Santa Barbara
Known internationally as "The American Riviera," world-renowned Santa Barbara offers a combination of climate, culture, recreational activities and cosmopolitan atmosphere unequaled in North America. Nestled against a backdrop of the dramatic Santa Ynez Mountains, and with the dazzling Pacific Ocean at its feet, this enchanted town of approximately 90,000 fortunate residents emanates a distinctly Mediterranean ambiance enhanced by its temperate weather, Spanish-influenced architecture, fine dining, nearby wine country, and the diversity and sophistication of its locals and visitors alike.
Culturally rich, Santa Barbara hosts its own symphony orchestra, ballet and theater troupes, historical and art museums, and both public and private universities and colleges. Golf, tennis, hiking, bicycling, swimming, sailing and surfing are just a few of the activities this recreational paradise has to offer, in addition to a nearly endless selection of shopping, art galleries and restaurants.
Santa Barbara's annual, week-long "Old Spanish Days" Fiesta, as well as its Summer Solstice Celebration and International Film and I Madonnari Festivals celebrate the vivid, internationally-influenced lifestyle for which this dynamic community has gained worldwide acclaim.
For more information on Santa Barbara, visit www.santabarbaraca.com and www.santabarbaraca.gov.
Montecito
One of the most prestigious and exclusive communities in the United States, Montecito is renowned as a favored residential and vacation retreat of the well-known and the well-heeled. Its impressive, often extraordinary homes and estates include many significant for their history, architecture or notable owners.
From its breathtaking stretch of the Pacific Ocean, to its private estates nestled in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this 8-square mile enclave is home to approximately 10,000 year-round and part-time residents. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy its world-class Four Seasons Biltmore Resort and Spa and the acclaimed San Ysidro Ranch.
Immediately adjacent to Santa Barbara, Montecito hosts two lovely and intimate commercial hubs -- Upper Village and Lower Village; each one offering discriminating shops and restaurants. The community's two public and five private schools, as well as its private Westmont College are ranked among the finest learning institutions in California. In addition to its beautiful beaches, Montecito offers two public parks, three private golf courses and a private tennis club.
Summerland
A sort of Bohemian soul is manifest in the relaxed, beach-friendly lifestyle of this former religious colony and one-time mini-oil boomtown immediately south of Montecito and Santa Barbara. Once hosting over a dozen producing oil wells as well as soap and cigar factories, the quaint town's main street, Lillie Avenue, is now home to an enticing array of unique shops featuring antiques and designer accoutrements destined for the finest homes in L.A., Montecito and Santa Barbara.
This laid-back town of only 1,500 residents also offers flip-flop and family-friendly restaurants, and a beautiful beachside park complete with expansive lawns, play areas and direct access to the beach. Summerland is home to artists, writers and part-time residents seeking a cozy cottage or spacious getaway nestled on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands.
Carpinteria
A relaxed and charming small town ambiance makes this close-knit community of approximately 15,000 people a great place to call home and a delightful place to visit. Unlike other towns of its size that must rely on a single enterprise -- such as residential, agricultural, business or tourist endeavors -- Carpinteria incorporates all of these things to maintain its place as a vibrant and truly self-sustaining community. Its charming downtown core offers a diverse selection of restaurants, shops and small businesses, while its residential choices fill the spectrum, from modest bungalows, to beachside condominiums and multi-million dollar estates.
Running the entire length of the town, Carpinteria's versatile and much-loved beach is a true year-round playground for children and adults alike. Actually two contiguous beaches – Carpinteria City Beach and Carpinteria State Beach & Park – the expanse of sun, sand and surf offers something for everyone. In addition to its beautiful beach, the community is home to nearly a dozen public parks and a wonderful community pool.
Balancing recreation with education, Carpinteria is proud of the schools in its respected Carpinteria Unified School System, and hosts two prestigious private schools – Cate and Pacifica Graduate Institute.
For more information on Carminteria, visit www.carpinteria.ca.us or www.carpchamber.org.
Hope Ranch
Although the history of Hope Ranch dates back at least 6,000 years to the time when this was home to the first Native Americans living here, this upscale community's modern history began in the mid-1800's when it was named for government agent Thomas Hope.
