week, but his stature and a lot of purple shampoo earned him a lot of oohs and aahs from some very serious horse trainers from Germany, Argentina, and Italy. Then a black truck came toward us, one of those you know only the owners would drive. The passenger window went down, and there was Monty Roberts. At 91, he looked less like the grandfather of modern horsemanship and more like John Dutton arriving to settle something on Yellowstone: reflective Oakleys, an El Presidente Stetson, and a leather jacket that looked like it had survived the original Blade Runner. He took the glasses off, our equally blue eyes met, and the first thing he asked was, “How does this look?” I told him I loved the ’80s jacket, and that he should leave the sunglasses in the truck. I think that was the moment his wife, Pat, who was driving, realized Monty and I might be up to no good, because my next question was simply, “Where is your horse?”

The premise of the IRON Podcast is that my guests ride alongside me. Monty was 91, yes, but Pat is 90 and still showing horses, so I considered it a perfectly legitimate question. Pat did not. Monty was not getting anywhere near a horse. Monty smiled. I smiled. Pat had spoken. And Braveheart came along anyway. I had gone to Solvang to interview probably the most famous horseman alive. Within the first hour I found myself thinking about something else entirely: How absurd is it that a man can spend decades proving that violence is unnecessary, and not even economical, be mocked by the establishment for it, and then be gifted Queen Elizabeth II as his most unlikely friend and champion, before everybody decides perhaps he has a point? I know this pattern rather well. Most industries adore innovation only once somebody sufficiently important has certified it as innovation. Monty’s idea was almost embarrassingly simple. Stop beating horses. Horses were “broken.” They were restrained, whipped, frightened into obedience. Monty’s father had been part of that world and Monty spent much of his life dismantling it. “Anti-violence was my credo,” he told me. Queen Elizabeth II saw something in his work that much of the horse establishment apparently could not. Monty told me,

Written by Stefan Siegel, founder of IRON Photographs by Ryane Nicole 86 FALL

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Monty’s idea was almost embarrassingly simple. Stop beating horses. FALL 89

Stefan Siegel with Monty Roberts.

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with striking honesty, that without her he would not have gone even a third as far. What surprised me was not that the Queen supported him. We know that story. What I had not understood was that they were genuinely close. He would telephone her roughly every 10 days. When a tiny runt triplet deer appeared on the ranch weighing barely two pounds, Monty called the Queen. She named him Benediction, reasoning that such a small animal deserved a large name. Monty negotiated the nickname Benny. Her Majesty agreed. Benny lived another two and a half years. At this point we’re leaning against one of those iconic sycamores, the trees made familiar by The Cowboy and the Queen, just Monty and me. Pat dropped us off, like she needed a morning without the kids, and disappeared while our production truck was still getting itself organized. Monty kept two walking sticks connected to him and told me that the sticks would eventually go into his coffin. “Maybe I’ll see

At 91, he looked less like the grandfather of modern horsemanship and more like John Dutton arriving to settle Feature / TBD something on Yellowstone : reflective Oakleys, an El Presidente Stetson, and a leather jacket that looked like it had survived the original Blade Runner. Benny again someday. Who knows.” That was the first thing he said when we were alone, the crew was still setting up. It would have been easy to dismiss this as the sentimentality of an old man, had his entire life not been constructed around exactly the same idea: Animals mattered enough that violence against them became intellectually impossible. The mythology disappeared quite quickly that morning. That was when I realized how fragile he actually was. He could no longer straighten himself up and pretend everything was fine. His knees hurt. He became dizzy. At one point he looked down at his shaking body and said his nervous system was “going to pieces.” And then he would start talking again and somehow become enormous. “If you believe in what you’re doing,” he told me, “and if you believe it will leave the world a better place when you’re

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Feature / TBD “Do horses find us?” I asked Monty. “There is no question.” gone, then you don’t complain about how hard it gets, you don’t complain about how high the winds go—and then, watch carefully—to see what I could do to make it even a little bit better. Not just good. But better.” Later, inside his house, we walked through what felt less like a home than the physical hard drive of an extraordinary life. Letters from the Queen covered walls. Objects from Windsor Castle sat alongside world championship trophies, saddles, photographs, Pat’s bronzes, family history, James Dean, and memories that Monty occasionally could no longer quite retrieve until somebody supplied a name and the entire story returned. Then we stopped at Johnny Tivio. Monty had found the horse badly treated and lame, with a fracture through his pastern. The consensus was that the horse was finished. Monty bought him, rehabilitated him, and started riding him. People thought he was irresponsible. Johnny Tivio went on to become a world champion and lived into his late 20s. Standing beside his photograph, I told Monty about Braveheart. I had never owned a horse before him and, frankly, would never have chosen a 17-hand Paint horse.

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Too big. Too much horse. Not what I thought I wanted. And then he became mine in every way that matters. “Do horses find us?” I asked Monty. “There is no question.” Months later, my own Braveheart would be facing his own serious ligament injury. I could not have known that then. On Thursday, July 30, I texted Debbie and Monty Roberts asking for help. Without hesitation they introduced me to one of Alamo Pintado’s best doctors, who stepped in to help. Monty died the next day. Nor did I know that our visit would become one of Monty’s final working afternoons.

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After Monty went inside his house to rest, Debbie took me through the mountain trail course. We’re now finally recording on horseback, Braveheart calmly leading Skinny, a BLM Mustang from the same wild Nevada bloodline as Shy Boy, believed to be his nephew and later his companion. With our film truck ahead of us, we ride across bridges and through water as though Braveheart had worked there all his life. At the end of the day I asked Debbie to excuse us for a moment. Braveheart took me onto the old five-eighths-mile race track and I finally let him run. He flew. Apparently he wanted another round.

What stays with me now is not really the Queen, the championships, or even the extraordinary house full of proof that Monty had been right. It is Johnny Tivio. Monty pointed at the photograph of the horse everybody had written off and said, quite casually, “So he and I are still together. I’m waiting to go meet him.” At the time it was simply another Monty story. I hear it differently now. • Watch Stefan Siegel’s full IRON podcast conversation with Monty Roberts at @iron.usa.

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REFRAMING

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Moving to Santa Ynez enabled Quinn Ezralow to retrieve her cherished piano from storage and feature it prominently in her living room; two India Mahdavi sofas upholstered in custom colored sheepskin by Danfield Leather & Design are flanked by Guillerme & Chambron vintage chairs covered in Claremont fabric; Flora Low Coffee Table by Marcin Rusak.

THE FUTURE An art collector embraces ranch life

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Written by Lorie Dewhirst Porter Photographs by Sam Frost Styling by Lisa Rowe

The Most Beautiful Girls in Ibiza by Bella McGoldrick commands attention in the bar area. OPPOSITE: Ezralow with her beloved horse, Frenchie.

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wning a ranch in Santa Ynez has radically transformed Quinn Ezralow’s life: “You know when you’ve always said, ‘One day I’m going to do that’? That’s how I feel about this ranch. I always said, ‘One day I’m going to have a horse again.’ Now I have horses. This is a place where you don’t have to say ‘one day’ anymore. It’s today.” Ezralow, an art collector and a philanthropist, discovered the sprawling 40-acre property with her son while viewing another home in the area. “My son said to the broker, ‘Do you have anything bigger than this?’” Ezralow says with a laugh. “We went from looking at a normal three-acre house to pulling up to this driveway, and my son looked at me and said, ‘We’re getting this.’ That was it, and we bought it that day.” The place is now known as Round Two Ranch. The Santa Ynez Valley is a world apart from Beverly Hills, where Ezralow raised her three children (ages 30, 29, and 27), and she views it as a distinctive plus. “I’m able to offer them something completely different than how they were raised,” she says. In fact, Santa Ynez is a logical destination for Ezralow, whose own childhood included frequent visits to her aunt and uncle who lived there. And her cousin, Blair Fox, owns Blair Fox Cellars in nearby Los Olivos. Stylish elements from Ezralow’s Beverly Hills home are evident throughout the ranch house, as Ezralow was determined to repurpose cherished items like the two bright purple India Mahdavi velvet couches that were smartly reupholstered in natural sheepskin to better suit their new surroundings. She enlisted Jordan Sholem and Jessica Katz of L.A. firm J2 Interiors to recontextualize her possessions and assist in updating the 1970s Spanish-style home. For most designers, incorporating pieces from a client’s former home is a daunting task, but Ezralow “has a genuine appetite for design risk,” Sholem says. “The pieces she selected from her previous home were bold and daring pieces. It was a

“I’m much more friendly with my art now.”

QUINN EZRALOW

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The existing fireplace surround in the breakfast nook was refreshed by J2 Interiors with custom plaster; dining table by Rose Tarlow; Nickey Kehoe chairs covered in Classic Cloth Point Stripe. OPPOSITE: A 2015 portrait of Burt Reynolds by Martin Schoeller sets the tone in the upstairs guest bedroom; Sonora table lamp by Nassi Lamps; custom bed with floating nightstands by J2 Interiors; Donatello Framboise wallpaper by Nicholas Herbert.

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A bespoke sectional sofa with painted narrative images by Green River Project anchors the family room; custom-designed bar by J2 Interiors with stools by BDDW; Mood “Curl” photograph by Jill Greenberg.

“This is a place where you don’t have to say ‘one day’ anymore. It’s today.” QUINN EZRALOW

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Caption The cozy Tk,library boasts custom J2 Interiors bookshelves and cabinetry; Woka Lamps Pende chandelier; vintage 1970s Roger Capron coffee table; chairs slipcovered in BDDW Jaquard fabric. OPPOSITE: The guest bath features a vintage 1950s Italian mirror and Edmund wall sconce by Lostine.

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“PQ Tk.” “My whole family is happy when they’re here.”

QUINN EZRALOW fun design challenge.” New items were also included in the mix, notably a custom-made L-shaped couch by Green River Project LLC that graces the living room and incorporates painted details from Ezralow’s life (favorite books, pets, food) in a wraparound visual narrative. Sholem and Katz also tweaked the home’s indoor spaces, adding hardwood floors, expanding the kitchen, and enlarging the windows to take advantage of the stunning countryside views. “Any view in her house looking through windows is totally art,” Katz says. Art, of course, is one of Ezralow’s passions; she’s been an active collector for 20 years and formerly chaired the Director’s Circle at the L.A. County Museum of Art. Although she was originally focused on collecting iconic California artists like Ed Ruscha and Larry Bell, over time her interest shifted to work by up-and-coming creatives, and Ezralow feels Round Two Ranch can offer opportunities to nurture emerging artists through on-site symposiums and residencies. The art Ezralow selected from her collection to install at the ranch house—primarily photographs and ceramics—also reflects her new perspective. Standout pieces include moody photographs of musicians Mick Jagger and Donovan snapped by photographer Andee Nathanson, whose circle of friends in the 1960s and ’70s also included Marianne Faithful, David Hockney, Gram Parsons, and Sam Shepard. Nathanson’s unposed images, taken without commercial purpose, were only made

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available for purchase in recent years, and their presence at Round Two Ranch is a testament to Ezralow’s artistic eye. Ezralow is also a dedicated philanthropist. In 1997 she cofounded the Women’s Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) along with Kate Capshaw, Rita Wilson, Jamie Tisch, Marion Laurie, and Kelly Chapman Meyer. WCRF supports innovative research, education, and outreach to develop more effective prevention and treatment of women’s cancers; it has raised more than $75 million since its inception. She’s on the advisory board

of Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA), which provides free youth-centered programming to under-resourced communities in L.A. Ezralow was one of three honorees feted at this year’s annual HOLA gala. For the moment, Ezralow is busy splitting her time between L.A. and Santa Ynez but calls Round Two Ranch her happy place. “I feel like my whole family is happy when they’re here. It opens your mind,” she says. “Everyone’s creative juices start flowing. My daughter is talking about building a tree house for her kids. I’m like, ‘Let’s do it!’ ” •

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Caption In the serene Tk, primary bedroom, a 1960s Viscontea Chandelier by Achille and Piergiacomo floats above a Rejuvenation bed uphostered in Claremont Wallace Stripe; Amadi Carpets rug; Brice Bischoff photograph.

