Sunstone Winery

Sunstone Winery is a picturesque family-owned estate located in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. The 52-acre vineyard is known for its dedicated approach to organic farming and its unique terroir. The name "Sunstone" comes from the abundance of sun-drenched stones and shale that have been washed onto these banks by the Santa Ynez River over thousands of years.

Sunstone Winery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the main highlights of this USA destination is its architecture. The tasting room and residential villa are built in the style of an old French chateau, recreating the atmosphere of Provence. Authentic materials brought from Europe were used during construction, making it one of the most visually stunning wineries in all of California.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Sunstone invites guests to discover a rich collection of wines crafted from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah grapes. The estate is considered the oldest vineyard in Santa Barbara County to be continuously farmed using organic methods, highlighting its significance to regional winemaking.

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The main activity at Sunstone Winery is, of course, the tasting of premium organic wines. You can settle into the cozy tasting room, which resembles a French barn, or onto the spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the vineyards. Experienced sommeliers will guide you through a palette of local varieties, sharing the stories behind the production and the nuances of each vintage.

Walking through the estate grounds is a pleasure in itself. You can admire the French villa, filled with antique furniture, and peak into the cool wine aging caves. Photography enthusiasts will find endless angles here: from the stony paths among the vines to authentic Provencal-style decor. For those who prefer a more relaxed outing, there are special picnic areas where you can enjoy the fresh air and good company.

On weekends, the atmosphere at the winery becomes even more lively. Events featuring live music or DJ sets are frequent, and guest food trucks often offer interesting gastronomic pairings for the wine. The on-site shop carries not only your favorite bottles but also unique accessories and farm-fresh products.

The estate is located at 125 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez. The drive from Santa Barbara takes about 35–40 minutes: head north on US-101, then turn onto the scenic CA-154 (San Marcos Pass Rd) and follow it until the turn-off for Refugio Rd. The drive through the mountain pass and the valley is a beautiful addition to the tasting experience itself.

Public transportation in the area is limited, so the most convenient way to get there is by rental car or taxi from the city center. Free and spacious parking is available for visitors on-site. Organized wine tours, which pick up groups from hotels in Santa Barbara or nearby towns, are also a popular choice.

If you are arriving from further away, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) is about an hour's drive from the winery. During harvest season, traffic in the valley can be heavier, so it is worth allowing a little extra travel time.

The history of this site began in 1989, when the Rice family—Fred, Linda, and their children—traded the city life of Santa Barbara for 52 acres of land in the Santa Ynez Valley. They chose a terraced plot above the river of the same name because of its unique microclimate and rocky soils, which Fred Rice believed were ideal for viticulture. By 1990, the first vines were planted, making the estate the first organic vineyard in Santa Barbara County.

The winery's current look, which many recognize today, came about largely by chance. In 1994, a severe storm destroyed the old barn, and the owners decided to build a tasting room in its place. Inspired by a trip to France, the Rice family created an architectural ensemble in the style of a Provencal chateau. To build and furnish it, 45 large shipping containers filled with artifacts, antiques, and building materials were brought in from the Normandy, Loire, and Aix-en-Provence regions.

In 2019 and 2021, the Kabugos and Price families joined the management of the estate, and together with the founders, they continue to uphold the traditions of organic farming. Today, Sunstone Winery remains the oldest continuously farmed organic vineyard in the region, staying true to the ecological principles established over 30 years ago.

To fully enjoy the atmosphere and taste the local wines, most guests need between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This is enough time to leisurely enjoy a tasting flight (about 45–60 minutes), stroll around the grounds, and take souvenir photos with the French villa as a backdrop.

If you plan to have an outdoor picnic or wish to examine the estate's architectural details more closely, you should budget for half a day. The winery encourages a contemplative pace, so you won't want to rush your visit.

Sunstone Winery warmly opens its doors to visitors daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This schedule is convenient for those who want to start their valley wine tour early, as well as for those looking for a pleasant end to the day in the rays of the setting sun.

However, it is recommended to check the official website or call the estate before your trip, as hours for the tasting room may change on holidays or during private events such as weddings.

The Santa Ynez Valley is famous not only for its wines but also for its rich cultural heritage. Exploring the surroundings after your winery visit will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this unique region of the USA.