Today, this verdant 2,000 acre enclave of gently rolling topography, stunning landscaping and magnificent ocean views hosts just under 700 residences; many of them luxurious estates perched on dramatic bluffs and with access to a private beach. Hope Ranch is known for its cornucopia of recreational facilities, including polo and soccer fields, baseball diamonds and tennis courts, as well as the exclusive La Cumbre Golf and Country Club with its impressive and historic 18-hole course built around beautiful Laguna Blanca.
Also known as an equestrian playground, and with an active Riding Trails Association, the Ranch hosts over 20 miles of equine trails traversing the public areas and leading to the beach. The Earl Warren Showgrounds, famous for its horse showing facilities, is a mere five minutes away.
Santa Barbara's world-class shopping, dining, cultural and recreational amenities are all within a few minutes drive.
Goleta
Historic site of one of the largest Native American villages inhabited by the Chumash people, and first visited by European explorers in the 16th century, Goleta has evolved through periods of ranching, agriculture, oil and gas production and military use. Today, it is a center for high-tech firms, is a bedroom community for adjacent Santa Barbara, and is home to the extensive campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara International Airport.
Encompassing approximately 26 square miles and with a population of around 55,000, Goleta offers modest neighborhood homes, condominiums and gated communities. The quiet town is known for supporting and promoting its schools, churches and community organizations, as well as for its family-friendly parks, restaurants and other amenities.
For more information on Goleta, visit www.goletavalley.com.
Santa Ynez Valley
World-class wineries, seas of verdant vineyards, sprawling ranches and six small, quaint towns comprise the Santa Ynez Valley – prized by locals and visitors alike for its rural-agricultural heritage combined with its sophisticated "wine country" ambience.
A scenic half-hour drive from Santa Barbara, the valley made famous by its renowned thoroughbred horse ranches and, most recently, by its exceptional wines and the movie Sideways, is also loved for its eclectic assortment of people. Walk into one of the area's many excellent restaurants, for example, and you might be greeted by a diverse mix of ranchers, cowboys, winemakers and stylish city-dwellers.
In spite of its relaxed atmosphere, the Santa Ynez Valley hosts a vast array of opportunities for the active lifestyle. Golf, biking, hiking and horseback riding are all easily accessible, as is fishing at nearby Lake Cachuma. The area's rich past comes alive at its history museums and the 1804 Mission Santa Ines, and its vibrant cultural calendar is always brimming with choices.
The Santa Ynez Valley offers a wide range of properties -- from the tidy cottages in the picturesque Danish community of Solvang and the art gallery, restaurant and wine tasting room-rich village of Los Olivos, to multi-million dollar ranch estates.
More information on the Santa Ynez Valley, its communities and world-class wineries is available at www.syvva.com and www.sbcountywines.com.
El Capitan
Because this beach is part of a State Park, beachgoers have access to excellent facilities, including overnight camping, showers, restrooms, picnic tables and grills, and even a small general store on weekends. There is plenty of parking, although it costs $5 whether your stay is a few minutes or a few hours.
In spite of the facilities and usual activities such as swimming, surfing, volleyball and so on, this beach offers a wonderful feeling of remoteness, privacy and tranquility.
Location: 17 miles north of Santa Barbara on Hwy. 101. Look for the signs for El Capitan State Park.
Goleta Beach
Nearly 30 acres of beach and park comprise Goleta Beach County Park, sandwiched between Santa Barbara and the University of California's Santa Barbara campus. There is something for everyone at this popular spot, including plenty of sand, expanses of grass, picnic facilities and paved trails for walking and bicycles.
This is the only beach in the Santa Barbara area with a non-commercial fishing pier, and is one of three with its own restaurant and snack bar. In addition to swimming, sunning, picnicking and people watching, Goleta Beach offers children's playgrounds, restrooms, areas for volleyball and horseshoes, boating and a jet ski ramp.
The large, free parking lot attests to this beach's popularity, especially with families and university students.
Location: Hollister Ave. to Sandspit Rd. OR Hwy 101 to Hwy 217 (to airport), then exit at Sandspit Rd.