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Surfer, filmmaker, and rancher Chris Malloy’s authentic life in Los Alamos

Words and photographs by Matt Titone

“I still really enjoy the process of dreaming up a new board,” Malloy admits.

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After years spent chasing swells around the world—from O‘ahu to Ireland to the far reaches of Patagonia—he came home to California, to a patch of land outside the small farm town of Los Alamos.

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The house is on 105 acres and stitched together with memory— fireplace stones pulled from the same rock ring he used as a kid in Ojai, a mantel hewn from the old San Simeon Pier, beams traded, salvaged, carried with care. OPPOSITE: A collected life between the ocean and the ranch.

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Malloy and his wife, Carla, raised their three kids in a canvas wall tent before the main house was built. OPPOSITE: Malloy eyes up a couple of old Tom Blake–inspired surfboards made by his father.

The rhythm of life here is shaped by dirt roads, cold mornings, livestock, and the long draw of the Pacific only a few ridges away.

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t’s hard to know where to start when writing about Chris Malloy. My first impression of him was when I was a teenager, poring over colorful, saturated spreads in surf magazines. Chris was the stereotypical portrait of a surfer: hair blonde by saltwater, tanned skin, colorful garb, deep barrel shots in tropical blue waters of unidentified exotic locations. He and his brothers, Keith and Dan, were not painted by the industry as counterculture surf punks but rather athletic, soulful explorers—well-rounded watermen with authentic, timeless style. They became famous for carving out a lifestyle as “free surfers,” pioneering surf travel to new locations around the world, while artfully documenting their adventures. Chris now lives in a place where the hills roll toward the sea, back to his roots of living off the land. After years spent chasing swells around the world—from O‘ahu to Ireland to the far reaches of Patagonia—he came home to California, to a patch of land outside the small farm town of Los Alamos. He and his wife, Carla, raised their three kids first in a canvas wall tent on 105 raw acres, then in the hand-built house they live in now. It’s a place stitched together with memory— fireplace stones pulled from the same rock ring he used as a kid in Ojai, a mantel hewn from the old San Simeon Pier, beams traded, salvaged, carried with care. The rhythm of life here is shaped by dirt roads, cold mornings, livestock, and the long draw of the Pacific only a few ridges away. He still surfs, still writes, films, and builds things, but the work feels quieter now—less about the spotlight and more about stewardship. In many ways, Malloy helped redraw the map of modern surf culture—first as a fearless competitor, then a soulful wanderer, making films that treasured the space between waves, and later by helping anchor Patagonia’s approach to surfing in purpose, aesthetic, and utility. Yet here on the Central Coast, he is simply another caretaker of land and story—an old California kind of cowboy, hands in the soil, boards on the truck, teaching his children that a good life is built from self-reliance, saltwater, and respect for the ground beneath your feet. •

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Photographs and text excerpted from Surf Shacks: Vol. 3 (Gestalten, $64).

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FOUR GENERATIONS, ONE RANCH

The Fess Parker family is building a legacy around the land and each other Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick Photographs by Sara Prince

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Four generations of the Parker family gather for an alfresco feast. OPPOSITE: The reservoir at the Fess Parker Home Ranch.

hildren run between tables and laughter fills the air as several generations of the Parker family cook, pour wine and beer, and settle in at a dinner for 30 among the olive trees and vines, sharing stories over a meal largely sourced from the land around them. It’s land many of them have grown up on. For the Parkers, this biannual gathering at the Fess Parker Home Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley isn’t just a nice tradition. It’s a chance for their ever-growing family to reconnect with this place, with one another, and with the legacy they continue to build together. When actor Fess Parker, known for his portrayals of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, purchased the Foxen Canyon property in 1988, he envisioned a place to raise a few cattle, plant vines, and build a small winery his children could one day be a part of. What grew from that vision is something far larger: a working ranch, where his children have expanded the family’s pursuits in wine, hospitality, and stewardship; his grandchildren have built new food and beverage enterprises of their own; and his great-grandchildren are growing up among it all. “Although the family’s diverse endeavors weren’t necessarily part of some grand plan, the goal is to continue finding thoughtful ways for the land and individual businesses to support one another,” says co-owner Ashley Parker Snider, who, with her brother, Eli Parker, represents the second generation of the family business. “We’re building on what my parents, Fess and Marcy, started.” Today, the 714-acre ranch directly supports three of the family’s companies: FP Ranch Beef, Third Window Brewing, and Fess Parker Winery. Founded by third-generation Katie Parker McDonald and her husband, FP Ranch Beef raises American Wagyu for steaks, burgers, and barbecue. Third Window Brewing, launched by third-generation Kris Parker, uses estate-grown grain and hops for its beer, as well as ranch-grown ingredients for its kitchen. Even wood from fallen oak trees on the ranch is gathered and used to fuel its grills and ovens.

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Oak wood from the ranch fuels the Santa Maria BBQ. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A seasonal salad; Kris Parker mans the grill; the family-style dinner highlights ranch-grown ingredients; Fess Parker wines ready to be poured.

Anchoring it all is Fess Parker Winery, established in 1989, which produces small-lot Rhône and Burgundian varietal wines, many sourced from Rodney’s Vineyard, the ranch’s SIP Certified and organically farmed estate vineyard. Recently, Third Window began serving food at the winery on weekends, showcasing FP Ranch Beef, further weaving the projects together. While several family ventures began independently, their paths have increasingly intertwined. “The Home Ranch seems to be the thread that’s binding all these things together in a cohesive way,” Parker Snider says. “We encourage family members to go out and explore on their own, but

more often than not, we see them come back to the land—it’s both a literal and metaphorical thread that connects them.” The freedom to forge their own paths also means giving younger family members a voice. The decision to transition to organic farming at Rodney’s Vineyard was championed by the third generation involved in the winery. “Our children, nieces, and nephews are willing to ask why certain decisions were made, and they expect a good answer,” co-owner Eli Parker says. “Carrying a legacy forward also means allowing the next generation to shape it.” Today, seven members of the third

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“The Home Ranch seems to be the thread that’s binding things together.” ASHLEY PARKER SNIDER

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The picturesque table setting

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under the olive trees.

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“The goal is to continue finding ways for the land and businesses to support one another.” ASHLEY PARKER SNIDER

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Four generations of Parkers; estate-grown wine; veraison at the vineyard. OPPOSITE: The SIP Certified Rodney’s Vineyard.

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generation are actively involved across the Fess Parker Family portfolio, along with several spouses. The fourth generation—16 members and growing—is already pitching in, helping at family events and taking summer jobs on the ranch as they become old enough. As the next generation finds its place, the Parkers have become more intentional about staying connected. “Instead of asking, ‘How do we keep the family business going?’ we’re increasingly asking, ‘How do we keep the family close?’ says third-generation Amanda Parker White, general manager of Fess Parker Wine Country Inn in Los Olivos. “If we want to maintain a successful multigenerational family business, we have to maintain a close, connected family.” It’s an important characteristic of how the Parkers approach business and heritage. Continuing what Fess and Marcy began doesn’t mean preserving everything exactly the way the couple left it; rather, it means preserving the values that allowed the enterprise to grow: hard work, a respect for the land, the freedom for each generation to make its mark, and a commitment to one another. “Our parents believed in putting in a good day’s work, having fun doing it, and spending time with friends and family,” Eli Parker says. “They taught us that if you don’t get up every day looking forward to what you do, you should reexamine what you’re doing. It’s about enjoying life and leaving something for the next generation to be proud of.” “We’re all appreciative of what Fess and Marcy gave us to work with,” Parker Snider adds. “With each day, with each generation, we’re learning to be better stewards of the land, understand agriculture more deeply, and find new ways for our businesses to support one another. It’s not always easy in practice, but this land and this family are absolutely worth it.” fessparker.com. •

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FROM TOP: Hand-picked olives; multigenerational fun. “The land is both a literal and metaphorical thread that connects us," Ashley Parker Snider says. OPPOSITE: A fourth-generation Parker finds a chance to cool off.

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“Carrying a legacy forward also means allowing the next generation to shape it.” ELI PARKER

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2026 WINERY GUIDE

SANTA BARBARA AREA 5.1 WINERY 137 Anacapa St., Ste. B, 805-770-7251, area51.wine. Labels here feature names that are intergalactically inspired and represent unique blends. Located in the Funk Zone along the Urban Wine Trail.

CAELLA WINES 33 W. Haley St., 805-6980565, caellawines.com. Winemaker Adam Camardella sources grapes from various Santa Barbara County AVAs, including the Los Olivos District and Sta. Rita Hills. Wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Tastings are by appointment.

Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah are sourced from various Santa Barbara County AVAs, including Sta. Rita Hills and Ballard Canyon. Wines are produced at a facility in Camarillo.

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AU BON CLIMAT 813 Anacapa St., Ste. 5B, 805-963-7999, aubonclimat.com. For more than 40 years, Jim Clendenen specialized in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. His tasting room in the Presidio neighborhood features more than a dozen varietals from ABC and his other artisanal labels. BARBIERI & KEMPE 1114 State St., Ste. 26, 805-560-9562, barbieriwines.com. Paolo Barbieri and Erin Kempe pour wines at their eponymous tasting room. Barbieri spotlights Rhône varietals like Syrah, whereas Kempe focuses on Bordeaux wines such as Pinot Noir. BARDEN WINES 19 E. Mason St., 805845-8435, margerumwines.com. Winemaker Doug Margerum’s exploration of Sta. Rita Hills AVA, producing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Visit the tasting room inside the Hotel Californian.

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CARR VINEYARDS AND WINERY 414 N. Salsipuedes St., 805-965-7985, carrwinery.com. Situated in a Quonset hut built in the 1940s, Ryan Carr’s winery sources grapes from various Santa Barbara County AVAs. His wine lineup includes Viognier, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Carr has a second tasting room in Santa Ynez. CROSSHATCH WINERY 111 E. Haley St., 805-691-9192, crosshatchwinery.com. Under the direction of owner-vintner Michelle Vautier, these co-fermented blends feature Rhône and Bordeaux grapes. The wines are made by founding winemaker Ryan Carr. DEEP SEA TASTING ROOM 217 Stearns Wharf, Ste. G, 805-618-1185, conwayfamilywines.com. Located on Stearns Wharf, the Deep Sea tasting room features ocean views and wines by the glass. Run by four Conway family siblings, the label has a second tasting room in downtown Ventura. DUSTY NABOR WINES 1330 Flynn Rd., Ste. E, dustynaborwines.com. Site-specific Pinot

FESS PARKER FUNK ZONE 116 E. Yanonali St., Ste. A, 805-770-2041, fessparker.com. The Funk Zone outpost of Fess Parker wines features a beautiful handcrafted tasting bar and modern decor. Taste Fess Parker and Epiphany wines, as well as Fesstivity bubbly. FOX WINE 120 Santa Barbara St., 805699-6329, foxwineco.com. Sarah and Blair Fox share a passion for elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Their Funk Zone tasting room features wines by the glass, as well as handmade organic cider and kombucha on tap. Wines from the sister Blair Fox Cellars label are also poured here. FREQUENCY WINE COMPANY 804 Anacapa St., 805-770-3069, frequencywines .com. Zac Wasserman’s small family-owned and -operated winery produces Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The modern tasting room is in the Presidio neighborhood in downtown Santa Barbara. FUIL WINES 1300 N. Flynn Rd., Ste. E, fuilwines.com. This boutique project by winemaker Matt Espiro Jaeger and his wife, Carolina, sources fruit from certified

organic and biodynamic vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley. Wines include Pinot Noir and Grenache and are made by a facility in Camarillo. GRASSINI FAMILY VINEYARDS 24 El Paseo, 805-897-3366, grassinifamilyvineyards .com. Grassini’s Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, grown on their Happy Canyon AVA estate, are poured at the El Paseo complex downtown, with plenty of patio seating. J. WILKES WINES 805-456-6376, jwilkes .com. Fruit is sourced from the Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, and Paso Robles Highlands to blends representative of the diverse climates of the Central Coast. Founded by the late vintner Jeff Wilkes. JAFFURS WINE CELLARS 819 E. Montecito St., 805-962-7003, jaffurswine. com. Well-known for Rhône varieties like Roussanne, Viognier, Grenache, and Syrah, the brand has a location on Santa Barbara’s east side that features a working winery. JAMIE SLONE WINES 23 E. De La Guerra St., 805-560-6555, jamieslonewines.com. Jamie Slone is a former race car driver and radio exec. With his wife, Kym, he produces wines like Chardonnay and Grenache. This elegant tasting room is across from De La Guerra Plaza.

LEPIANE 805-451-1377, lepianewines .com. Wines are sourced from vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County and are made by Alison Thomson. Bottlings include Italian reds like Barbera and Nebbiolo. LIEU DIT 23 E. Canon Perdido, lieuditwinery .com. Bordeaux-inspired wines by Justin Willett, including Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. The new downtown Santa Barbara tasting room is shared by Willett’s Burgundy-inspired label, Tyler. LONGORIA ON STATE 732 State St., 805-679-5158, longoriawine.com. This buzzy downtown Santa Barbara tasting spot features Bordeaux and Spanish varieties. There’s plenty of natural light, and the soothing blue color scheme is inspired by the Santa Barbara shore. Karaoke every Friday. LOUBUD WINES 20 El Paseo, 805-5008533, loubudwines.com. Winemaker Laura Hughes produces several sparkling wines with fruit from top-tier vineyards like Peake and Sanford & Benedict. She also produces a Sauvignon Blanc and a rosé of Pinot Noir.

In the tasting room in the Hotel Californian, steps from the beach, guests can also order salads, pizzas, panini, and cheese boards. MELVILLE WINERY 120 State St., Ste. C, 805-770-7952, melvillewinery.com. This tasting lounge is part of the Hotel Californian property and features premium Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah grown on the Melville family’s Sta. Rita Hills estate. MI CASA WINE CO. micasawineco.com. This boutique label from winemaker Cecy Castillo, a Mexican native, features limited productions of wines like Pinot Noir. NOTARY PUBLIC 131 Anacapa St., Ste. C, 530-409-1875, notarypublicwine.com. Notary Public features elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc by Ernst Storm. Wines are sold at the Santa Barbara Wine Collective, next door to The Lark restaurant, in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. PALI WINE CO. 205 Anacapa St., 805-8692619, paliwineco.com. Cofounders Tim and Judy Perr pay homage to Pacific Palisades with Pali, focusing on small-lot Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Gamay, Dornfelder, and estate-grown Chenin Blanc. Wines by Aaron Walker from sister labels Neighborhood and Tower 15 are also available.

Feature / Wine Guide

JENNIFER GRAY WINE 805-284-2518, jennifergraywine.com. Winemaker Jennifer Gray focuses on small-lot Grenache Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir, with tastings by appointment. KUNIN WINES 831 Santa Barbara St., 805963-9633, kuninwines.com. The late Seth Kunin’s love for premium Rhône blends lives on, thanks to his wife, Magan, who takes on the role of winemaker. The tasting room is in the Presidio neighborhood of Santa Barbara. LA LIEFF WINES 210 Gray Ave., 805837-8582, lalieffwines.com. The newest addition to the Funk Zone scene, this label features various female winemakers and a logo inspired by Gaia, goddess of the Earth. Grapes grow on the brand’s proprietary ranch in San Luis Obispo County, and the tasting room is dog friendly.

MAIL ROAD WINES 805-245-2006, mailroadwines.com. Winemakers Matt Dees, Michael Palmer, and Ron Piazza produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay organically grown on the Mount Carmel Vineyard, a 22.5-acre dry-farmed plot. Wines are available by allocation, so get on the mailing list.

MARGERUM WINE COMPANY 19 E. Mason St., 805-845-8435, margerumwines .com. Sip your way through Margerum and Barden wines from vintner Doug Margerum.

PARADISE SPRINGS WINERY 210 State St., 805-690-3650, paradisespringsofsantabarbara.com. Billing itself as the country’s first bicoastal winery brand (its original location is in Clifton, Virginia), this dog-friendly stop features wines like Picpoul Blanc, Syrah, and several vineyard-specific Pinot Noir varieties. POTEK WINERY 406 E. Haley St., Ste. 1, 805-770-5105, potek.com. With a focus on producing elegant wines from prime Santa Barbara vineyards, this tasting room at The Mill, on the city’s east side, pours premium Pinot Noir and Rhône reds by winemaker David Potter. RINCON MOUNTAIN WINERY 4187 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria, 805-318-9264, rinconmtn.com. Wines like Syrah, Barbera, and Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from the brand’s estate vineyards in Paso Robles and Ventura County’s Rincon Mountain. The tasting room also pours beer made under their Smoky Mountain Brewery label.

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RIVERBENCH 137 Anacapa St., Ste. C, 805-324-4100, riverbench.com. This quaint Funk Zone stop features Pinot, Chardonnay, and sparklers by winemaker Clarissa Nagy, all sourced from the Riverbench estate in the Santa Maria Valley. SAMSARA WINE CO. 6485 Calle Real, Ste. E, Goleta, 805-845-8001, samsarawine .com. The name is Sanskrit for “the eternal circle of life,” and winemaker Matt Brady produces vineyard-designated Rhône and Burgundian wines. SANGUIS 805-845-0920, sanguiswine.com. Winemaker Matthias Pippig makes premium Rhône and Burgundian blends, with names like Bossman, Verve, and Loner. Inquire about tastings at Sama Sama Kitchen. SANTA BARBARA WINERY 28 Anacapa St., 805-963-3633, sbwinery.com. Established in 1962 by the late Pierre Lafond, Santa Barbara Winery—the oldest in the county— produces award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah and offers a variety of food and home decor items.

WHITCRAFT WINERY 36 S. Calle Cesar Chavez, 805-730-1680, whitcraftwinery.com. Whitcraft has been producing high-quality wines since 1985. Drake Whitcraft, the son of late founder Chris Whitcraft, focuses on making unadulterated Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Rhône wines and blends, at this small but mighty working winery.

CARR VINEYARDS AND WINERY 3563 Numancia St., 805-688-5757, carrwinery .com. Owner and winemaker Ryan Carr sources white and red grapes from a variety of Santa Barbara County vineyards. Visit the expansive wine-storage facility in downtown Santa Ynez, and cozy up in a booth to a flight of Carr’s finest pours.

SANTA YNEZ

CROWN POINT VINEYARDS AND WINERY 1733 Fletcher Way, 805-693-9300, crownpointvineyards.com. Winemaker Simon Faury’s highly regarded estate wines, mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends, are available on a limited basis. Tastings are by appointment only. The property also produces olive oil.

ARCHIUM CELLARS 805-233-8006, archiumcellars.com. This winery produces Rhône varietals made from tiny concentrated grapes with low yields. Grapes are sourced from Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. ARTISTE WINERY AND TASTING STUDIO 1095A Edison St., 805-686-2626, artiste.com. Wine as art: At this “tasting studio,” art by regional artists graces the walls as well as the bottle labels. The wine lineup is a roundup of unique blends by winemaker Bion Rice, who also leads blending sessions with guests. Sit and sip on the alfresco patio. BRAVE & MAIDEN ESTATE 649 N. Refugio Rd., 805-693-2989, braveandmaiden.com. The wines grown on the 46 acres of vineyard, including Merlot, Cabernet, and Syrah, are poured by appointment only inside the sleek, modern tasting room. The wines are made by Wynne Sargeant; Joshua Klapper, who has been with the brand since 2013, is director of winemaking.

FALCONE FAMILY VINEYARDS 805-3500397, falconefamilyvineyards.com. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah wines by John and Helen Falcone reflect the soils of the Paso Robles vineyards they source, including their estate Mia’s Vineyard, which is named for their daughter. GAINEY VINEYARD 3950 E. Hwy. 246, 805-688-0558, gaineyvineyard.com. This Spanish-style vineyard, winery, and tasting room, set amid the vines, provides a relaxing place to spend an afternoon in the Valley. Standout wines include Chardonnay, Merlot, and Syrah.

Feature / Wine Guide

SILVER WINES 31 El Paseo, 805-770-8121, silverwines.com. This quaint tasting room in the Presidio neighborhood features single vineyard-designated wines and proprietary blends by Benjamin Silver, including Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Noir. SKYENNA 12 Helena Ave., 805-403-8085, skyenna.com. At their Funk Zone lounge, owners Lenny and Susanne Germano pay tribute to their daughters, Skyla and Sienna, with this boutique label, which includes Cinsault, Tempranillo, and Syrah.

THE VALLEY PROJECT 116 E. Yanonali St., 805-453-6768, thevalleyprojectwines .com. The brainchild of winemaker Magan Kunin and her late husband, Seth, this tasting room highlights wines from Santa Barbara County’s five AVAs. Regional soil samples help tell the story, and the massive topography mural by artist Elkpen is memorable. VALLEY TO THE SEA WINERY 805-9481100, valleytotheseawinery.com. Grapes are sourced throughout the Santa Ynez Valley and the wines, including Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, are made by Matt Brady.