Arroyo Burro ("Hendry's") Beach
Centrally located at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Las Positas Road, and quite popular with Santa Barbarans, this stretch of oceanfront attracts couples out for a romantic stroll, families seeking a spacious sandy playground, surfers, and dog lovers and their pets who enjoy the canine camaraderie plentiful at the beach's off-leash area. In fact, this is such a dog-friendly place that canines have their own washing and grooming station.
While it is officially named "Arroyo Burro", the stretch of shoreline carries the local's moniker "Hendry's", referring to Anne Hendry, a Scottish immigrant whose family farmed nearby land from 1890 to 1919 or so.
The beach lies adjacent to tony Hope Ranch, an exclusive residential enclave, and is in the cliff-side shadow of the Douglas Family Preserve, a pristine plot of publicly-accessible fields, woodlands and trails.
Outdoor showers, restrooms and a grassy area with barbecue grills and picnic tables add to the appeal, and a beachside restaurant, The Boathouse, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner just a few yards from the sand and surf. For more information: http://www.sbparks.org/Scripts/ParksDetail.asp?ParkID=1
Location: One block past intersection of Las Positas Rd. and Cliff Dr. OR HWY 101 to Las Positas Rd. (away from mountains), to Cliff Dr. Turn right on Cliff Dr.
Ledbetter Beach
When the Santa Barbara Harbor breakwater was constructed in the 1920's, it slowed the natural north-south migration of sand along the Santa Barbara coast. Above the harbor, that sand created Leadbetter Beach, now one of the most popular beachfront recreation spots in the area. Beginner and intermediate surfers enjoy the usually gentle swell of the beach's point break. Especially during the summer, when winds are the most consistent, windsurfers and kitesurfers join the fun.
A large parking lot is convenient not only to the beach, but also to the adjacent park-like grassy area hosting picnic facilities, restrooms and outdoor showers as well as the Shoreline Beach Cafe.
Location: Take Cabrillo Blvd. (along the Santa Barbara waterfront) just past the Santa Barbara Harbor.
West Beach
This broad expanse of sand rests between the Santa Barbara Harbor and Stearn's Wharf, just across Cabrillo Boulevard from several beachfront hotels. Since it meets the ocean near the mouth of the harbor, it is not really a swimming beach, but it offers a good vantage point for watching boats come and go, and provides a front-row seat for the spectacular fireworks display on the Fourth of July.
Location: Take State Street to Cabrillo Blvd. Turn right on Cabrillo Blvd. The beach is on the left.
East Beach
Acres of sand, over a mile of ocean access, social and recreational facilities, plenty of parking and convenience to Santa Barbara's beachfront hotels make this the city's "front yard" beach. It is always easily accessible, and is as safe and clean as any public beach can be. In the summer months, it benefits from regular grooming and a contingent of lifeguards.
The beach is bordered by a grassy, palm tree-lined park that hosts a festive Sunday open-air arts and crafts show and sale as well as frequent, impromptu soccer games and lively drum circles. A paved path comfortably accommodates joggers, bicyclists and skaters.
The wonderful 1920's vintage Cabrillo Pavilion and Bathhouse sits proudly near the south end of East Beach. Popular and versatile, the historic building offers a restaurant and snack bar, showers, lockers, a weight room, childrens' play area and even a lovely banquet and meeting facility overlooking the ocean and Channel Islands. A dozen beach volleyball courts, picnic tables and grills are nearby.
More information about East Beach and its facilities is available at www.santabarbaraca.gov, or by calling (805) 564-5418.
Location: Take State Street to Cabrillo Blvd. Left on Cabrillo Blvd. The beach is on the right beyond the entire stretch of grassy, park-like frontage and extends all the way down Cabrillo Blvd. to the volleyball courts.
Butterfly, Hammonds & Miramar Beaches
Constituting one of the most prestigious stretches of sand on the entire West Coast, this continuous swath of Montecito beach has been a playground for the well-heeled and the well-known since the 1920's. Extending from the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel on the north, to Fernald Point on the south, it offers a sun-soaked setting convenient to both a world-class resort and multi-million-dollar beachfront estates.