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GRIMM’S BLUFF 5450 Kentucky Rd., 805691-9065, grimmsbluff.com. The Grimm family’s vineyard is biodynamically farmed and sits on their 246-acre ranch, set above the Santa Ynez River in the Happy Canyon AVA. Upscale Bordeaux wines are made by winemaker Ernst Storm. HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD 805-203-0749, happycanyonvineyard.com. The Barrack family produces award-winning Bordeaux wines at their Santa Ynez Valley ranch. Tastings are by appointment only. LYONS VINEYARD 805-691-2801, lyonsvineyard.com. This first-generation, family-run winery from Sarah and Skye Lyons sources fruit from its 10-acre estate winery to make Rhône wines like Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. McKINNEY FAMILY VINEYARDS 1575 Edison St., 805-395-2093, mckinneyfamilyvineyards.com. This family-

owned boutique label sources grapes from organic and biodynamic vineyards to create limited-production Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as several blends. Tastings by appointment. PARS FORTUNA 805-245-8138, parsfortunawine.com. Founded by winemaker Kira Malone, the focus is on small-batch, cool-climate wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Tastings by appointment. ROBLAR WINERY AND VINEYARDS 3010 Roblar Ave., 805-686-2603, roblarwinery.com. With 40 acres of vineyards and grand oak trees, this viticultural stop offers reserve and classic wines like Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, along with a menu of seasonal dishes by chef Terri Buzzard. STAR LANE VINEYARD 2121 Alisos Rd., 805-697-1459, starlanevineyard.com. This celebrated vineyard generates international buzz for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Home to some of the largest wine caves in the state, Star Lane offers private guided tours and tastings by appointment.

ARROWSMITH’S WINE BAR 1539 Mission Dr., Ste. C, 805-686-9126, arrowsmithwine .com. This watering hole with a European vibe is in the heart of Solvang. Beyond the proprietary Chardonnay and Petite Syrah, you can also savor unique, small-batch local finds, European beers and wines, espressos, pastries, salads, and panini. BELLA CAVALLI FARMS & VINEYARD 959 E. Hwy. 246, 805-688-7108, bellacavallifarms.com. Bella Cavalli is a fullservice equestrian facility that features one of the most beautiful show barns in California. The on-site vineyards produce Chardonnay and Grenache, among other varietals, which are available only for wine club members. BLACKJACK RANCH VINEYARDS AND WINERY 2205 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-6864492, blackjackranch.com. After inventing, patenting, copyrighting, and trademarking the California Blackjack game (play goes to 22 instead of 21) in 1989, Roger Wisted opened Blackjack Ranch, which specializes in Bordeaux blends, Syrah, and Chardonnay. BOCCE BALL WINE 448 Atterdag Rd., 805302-1787, bocceballwine.com. This is the house wine for Clean Slate, the popular wine bar and restaurant in downtown Solvang. With a production of about 800 cases a year, wines include several bubbles.

CORDON OF SANTA BARBARA 1623 Mission Dr., Courtyard Ste. I-J, 805689-9441, cordonwinery.com. Winemaker Etienne Terlinden produces refined yet approachable wines, including Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc. Tastings are available on the spacious outdoor patio. DASCOMB CELLARS 1623 Mission Dr., Ste. E, 805-691-9175, dascombcellars.com. Dascomb’s wine lineup includes Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache. Their estate vineyard, planted in 1974, is one of the oldest in Santa Barbara County. FELIZ NOCHE CELLARS 473 Atterdag Rd., 805-686-0001, feliznochecellars.com. Once a manager for several Santa Barbara County vineyards, winemaker Felipe Hernandez’s Feliz Noche brand (meaning “happy night” in Spanish) features Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon. FINAL GIRL WINES 485 Alisal Rd., Ste. 152, 805-350-2758, finalgirlwines.com. Winemaker Anna Lancucki sources organic and biodynamic grapes from various Santa Barbara County AVAs for wines like Barbera, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Feature / Wine Guide

SUNSTONE WINERY 125 Refugio Rd., 805-688-9463, sunstonewinery.com. This French-country-style property and villa is a lovely open-air respite that’s well known for winemaker Michael Miroballi’s elegant reds and bright rosés, as well as a new cannabisinfused spritzer. The villa and cottages on-site are available as vacation rentals. Their only off-site tasting room is in Montecito. VINCENT VINEYARDS 2370 N. Refugio Rd., 805-691-4200, vincentvineyards.com. This family-owned winery focuses on Bordeaux grapes like Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Guests can sip on the terrace overlooking the estate vines.

SOLVANG ALMA ROSA WINERY AND VINEYARDS 1623 Mission Dr., Ste. M, 805-691-9395, almarosawinery.com. This premium label was started by Santa Barbara wine-growing pioneers Richard and Thekla Sanford. The wines are made by Samra Morris, and the tasting room showcases vintages grown on the north-facing slopes of the celebrated Sta. Rita Hills region.

BUTTONWOOD FARM & VINEYARD 1500 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-688-3032, buttonwoodwinery.com. The 42-acre vineyard is surrounded by acres of olive trees, an herb garden, and 250 peach trees. Wines include Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as several blends. CALI LOVE WINE 1651 Copenhagen Dr., 805-688-1678, calilovewine.com. This funloving brand started as a garagiste project in 2011. They make bubbly and wines like Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting room hosts karaoke nights and is always open until at least 10 p.m. CASA CASSARA WINERY & VINEYARD 1607 Mission Dr., Ste. 112, 805-688-8691, ccwinery.com. The Casa Cassara team has been making wine in Santa Barbara County since 1998. Patrons get access to varieties like Arneis and Nebbiolo and can purchase a variety of food items.

JALOPY WINE AND MUSIC 1659 Copenhagen Dr., 310-920-5970, jalopywineandmusic.com. Winemaker Luke Sundquist spotlights various Santa Barbara County AVAs through his wines, which include Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and various blends. Music is a big part of the Jalopy experience. KAENA WINE COMPANY 800 E. Hwy. 246, 805-691-9555, kaenawine.com. This rolling ranch along Hwy. 246 features Rhônefocused wines, like Grenache and Syrah, made by Hawaii-raised Mikael Sigouin. The brand is inspired by the Hawaiian term for “potential for greatness.” KIMSEY VINEYARD kimseyvineyard.com. One of the most celebrated vineyards in the Ballard Canyon AVA, this pet project by William and Nancy Kimsey generates premium Rhône wines, like Grenache and Syrah, made by Matt Dees. LINCOURT VINEYARDS 1711 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-688-8554, lincourtwines .com. Vintner Bill Foley named this winery after his daughters, Lindsay and Courtney.

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Grapes are sustainably farmed, and wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. LUCAS & LEWELLEN VINEYARDS 1645 Copenhagen Dr., 805-686-9336, llwine .com. Winemaker Megan McGrath Gates, in partnership with founding vintner Louie Lucas, creates wines from 400 acres of proprietary vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley, Los Alamos, and Santa Maria. LUNA HART WINES 610-880-6412, lunahartwines.com. Wines by Gretchen Voelcker include Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc. Vineyard tours and tastings can be made by appointment. McCLAIN CELLARS 1623 Mission Dr., Ste. B, 805-719-3900, mcclaincellars.com. This family-run project focuses on reds and whites from the Santa Ynez Valley with creative names like Open Arms and Staycation Reserve.

Try winemaker Steven Gerbac’s awardwinning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Patrons also get a chance to sip wines grown from grapes on the Rusacks’ vineyard on Santa Catalina Island. THE SANGER FAMILY OF WINES 1584 Mission Dr., 805-691-1020, sangerwines .com. This elegant tasting room with a spacious wraparound tasting patio is set along Solvang’s main drag. Winemaker Brett Escalera’s penchant for robust, elegant wines is showcased across three labels: Consilience, Tre Anelli, and Marianello. SEVTAP WINERY 473 Atterdag Rd., Ste. 102, 805-284-1270, sevtapwinery.com. This family operation features wines by Ertugrul (Art) Sevtap, including Syrah and Grenache. SUPER REAL WINES superrealwines.com. Sourcing grapes from Ballard Canyon’s Rancho Boa Vista, the wines are unfiltered, unfined, biodynamic, organic, and vegan. Wines like Syrah and carbonic red blends are made by Matt Brady. The 400 on-site olive trees produce several olive oil bottlings.

BONACCORSI WINE COMPANY 773406-5363, 312-560-4473, bonawine.com. Bonaccorsi sources grapes from the cooler growing regions of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, producing wines of concentration and delicacy. BRICK BARN WINE ESTATE 795 W. Hwy. 246, 805-686-1208, brickbarnwineestate .com. Once an Arabian horse farm, this 35-acre estate vineyard grows premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and more. Taste their wine inside the former 36-stall brick barn. BUSCADOR 140 Industrial Way, 805-2425206, buscadorwine.com. This boutique winery and tasting room in the heart of Buellton handcrafts limited-release Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Blanc, and more. CENTRAL COAST GROUP PROJECT 53 Industrial Way, 805-874-2316, ccgpwines .com. These distinctive wines by Scott Sampler, with a focus on Syrah, are available by allocation. Private winery tours and tastings are available by appointment.

Feature / Wine Guide TERRA MÈRE WINES 1555 Dove Meadow Rd., terramerewines.com. Central Coast natives Caitlin Testa and Kara Ford named their label after the French phrase for “mother earth.” With a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, tastings are by appointment. TOCCATA 1650 Copenhagen Dr., 805-6865506, llwine.com. The team behind Lucas & Lewellen showcases a love for Italian varieties in this picturesque downtown tasting room, including Pinot Grigio, Malvasia Bianca, and more.

BUELLTON RIDEAU VINEYARD 1562 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-688-0717, rideauvineyard.com. Originally a guest ranch on the stagecoach route between Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara, this property’s 1884 adobe is now a tasting room serving Rhône wines by Adrienne St. John, including Syrah and Viognier. RUSACK VINEYARDS 1819 Ballard Canyon Rd., 805-688-1278, rusack.com. Geoff and Alison Rusack’s tasting room and alfresco patio is a picture-perfect place for a picnic.

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ALAMATI WINE 90 Easy St., 805-722-2065, alamatiwine.com. This passion project from childhood friends Copper Allebrand and Niko Comati (the label name is a blend of their last names) sources grapes from Santa Barbara County estates to produce wines like Riesling, Syrah, and Nebbiolo. AMBER ROSE WINES 150 Industrial Way, 805-734-7197, amberrosewinery.com. This woman-owned boutique wine label focuses on Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines made by Amber Hogan.

COTE OF PAINT coteofpaintwine.com. Winemakers Kristin Harris Luis and Nick Luis source grapes from various vineyards for their wines, which include Sangiovese and Pinot Noir. The wines are available for purchase online. DIERBERG VINEYARD 1280 Drum Canyon Rd., 805-697-1452, dierbergvineyard.com. Winemaker Tyler Thomas crafts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Dierberg’s sustainably farmed estate vineyard, Drum Canyon, as well as Syrah from sister Star Lane Vineyard. Reservations required. DISKO WINES 805-868-8856, diskowines .com. Winemaker Sean Hogan embraces the natural winemaking approach, producing clean, low-alcohol offerings that include Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, and Gamay. Fruit is sourced from throughout Santa Barbara County. EISLYNN WINES 75 Los Padres Way, Ste. 2, 805-364-4393, eislynnwines.com. This small-lot project by winemaker Emily Eislynn Myers focuses on organic and biodynamic farming and features Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The tasting room is open Thursday to Monday. LAVENDER OAK VINEYARD 9450 Santa Rosa Rd., 310-721-1988, lovwines.com. A longtime dream of Dean and Christie Heck, this property features grapevines alongside lavender plants and oak trees. Wines include Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc.

FOLDED HILLS 2323 Old Coast Hwy., 805694-8086, foldedhills.com. Located behind the coastal mountains of Santa Barbara County, the Folded Hills homestead offers a snapshot of ranch life; the estate Grenache, Syrah, and Rhône whites are grown biodynamically. HARTLEY-OSTINI HITCHING POST WINES 420 E. Hwy. 246, 805-688-0676, hpwines .com. Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini have been crafting best-selling wines since 1979. Made famous by the movie Sideways, their tasting room offers several Pinot Noir wines and, yes, Merlot.

MARBESO 65 Los Padres Way, 310-7148000, marbesowine.com. Boutique label from Colin and Hannah McNany focusing on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay, as well as carbonic wines. Fruit is sourced from vineyards near the ocean for clean, aciddriven wines. Cellar tastings by appointment. MARTELLOTTO WINERY 619-567-9244, martellotto.com. Winemaker Greg Martellotto focuses on producing distinctive Bordeaux and Burgundian varietals from Santa Barbara AVAs like Happy Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills, as well as Napa. PEAKE RANCH 7290 Santa Rosa Rd., 805688-7093, peakeranch.com. This ranch, once owned by artist Channing Peake, has a tasting room and outdoor patio space. Sip wines from the estate and neighboring vineyards.

RIVAHIL WINERY 90 Easy St., 805-4507225, rivahilwinery.com. Fred Williamson’s tasting room features Syrah, Grenache, rosé, and unique blends. SCOTTY-BOY! 805-874-2316, scottyboy .wine. This funky project by Scott Sampler spotlights natural wines that undergo no chemical manipulation and minimal human intervention. Tastings are by appointment and can include Sampler’s other project, L’arge D’Or. SEA CREATURES WINE 75 Los Padres Way, Ste. 2, seacreatureswine.com. A Pinot Noir–driven project with grapes sourced from biodynamically and organically farmed vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Rhône wines like Grenache and Syrah are produced under the La-Bas label. THORNE WINE 805-693-1483, thornewine .com. Situated in Sta. Rita Hills, Thorne produces small lots of Pinot Noir from Rio Vista Vineyard. Tastings by appointment. TOMI CELLARS 140 Industrial Way, Ste. D1, 805-862-7110, tomicellars.com. Boyd Shermis and Denise Davis source grapes like Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, and Grenache Blanc from several vineyards. Some of the wines’ names—like Deep Focus, Stock Focus, and Saturation—are inspired by Boyd’s previous incarnation as a Hollywood visual effects artist.

Feature / Wine Guide

IMAGINE WINE 140 Industrial Way, 805-6881769, imaginewine.com. Winemaker Ross Jay Rankin established Imagine Wine in 2004. Made exclusively from Santa Barbara County fruit, the portfolio of wines includes Barbera, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. KALYRA WINERY 140 Industrial Way, 805-693-8864, kalyrawinery.com. Australianborn Mike Brown started Kalyra (“a wild and pleasant place” in an Australian Aboriginal language) in 1989. Beyond the reds and whites, guests can sip various sparkling and dessert wines.

KEN BROWN WINES 157 W. Hwy. 246, 805-688-9400, kenbrownwines.com. The eponymous project by a true Santa Barbara County wine pioneer features a destination tasting room that pours Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay from Sta. Rita Hills and the Los Alamos Valley. LAFOND WINERY & VINEYARDS 6855 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-688-7921, lafondwinery .com. Taste among the vines at this sustainably farmed estate, focused on Pinot

PENCE VINEYARDS & WINERY 1909 W. Hwy. 246, 805-735-7000, pencevineyards .com. This beautiful 200-acre working ranch, vineyard, and winery in Sta. Rita Hills is home to biotically farmed Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, and a new line of sparkling wines.

VEGA FARM & VINEYARD 9496 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-688-2415, vegavineyardandfarm.com. Winemaker Steve Clifton makes wine from grapes grown on this sprawling property, specializing on Italian varieties like Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and Pinot Grigio, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. WINEHOUNDING 90 Easy St., winehounding.com. This small-production project from winemaker Ange Day focuses on Rhône grapes grown on J&K Vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier.

LOMPOC 10 NINTHS 10ninths.com. Regenerative farming methods reign supreme here, with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

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AMPELOS CELLARS 312 N. 9th St., 805-736-9957, ampeloscellars.com. This vineyard was the first in the country to be certified organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. Peter and Rebecca Work sold the vineyard (now known as Groundstar) but retain the wine brand, focused on the eastern stretch of Sta. Rita Hills. BABCOCK WINERY & VINEYARDS 5175 E. Hwy. 246, 805-736-1455, babcockwinery .com. Since establishing the vineyard in 1978, the Babcock family has been crafting some of the most celebrated wines in Santa Barbara County. The winery has a cool vibe and a collection of vintage treasures. CAMINS 2 DREAMS 1520 E. Chestnut Ct., Units C&D, 805-741-7047, camins2dreams .com. This new tasting room, open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, features wines sourced from various Santa Barbara County AVAs and made by the wife-and-wife team of Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó. CEBADA WINE 4001 Forbidden Fruit Ln., 805-735-4648, cebada.vinesos.com. Located in the Sta. Rita Hills region, this label features estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as sparkling wines.

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Each wine label features a piece of art by Chanin, a graduate of the UCLA Art School. D’ALFONSO-CURRAN WINES 4457 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-736-9463, d-cwines.com. The wines here are by Bruno D’Alfonso and the late Kris Curran, and they include four labels: BADGE, Di Bruno, Curran, and D’AlfonsoCurran. Wines include Grenache Blanc, Tempranillo, and Grenache. Tastings are by appointment. DOMAINE DE LA CÔTE 805-695-4119, domainedelacote.com. This collection of organically farmed vineyards, spanning 40 acres on the western stretch of Sta. Rita Hills, focuses on Pinot Noir. The project is by the celebrated duo of vintner Raj Parr and winemaker Sashi Moorman. FIDDLEHEAD CELLARS 4457 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-735-7728, fiddleheadcellars.com. Winemaker Kathy Joseph’s love for Pinot Noir spans two regions: Sta. Rita Hills and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. She also crafts Sauvignon Blanc from the Santa Ynez Valley. Tastings at the farm are by appointment. Joseph sold the 100-acre Fiddlestix Vineyard in 2021 but retains the Fiddlehead brand.

farmed biodynamically and regeneratively, and tours are offered on weekends from August to October. Wines include Pinot Noir and Grenache. JONATA 2240 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-5648581, jonata.com. Specializing in Bordeaux and Italian varietal wines by Matt Dees, Jonata (Chumash for “tall oak”) uses a polyface farming approach to integrate a variety of livestock, honeybees, and a communal garden into its farming model. KESSLER-HAAK WINES 300 N. 12th St., 805-743-4107, kesslerhaakwine.com. Enjoy Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown on the brand’s estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. KINGS CAREY 805-680-7006, kingscarey .com. Small-production, single-vineyard wines by owner-winemaker James Sparks include Sauvingnon Blanc and Grenache. The standout label artwork is by Philadelphia illustrator Hawk Krall. LABARGE WINERY 2380 Sweeney Rd., 805-708-6159, labargewinery.com. The home vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills features 12 acres of grapes. Bottlings from winemaker Pierre LaBarge IV include Albariño, Grenache, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.

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CHANIN WINE 805-345-6544, chaninwine .com. Gavin Chanin is well known for his top-tier renditions of vineyard-specific

FLYING GOAT CELLARS 1520 E. Chestnut Ave., Ste. A, 805-736-9032, flyinggoatcellars .com. Winemaker Norm Yost founded the first sparkling wine club in Santa Barbara County. His Flying Goat label, inspired by pet pygmy goats, features premium vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. FOLEY ESTATES VINEYARD AND WINERY 6121 E. Hwy. 246, 805-737-6222, foleywines .com. A former Thoroughbred horse ranch, the brand’s estate, Rancho Santa Rosa, specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wines also feature fruit from sister Rancho Las Hermanas vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. THE HILT 2240 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-5648581, thehiltestate.com. The estate ranch, known as Rancho Salsipuedes and made up of three distinct vineyards, features vines planted 13 miles from the ocean, with a range of altitudes, soil types, and microclimates. The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines are top notch. J. DIRT WINES 805-448-2148, jdirtwines .com. The brand’s Christy & Wine Vineyard is

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LONGORIA WINES 415 E. Chestnut St., 805-736-9700, longoriawines.com. Brooke and Lindsey Christian now own this label, founded by Rick Longoria. Winemaker Eric Wilson continues the focus on Europeanstyle Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as Bordeaux and Spanish varieties. The tasting room is inside the winery. LORING WINE COMPANY 308 N. 9th St., 805-736-0053, loringwinecompany.com. These premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from winemaker Brian Loring source fruit from vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, as well as the Santa Lucia Highlands. MELVILLE WINERY 5185 E. Hwy. 246, 805-735-7030, melvillewinery.com. This popular Mediterranean-style family-owned estate in Sta. Rita Hills is a beautiful setting for a wine tasting. The spotlight is on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. MONTEMAR 1501 E. Chestnut Ct., Ste. E, 805-735-5000, montemarwinery.com.

Located in the popular Wine Ghetto, this project produces small-lot wines, including Pinot Noir and Rhône varieties. The tasting room features a 6,000-square-foot outdoor patio. PALI WINE 1034 W. Aviation Dr., 805-7367200, paliwineco.com. Pali crafts small lots of vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at this working winery. Tastings at this location by appointment only. PIEDRASASSI 1501 E. Chestnut Ave., 805-586-2539, piedrasassi.com. This project by celebrated winemaker Sashi Moorman focuses on Syrah, with fruit sourced from premium vineyards like Bien Nacido.

Steinwachs launched Seagrape in 2008 with her late husband, Dave Robinson. SEA SMOKE ESTATE VINEYARDS 805737-1600, seasmoke.com. Named for the Pacific Ocean’s afternoon fog that blankets the estate’s vineyards, Sea Smoke produces organically and biodynamically farmed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, available by allocation. THE SET WINES 1700-B Industrial Way, 805-691-1020, thesetwines.com. The brainchild of brothers Billy and Christopher Hines use fruit from their two estate vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills. Wines include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Gamay,

TYLER WINERY 805-225-3395, tylerwinery .com. Justin Willett focuses on small-lot productions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, which can be tasted at the winemaker’s Lieu Dit tasting room in Santa Barbara. Tasting experiences at the 41-acre Sta. Rita Hills estate available by appointment. WENZLAU VINEYARD wenzlauvineyard .co. The focus here is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, farmed organically on the western edge of Sta. Rita Hills.

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PRESS GANG CELLARS 805-291-3141, pressgangcellars.com. Small batches of wines like Mencia, Gamay, and Sauvignon Blanc are made in the Wine Ghetto and inspired by a love of music, surfing, travel, food, and wine. RACINES 4815 E. Hwy 246, racineswines .com. In this collaboration by two classic French wine houses, vignerons Etienne De Montille, Brian Sieve, and Rodolphe Péters are dedicated to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

produces small-lot Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Tempranillo, among other varietials. A portion of all wines sales is donated to several nonprofit organizations.

ÂMEVIVE WINE amevivewine.com. Borrowing from the French word for “soulful,” Âmevive features wines by Alice Anderson, who farms Ibarra-Young Vineyard with regenerative organic and biodynamic practices. ANDREW MURRAY VINEYARDS 5249 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-686-9604, andrewmurrayvineyards.com. Well-known winemaker Andrew Murray shows his exceptional artisanal Rhône varietals at his sleek tasting room and beautiful outdoor tasting and picnic areas.

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RZN WINES 1225 W. Laurel Ave., 805697-7892, rznwines.com. This project (pronounced “reason”) from skateboarder turned vintner Nate Axline takes a less-ismore approach, with wines like Mencia and Chenin Blanc. Tastings by appointment only. SANDHI WINES 1503 E. Chestnut Ave., 805500-8337, sandhiwines.com. The Sanskrit word sandhi represents the union of man, earth, and vine. The label features several Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bottlings and is a collaboration between Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman. SANFORD WINERY 5010 Santa Rosa Rd., 805-735-5900, sanfordwinery.com. With winemaker Trey Fletcher at the helm, this family-owned winery, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, is in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills. SEAGRAPE WINE COMPANY seagrapecellars.com. Winemaker Karen Steinwachs focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Sta. Rita Hills, as well as Gewurztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc.

and Viognier. Tastings at the winery by appointment.

SPEAR VINEYARDS & WINERY 6700 Hwy. 246, 805-737-1829, spearwinery.com. Spear is a family-owned, sustainable, and certifiedorganic vineyard in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills AVA that produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. SWEETZER CELLARS 308 N. 9th St., Unit C, 805-588-2291, sweetzercellars.com. A pet project for Lisa Liberati and Michael Fogelman, Sweetzer balances fruit and earth to produce high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

TEMPERANCE CELLARS 1637 E. Laurel Ave., 805-757-3121, temperancecellars. com. The name is a tip of the hat to Lompoc’s temperance movement of the 1870s, which tried to make the town booze free. You’ll definitely find alcohol in these wines, though, which include Chardonnay, Albariño, and Grenache. Tastings by appointment. TRANSCENDENCE WINES 300 N. G St., Ste. C, 805-689-5258, transcendwines .com. This small family-run winery

ASHKAHN WINES 2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. B, 310-567-5390, ashkahnwines .com. Accomplished L.A. artist Ashkahn Shahparnia turned to winemaking in 2020, with a focus on natural wines. His colorful tasting room features his boutique lineup, including Chardonnay and Gamay, as well as his popular greeting cards. BARBIERI & KEMPE WINES 2369 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-688-8882, barbieriwines .com. This is the Santa Ynez Valley location for Barbieri & Kempe wines, located down the street from the famous Los Olivos flagpole. BECKMEN VINEYARDS 2670 Ontiveros Rd., 805-688-8664, beckmenvineyards.com. The Beckmen family harvests Rhône-style and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from two biodynamically farmed vineyards in order to handcraft their diverse portfolio of wines.

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BLAIR FOX CELLARS 2477 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-691-1678, blairfoxcellars.com. After working at various wineries locally and in Australia, Santa Barbara native Blair Fox, who’s also the head winemaker at Fess Parker Winery, started his eponymous brand to produce elegant and powerful Rhône-style varietals from his own estate vineyard. THE BRANDER VINEYARD 2401 N. Refugio Rd., 805-688-2455, brander.com. Taste Bordeaux wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon by winemaker Fabio Bravo and founder Fred Brander, a Santa Barbara wine pioneer who has been growing wine with his family since the 1970s. This tasting room is a beautiful rendition of a French château surrounded by vines. BREWER-CLIFTON 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-866-6080, bygregbrewer.com. Greg Brewer, who was named Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 Winemaker of the Year, is responsible for some of the most sought-after vineyardspecific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the state. CAMBRIA ESTATE WINERY 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-938-7318, cambriawines .com. Cambria is known for high-end Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines grown on its Santa Maria Valley estate. Tastings are offered inside the Brewer-Clifton tasting room in Los Olivos (both labels are owned by Jackson Family Wines).

blacksmith’s shop, has a quaint garden for sitting and sipping, and wines include Grüner Veltliner, Malbec, and Pinot Noir.

DRAGONETTE CELLARS 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-693-0077, dragonettecellars.com. A partnership between Dragonette brothers John and Steve, as well as winemaker Brandon Sparks-Gillis, this label features Bordeaux, Burgundian, and Rhône varieties. Curated tastings by appointment.

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CARHARTT FAMILY WINES 2939 Grand Ave., 805-693-5100, carharttfamilywines .com. The Carhartt family runs a totally direct-to-consumer business, meaning their wines are available in the cabin-inspired Los Olivos tasting room, which pours more than 20 varieties, and through their online shop. Wines include Sangiovese, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. CARUCCI WINES 2923 Grand Ave., Ste. A, 805-206-3000, carucciwines.com. This tasting room in the heart of downtown Los Olivos is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and focuses on small-lot wines, including Chardonnay and Syrah. COQUELICOT ESTATE VINEYARD 2884 Grand Ave., 805-688-1500, coquelicotwines .com. The Rosenson family’s 58-acre estate vineyard, overseen by winemaker Mike Roth, is certified organic. The tasting room, once a

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DAFOE WINES 2901 Grand Ave., Ste. C, 805-429-0070, dafoewines.com. Rob DaFoe sources fruit from various top-tier Santa Barbara County vineyards. Varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Nebbiolo, along with blends with unusual names, like SunToucher and SwitchBlade. If you find DaFoe pouring in the tasting room, ask him about his previous incarnation as a pro snowboarder. DEMETRIA ESTATE 6701 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-686-2345, demetriaestate. com. Established in 2005, this familyowned winery produces artful Rhôneand Burgundy-style wines using low yields and sustainable farming practices. Appointments for tastings are recommended. DONNACHADH VINEYARD 2938 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 101, 805-699-5802, donnachadh.com. This 285-acre property in Sta. Rita Hills has 40 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Gamay Noir. The wines are made by Ernst Storm and are poured at the brand’s Los Olivos tasting room.

DREAMCÔTE WINE 2933 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 107, 805-691-1200, dreamcotewines.com. Founded by winemaker Brit Zotovich, this small-batch project features Bordeaux blends, carbonic wines, and ciders fermented with hops, herbs, and fruit from the estate farm. The tasting room is dog friendly. E11EVEN 2901 Grand Ave., 805-693-9644, e11even.wine. Wines by Andrew Murray meet a rock-and-roll vibe at this tasting room, which features wines like Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and various creative blends. EPIPHANY 2974 Grand Ave., 805-6862424, fessparker.com. Established in 1999 by Eli Parker and part of the Fess Parker family of wine brands, Epiphany focuses on premium Rhône wines from Santa Barbara County vineyards. This tasting room features an alfresco seating area, an outdoor bar, and the on-site Bubble Shack for sparkling wine.

EVAN’S RANCH 2901 Grand Ave., 805-6880558, gaineyvineyard.com. Introduced in 2006 by the Gainey family, four generations of farmers in the Santa Ynez Valley, the Evan’s Ranch brand focuses on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. FESS PARKER WINERY 6200 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-688-1545, fessparker.com. Founded by actor and entrepreneur Fess Parker, this sprawling vineyard and winery—a perfect spot for a picnic or an event—continues to be family run. The portfolio of wines by a team led by Blair Fox includes world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Fess’ favorite, Syrah. FIRESTONE VINEYARD 5017 Zaca Station Rd., 805-688-3940, firestonewine.com. When Leonard Firestone, son of legendary tire maker Harvey Firestone, established Firestone in 1972, it was Santa Barbara’s first estate winery. Wines include Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. FOUR BROTHERS WINE 2935 Grand Ave., 805-635-7550, fourbrotherswine.com. This family business, operated by four brothers, is a boutique operation that sources fruit from various Central Coast vineyards. Their focus is squarely on Rhône wines like Syrah and Grenache.

in the Santa Ynez Valley, Koehler Winery features a 100-acre property and rustic tasting room. Estate wines include Grenache and Chardonnay. LARNER 2900 Grand Ave., 805-688-8148, larnerwine.com. Larner is a family-run boutique estate with a limited production of Rhône wines like Syrah and GSM blends by winemaker Michael Larner. This vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA is well known and sought after by other winemakers for its premium fruit.

SAARLOOS & SONS 2971 Grand Ave., 805-688-1200, saarloosandsons.com. This family-run winery focuses on handcrafted, limited-production wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Blanc, as well as creative blends. Free vineyard tours are led by Keith Saarloos every Saturday morning. SAMSARA WINE 2446 Alamo Pintado Rd., 805-688-8689, samsarawine.com. Winemaker Matt Brady is raising the bar on vineyard-designated Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.

LIQUID FARM 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 101, 805-697-7859, liquidfarm.com. A project from vintner Jeff Nelson and winemaker James Sparks, Liquid Farm focuses on acid-driven Chardonnay and high-end Pinot Noir.

SLOUCH HAT WINES 2446 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-354-5377, slouchhatwines.com. Winemaker Matt Fowler sources fruit from various Santa Ynez Valley vineyards and makes wines like Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

MORETTI WINES 2923 Grand Ave., 805688-1900, tasteofsantaritahills.orderport .com. The Moretti wines, including a Cabernet Sauvignon and Prosecco, are poured alongside other local labels at the Taste of Sta. Rita Hills tasting room.

SOLMINER 2890 Grand Ave., 805-6919195, solminer.com. Husband-and-wife duo Anna and David Delaski created the brand after falling in love with Santa Barbara’s wine country shortly after meeting in 2009. As a certified organic and biodynamic farm, the winery produces Austrian varietal reds and whites, as well as carbonic wines.

Feature / Wine Guide

FUTURE PERFECT WINE 2933 San Marcos Ave., Ste. 101, 805-697-7162, futureperfectwine.com. Winemaker Sunny Doench Stricker sources grapes from vineyards that are sustainably farmed. Seek out her Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Franc, as well as her selection of bubbles. HOLUS BOLUS AND THE JOY FANTASTIC 2902 San Marcos Ave., Ste. B, 805-6371005, holusboluswine.com. Winemakers Amy Christine and Peter Hunken source grapes for their Joy Fantastic Pinot Noir and Syrah from its five-acre estate in Sta. Rita Hills. For their second label, Holus Bolus, they source fruit from neighboring vineyards. HORIZON CELLARS 2890 Grand Ave., Ste. A, horizoncellars.com. Focusing on Rhône and Bordeaux, this project features an estate program near the Happy Canyon AVA. Wines by Fidencio Flores. KOEHLER WINERY 5360 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-693-8384, koehlerwinery.com. Situated on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail

NIELSON WINES nielsonwines.com. Sourcing grapes from what was Santa Barbara County’s first commercial vineyard, planted by Uriel Nielson in 1964, the focus here is on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wines are made by Anna Clifford.

PIAZZA FAMILY WINES 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 102, 805-694-8046, piazzafamilywines.com. Organic vineyard practices prevail at the Piazza wine estate in the rolling hills of Ballard Canyon. Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker produces Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Grenache. REFUGIO RANCH 2990 Grand Ave., 805697-5289, refugioranch.com. The Gleason family’s 415-acre former cattle ranch focuses on Rhône varieties. The Los Olivos tasting room is in an early 1900s warehouse, featuring a VIP lounge and a large outdoor patio. Ask about tastings by the vineyard pond. S&M WINE CO. 2933 Grand Ave., Ste. F, smwineco.com. This tasting room has a speakeasy vibe and features wines like Chardonnay and Graciano, as well as blends with unique names like Flocking Fabulous GSM and I Feel You Baby.

ST. AVALO 2963 Grand Ave., 805-4243125, stavalo.com. This project focuses on sustainability and organic farming. The estate vineyard is in the Los Olivos District AVA and grows varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, and Dornfelder. STOLPMAN VINEYARDS 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave., 805-688-0400, stolpmanvineyards.com. Dedicated to sensible farming and winemaking, this multigenerational family project creates vibrant wines like Syrah and Grenache using natural fermentation and minimal manipulation. STORM WINES 2948 San Marcos Ave., 850350-9456, stormwines.com. Winemaker Ernst Storm capitalizes on the climate similarities between the Western Cape of his native South Africa and Santa Barbara County, with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. STORY OF SOIL 2928 San Marcos Ave., 805-686-1302, storyofsoilwine. com. Winemaker Jessica Gasca, a former apprentice at Sangius, focuses on sourcing from premium vineyards to produce high-

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end Syrah, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Gamay, and more. The tasting space is small, so reservations are recommended. STRANGE FAMILY VINEYARDS 2933 Grand Ave., Ste. A, 805-315-3662, strangefamilyvineyards.com. This familyowned brand’s outpost in the heart of Los Olivos features wines grown on its Sta. Rita Hills estate and made by Jessica Gasca. Varieties include Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as sparkling wines. The tasting room also offers mocktails. TABALIPA WINE tabalipawineco.com. This boutique project by husband-and-wife team Paula Tabalipa and Michael Greenberg focuses on Syrah wines grown on Living Life Vineyards, a thriving 20-acre plot inside the Los Olivos District AVA, and produced by the team at Dragonette Cellars. The label also features a Happy Canyon AVA Sauvignon Blanc. TASTE OF THE STA. RITA HILLS 2923 Grand Ave., 805-688-1900, tasteofstaritahills.com. The Moretti family highlights the best of Sta. Rita Hills and the Central Coast. Their tasting room features several hard-to-find wines, like Sea Smoke and Paul Lato.

since 2015, crafting varieties like Albariño, Chenin Blanc, and Malbec. ZACA MESA WINERY 6905 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-688-9339, zacamesa.com. This sprawling Foxen Canyon estate is home to the county’s first Syrah vines. The focus remains on estate-grown Rhône wines. Their Tread Wines label spotlights Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from select neighboring vineyards.

LOS ALAMOS AMADA CELLARS 490 Bell St., Ste. 104, 805-245-4768, amadacellars.com. Sustainable farming practices prevail at Amada, which employs an artisanal approach to making Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as a rosé made from Grenache. Ask about their extra-virgin olive oil. A TRIBUTE TO GRACE 490 Bell St., Ste. 5, 805-633-0598, gracewinecompany .com. Winemaker Angela Osborne pays homage to her grandmother with her boutique label, which focuses entirely on Grenache.

LO-FI WINES 448 Bell St., 805-344-0179, lofi-wines.com. Lo-Fi believes in natural wine growing—neutral barrels, native yeasts, and natural pH. Listen to records while sipping Cabernet Franc, Mencia, Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. LUMEN WINES 458 Bell St., 805-621-6140, lumenwines.com. From winemakers Will Henry and Lane Tanner, Lumen features coolclimate wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Grenache. Find the tasting lounge inside Pico restaurant. SHOKRIAN VINEYARD 7910 Cat Canyon Rd., 805-250-9363, shokrianvineyard .com. A boutique winery where all fruit is handpicked, Shokrian Vineyard specializes in cool-climate wines like Chardonnay, Gamay, and Syrah. SO FAR OUT sofaroutwine.com. A fun mix of blends from winemaker Andrew Jones with names like All the Rage, You’re Already Home, and Memory Palace. All the wines are made from organic grapes.

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TENSLEY WINES 2900 Grand Ave., Ste. B, 805-688-6761, tensleywines .com. Family-owned Tensley Wines was established in 1998. Wines sourced from three Santa Barbara County vineyards include Syrah, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. TERCERO 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave., Ste. 105, 805-245-9584, tercerowines.com. Larry Schaffer’s label focuses on handcrafted, small-lot Rhône whites and reds, as well as a rosé wines and blends, plus a new venture into Pinot Noir wines. TERRE ET SANG 2982 Grand Ave., 805-325-6063, terreetsang.com. A joint project from the mother-and-son team of Dalita and (winemaker) Duncan Harmon. The focus is on single-vineyard Syrah and Grenache, as well as blends. The tasting room has plenty of outdoor seating. WAYLAN WINE 2963 Grand Ave., 805-6932193, waylanwine.com. Brothers Brad and Greg Saarloos have been cultivating wines

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BEDFORD WINERY 448 Bell St., 805-3442107, bedfordwinery.com. This tasting room is the main source for Bedford Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. CLEMENTINE CARTER WINES 388 Bell St., 805-972-1434, clementinecarterwine .com. The Clementine Carter brand is inspired by owner and winemaker Sonja Magdevski’s travel experiences. The wine focus is on cool-climate Grenache and Mourvèdre.

COTIÈRE WINES 645 Bell St., Ste. 101, cotierewine.com. This boutique project from UCSB and Kevin Law focuses on Pinot Noir from several Sta. Rita Hills vineyards. Other wines, like Cabernet Sauvignon, spotlight vineyards in Napa and the Santa Cruz Mountains. DOVECOTE ESTATE WINERY 9229 Alisos Canyon Rd., 805-350-9699, dovecotewine .com. Winemaker Noah Rowles crafts wines entirely by hand, including Grenache and Viognier. Tastings by the on-site Mission Pond, and bottle service, are available by appointment.

ALLAN HANOCK COLLEGE WINERY 800 S. College Dr., 805-922-6966, hancockcollege.edu/winery. One of the few bonded wineries on a California college campus, Allan Hancock College Winery features wines made by its students. The winery is both a commercial production facility as well as an educational platform where students get hands-on experience making and selling wine.

BIEN NACIDO ESTATE 3503 Rancho Tepesquet Rd., 805-318-6503, biennacidoestate.com. This legendary vineyard welcomes guests on the grounds of the famous Bien Nacido Vineyards. The tasting room in the Gatehouse is airy and features outdoor tastings of the Bien Nacido and sister Solomon Hills labels. Guests can also take ATV tours of the estate.

NATIVE9 AT RANCHOS DE ONTIVEROS 6525 Dominion Rd., 805-694-8882, ranchosdeontiveros.com. Ninth-generation rancher and farmer James Ontiveros pays homage to his roots with stellar Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines grown on his Rancho Viñedo and Rancho Ontiveros Vineyards. By-appointment experiences include tastings with wine expert Wes Hagen and ranch tours.

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BYRON 805-266-6940, byronwines.com. A stalwart producer of site-specific Pinot Noir, Byron wines are available by allocation only. The wines are made by Jonathan Nagy.

PRESQU’ILE WINES 5391 Presqu’ile Dr., 805-937-8110, presquilewine.com. This popular label owned by the Murphy family focuses on estate production of cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah from winemaker Dieter Cronje. Estate chef Julie Simon runs a diverse food program, and guided tour options include a trek across the 73-acre vineyard in a Polaris off-road vehicle.

MUNICIPAL WINEMAKERS 339 N. Ventura Ave., 805-931-6864, municipalwinemakers .com. Wines by Dave Potter are the big draw in this airy 5,000-square-foot space, including Grenache, Syrah, Pinot Noir, and his signature Bright White Build your own cheese board.

CA’ DEL GREVINO 2617 E. Clark Ave., 805-621-5889, grevino.com. Ca’ Del Grevino sources its fruit from organic Santa Maria Valley vineyards and does not add sulfites to its wines. Varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Syrah. CHALLEN WINERY 2330 Westgate Rd., 323-879-8081, challenwinery.com. This small producer features single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah sourced from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County vineyards. The winemaker is Mary Bradley.

RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY 6600 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-934-4332, ranchosisquoc .com. Part of an 1852 Mexican land grant and 37,000-acre cattle ranch and farm, this winery features several varieties, including Malbec, Syrah, and Riesling. The on-site chapel, built in 1875, is a state historic landmark.

MAJESTIC OAK VINEYARD 321 E. Ojai Ave., 805-794-0272, majesticoakvineyard .com. A family-run operation, Majestic Oak Vineyard offers a selection of reds (Syrah, Sangiovese) and whites (Pinot Gris, rosé of Syrah). The tasting room in downtown Ojai features a tree-covered patio.

THE NATURALIST 208 E. Ojai Ave., 805640-1255, naturalistwine.com. The Naturalist specializes in pure, natural, organic wines and uses only grapes farmed without the use of pesticides and herbicides. Wines include Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. OJAI ALISAL VINEYARD ojaialisal.com. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Upper Ojai Valley, the 3.5-acre vineyard produces Malbec and Rhône wines like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier.

Feature / Wine Guide

COLLUVIAL colluvialwine.com. Winemaker and certified sommelier Fernando Fernandez offers private tastings by appointment. Wines, which include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc, can be purchased online.

COSTA DE ORO WINERY 805-922-1468, costadeorowines.com. This longstanding label focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from winemaker Gary Burk. Wines are available exclusively online and through the wine club. EL VIÑERO WINES 130-A N. Broadway, Orcutt, 805-354-0260, elvinero.com. Founder-winemaker Jordan Crabtree focuses on vineyard expression and crafts wines that include Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache, as well as a slew of creative blends. FOXEN VINEYARD & WINERY 7600 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-937-4251, foxenvineyard .com. The famous Foxen Boys, Dick Doré and Bill Wathen, remain loyal to their goals: the creation of small-production, sustainably farmed Burgundian and Rhône wines.

RIVERBENCH VINEYARD AND WINERY 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-937-8340, riverbench.com. This tasting room at the long-standing estate vineyard that was planted in 1973 features Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines by winemaker Clarissa Nagy.

RUNWAY VINEYARDS 4651 Santa Maria Mesa Rd., 805-264-2858, runwayvineyards .com. After growing fruit and vegetables on their farm, the Maldonado family devoted 16 acres to vineyards. TATOMER WINES 2705 Aviation Way, 805-325-5612, www.tatomerwines.com. Winemaker Graham Tatomer has garnered a cult following for his attention to Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. Tastings by appointment. TRES HERMANAS VINEYARD & WINERY 9660 Foxen Canyon Rd., 805-937-8451, treshermanaswinery.com. The Teixeira family, who planted their estate vineyard on their cattle ranch in 2001, produce wines like Chenin Blanc and Merlot. The label name means “three sisters,” an homage to the founders’ three daughters.

OJAI MOUNTAIN 7070 Sulphur Mountain Rd., 805-214-4339, ojaimountainestate.com. At 2,800 feet, this is one of the highestelevation vineyards in California. Renowned Sonoma winemaker Erich Bradley is at the helm, overseeing the estate’s mostly Rhône varieties, like Syrah, Grenach, and Roussanne, as well as Tempranillo. THE OJAI VINEYARD 109 S. Montgomery St., 805-649-1674, ojaivineyard.com. This quaint tasting spot shines the spotlight on local wine pioneer Adam Tolmach. The lineup features more than two dozen offerings, including vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnary, and Syrah. •

EDITED BY GABE SAGLIE

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SA N TA BA R BA R A M AG A Z I N E presents

GREAT SCHOOLS From Preschool through 12th Grade

At ANACAPA SCHOOL, learning starts with community. Our inclusive, tight-knit community fosters close relationships and provides opportunities for personal growth. We are expanding this year to add a 6th grade, officially becoming a 6th–12th-grade school. Our curriculum centers on Global Citizenship, Project-Based Learning, and Experiential Outdoor Learning, built on a strong foundation of social and emotional learning, encouraging students to become active, responsible citizens. With a 5:1 ratio, we facilitate deep intellectual discourse between students and faculty and offer a unique interdisciplinary 6th, 7th & 8th grade program. Located in downtown Santa Barbara, Anacapa nurtures creative, critical thinkers who engage with the city’s art, culture, and government organizations. Join us for a tour to see our resilient, confident, caring students in action. Ask about our financial aid program. Grades 6th–12th. 814 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, 805-965-0228; anacapaschool.org

F USION AC ADEM Y SA N TA BA RBA R A :

Where Personalized Education Meets Coastal Excellence. In the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant coastal community, Fusion Academy offers an elevated private school experience for grades 5–12. Each student learns through a truly personalized 1-to-1 model—one teacher, one student—crafted to ignite curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning. Fully accredited and intentionally flexible, Fusion blends academic rigor with emotional well-being, offering customized schedules, daily feedback, and small group collaboration. Whether in-person or virtual, every Fusion journey is as individual as the student themselves. Families across the Central Coast choose Fusion Academy Santa Barbara for its boutique approach to education— where innovation, balance, and personal growth thrive as beautifully as the city it calls home. Grades 5-12. 510 State St., Santa Barbara, jgama@fusionacademy.com, 805-502-1672; https://www.fusionacademy.com/campuses/santa-barbara/

THE KNOX SCHOOL OF SANTA BARBARA is

built for bright, curious, motivated children, and for the families who want a school as remarkable as their child. Serving Kindergarten through eighth grade, Knox meets each child exactly where they are and grows and nurtures all of who they are. Learning is individualized, ability-based, and differentiated, taught through inquiry and hands-on projects, so students advance when they are ready and go as far as their curiosity will carry them, with no ceiling on where they can go. Knox is a warm, close-knit community where inquisitive kids thrive among their equals, where teachers truly know each child, and where a joyful Santa Barbara childhood is protected at every turn. It all adds up to a child who is deeply known, genuinely challenged, and glad to walk through the door each day. Come spend a morning with us and see it for yourself. Kindergarten through 8th grade. 1525 Santa Barbara St., Santa Barbara, 805-222-0107; knoxschoolsb.org

Great Schools

C R A N E COU N T RY DAY S C HO OL

is a co-educational Kindergarten-8th Grade independent school located on 12 beautiful acres in Montecito, California. Founded in 1928, Crane delivers an experiential education characterized by a thoughtful balance of academic challenge and creative expression. Our time-tested tradition of active and collaborative learning challenges students to think critically, find their voices, and care for one another and the world around them. At Crane, we understand that how we teach is just as important as what we teach. 1795 San Leandro Ln., Montecito, 805-969-7732; craneschool.org

There is something distinctly Laguna about the way students learn here. Inspired by teachers who know them well and supported by a community that celebrates both individual growth and shared success, students are encouraged to explore with curiosity and confidence. From Early Kindergarten through Grade 12, they engage in experiential learning that challenges them to ask meaningful questions, tackle realworld problems, and apply their learning in meaningful ways—from the classroom to the stage, the studio, the field, and beyond. They graduate as confident communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate leaders, prepared to thrive in college and lead lives of purpose. Grades Early Kindergarten through Gr. 4: 260 San Ysidro Rd., Montecito; Grades 5 through 12: 4125 Paloma Dr., Santa Barbara, 805-6872461; lagunablanca.org

SPE C I AL SE C T I O N

Founded in 1976, SANTA BARBARA MIDDLE SCHOOL

OJAI VALLEY SCHOOL

is an independent boarding & day school for 300 students — Pre-K through 12th grade — on two campuses in Ojai. Our dedicated staff provide a balanced program of college-preparatory academics, fine & performing arts, sports, outdoor education, environmental studies, equestrian & character development. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, seek new ways to learn, & discover the complexity of the world around them. By the time they graduate, they will have developed the academic strength & intellectual curiosity to succeed in college and beyond. More importantly, they will have gained the confidence & character to meet life’s future challenges. 723 El Paseo Rd., Ojai, 805-646-1423; ovs.org

Equip your student to live a life of purpose at P ROV I DE NC E , Santa Barbara’s only Christian school serving preschool through 12th grade. Here, dedicated educators inspire curiosity, nurture character, and encourage students to think critically, communicate clearly, and serve wholeheartedly. Beyond rigorous academics, arts, and engineering programs, Providence students learn through real-world experience, such as international travel, ski and river trips, community service projects, and spiritual retreats. From the classroom to the community, students build confidence, deepen relationships, and foster meaningful growth. Graduates leave Providence ready to meet challenges, make a difference, and engage the world with leadership, service, and integrity. Preschool through Grade 6: 3225 Calle Pinon, 805-962-3091. Grades 7 through 12: 630 E. Canon Perdido, 805-962-4400; providencesb.org

is an independent co-educational day school specializing in grades 6-9. Our balanced approach to Academics, Creative Arts and Sports, Building Community, and Outdoor Education prepares students for their future by providing a transformative middle school experience. Our saying “Carpe Diem” could not ring more true as students embrace what it means to live in the moment. State standards, project-based learning, and experiential learning guide our academic program, supported by our unique outdoor educational program, which includes biking, camping, exploring the outdoors, and much more. Students become difference-makers by giving back to the local community and cultivating a love for arts and sports through daily electives. We base our approach on mutual respect and an exceptional understanding of the adolescent years. SBMS graduates are admired for their intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, creativity, and “can-do” confidence. 1321 Alameda Padre Serra, Santa Barbara, 805-682-2989; sbms.org

S OU T H COA ST MON T E S S OR I guides

every child through one continuous journey within a single, unified philosophy: at every stage, the child sets the pace. Teachers observe closely, meeting each student with the right lesson at the right moment instead of a prescribed, fixed curriculum for the whole class. This is whole-child education by design and in practice — physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth naturally unfolding on each child’s unique timeline. Our students graduate elementary school knowing how to think for themselves, respect others, and work toward a more peaceful world. Infancy through Grade Six; South Coast Montessori, 7421 Mirano Dr., Goleta, 805-845-6555; southcoastmontessori.org

Great Schools

THE RIVIERA R I DGE SC HO OL

provides student-centered, inclusive and individualized learning opportunities for every student. Focused on academic excellence from Junior Kindergarten through the 8th grade, our students are inspired to develop their individual potential, seek purpose beyond themselves and are prepared to embrace the next phase of their journey with a uniquely diverse and global perspective. The Riviera Ridge School is a place where every opportunity is realized, every dream has potential, and every student matters. Our world-class faculty and staff partner with families to provide an education that nurtures every student’s academic, social, ethical, and creative potential. Since 1938, we have celebrated the Everyday Amazing at The Riviera Ridge School. JK-8th grade, 2130 Mission Ridge Rd., Santa Barbara, 805-569-1811; rivieraridge.org

At The WALDOR F SC HOOL OF SA N TA BA RBA R A , we

educate the whole child—head, heart, and hands—through a rich, developmentally appropriate curriculum that nurtures intellectual growth, creativity, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning. Our holistic approach balances strong academics with the arts, hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, and time in nature, while honoring each stage of childhood. Through a technology-conscious environment, beloved seasonal festivals, and the continuity of our class teacher model, students develop confidence, resilience, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging. Every aspect of a Waldorf education is designed to help children become thoughtful, capable individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to the world. Schedule a tour and experience our campus for yourself. 7421 Mirano Drive, Goleta, 805-964-6656; waldorfsantabarbara.org

SPE C I AL SE C T I O N

Backpage

ne of four original taverns that lined Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street during the mid-1900s, MAVERICK SALOON is the last remaining of its kind—a place where cowboy culture still feels very much alive. For more than six decades, the lively saloon has welcomed ranchers, cowboys, locals, tourists, and wedding parties alike for drinks, hearty fare, live music, and a taste of the Old West. Built from salvaged wood, the rustic saloon and adjoining dance barn charm with horseshoes and neon beer signs on the walls, cattle brands carved into the bar, and thousands of signed dollar bills covering the ceiling—a tradition that reflects the many generations of patrons who have passed through its doors. Behind the bar, classic cocktails, local beer and wine, and a selection of spirits complement a menu of comfort fare, from flatbreads and burgers to tacos and steak platters. Adding to the convivial vibe are weekly events like open mic nights, line dancing, and karaoke, while live bands take the stage several nights a week, bringing big names and up-and-comers who keep the dance floor full. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, mavericksaloon.com. H.L.S.

138 FALL

a lot of happy cowboy customers have passed through Maverick Saloon.

TALIA HELVEY

BOOTS AND BANDS

A ceiling covered with dollar bills says

Jackson Family Wines

Seeking to capture Chardonnay in its most pure and unadulterated state. DiatomWines.com

San Ysidro Ranch