Although these three contiguous beaches can narrow significantly at high tide, at low tide you can stroll from the Butterfly cliffs just north of the Biltmore, past the exclusive Coral Casino Beach Club, on to Hammonds and Miramar Beaches and beyond to Fernald Point, where $30 million will buy you a spectacular oceanfront manor.
There is plenty of fun and recreation here as well. Surfers know Hammonds for its superior waves, groups of young locals (looking like they just stepped out of an Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue) toss Frisbees, footballs and flirty glances, while joggers and walkers appreciate the safe and serene, lengthy and unimpeded venue.
Butterfly Beach is perhaps best-known, however, for its spectacular sunsets. As Santa Barbara's most west-facing beach, it is ideally situated to capture the visual rewards and romantic ambiance of what is, for many locals and visitors alike, the ultimate twilight ritual. Add the frequent site of dolphins putting on their graceful, playful show just offshore, and you have a postcard ending to a perfect Santa Barbara day.
Location: Butterfly Beach: Coast Village Rd. or Hwy 101 to Olive Mill Rd. Turn away from the mountains on Olive Mill Rd.; Hammonds & Miramar Beaches: Hwy. 101 to San Ysidro Rd. Turn toward the beach and continue to end (Eucalyptus Ln.).
Summerland Beach
Perhaps the Santa Barbara area's most easily accessible beach, Summerland's stretch of sand is just a block off of Highway 101. Not only is it convenient, it is also user-friendly and fun. The beach rests below Lookout Park, a lovely oasis of green lawn dotted with picnic tables, barbecues, and playground equipment for the kids. A paved walkway leads to the mile-long expanse of beach, which, at low tide, connects with Fernald Point and the beautiful Montecito beaches to the north, and extends to Loon Point on the south. It's hard to imagine that Summerland Beach was home to a forest of wooden oil derricks a century ago.
Location: Hwy. 101 to Summerland (Evans St.) exit. Turn toward the beach and enter Lookout Park.
Carpinteria (State & City) Beaches
When one of the most popular beaches in the entire California State Parks system neighbors a stretch of sand as well-cared-for and user-friendly as Carpinteria's City Beach, the result is over a contiguous mile of broad, well-groomed and gently-sloping pleasure.
Carpinteria City Beach rests at the end of Linden Avenue, which runs through the town's business hub, making the beach convenient to restaurants, shops and other amenities. Walking is easy, but there is also a waterfront shuttle.
Carpinteria State Beach Park provides camping and RV hook-ups as well as skate and bicycle rentals. There is also a visitor's center with a model tide pool and plenty of information on this area's rich history.
Both beaches offer plenty of sand and grass for volleyball, Frisbee and other beach-friendly activities, as well as restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and much more. Seals and sea lions are plentiful and fun to watch, as are the gray whales that occasionally glide by. Tide pools provide seaside stages for education and entertainment with a cast of characters that includes sea urchins and anemones, starfish, snails, crabs and other marine critters.
Because the beaches and their adjacent park facilities are so popular, there are usually crowds. But the amenities and pleasant, festive atmosphere make the number of people seem insignificant.
For more information: http://www.beachcalifornia.com/carpbch.html
Location: City Beach: Hwy. 101 to Linden Ave. exit. Follow Linden Ave. through town to the beach; State Beach: Hwy. 101 to Casitas Pass Rd. exit. Casitas Pass Rd. to right on Carpinteria Ave., then left on Palm Ave. Follow Palm Ave. to the beach.
Rincon Beach
There is Rincon Beach, and then there is "The Rincon." Rincon Beach and the small day-use park above it can be a relaxing venue for a picnic, a casual stroll on the sand or a swim. It offers restrooms, picnic tables and relatively easy access down the cliff to the shore.
The Rincon, as the significant point break next door is called, is a different story. Recognized worldwide as one of the West Coast's premier (and sometimes dangerous) expert surfing spots, this has been, and is, a training ground for some of the surfing scene's finest. Getting to the water's edge here can be a bit tricky, and requires some navigating of driftwood, rocks and small boulders. The trek can be worth it, however, if one is content to keep a bit of distance and watch some of the best surfers and surfing in California.
For more information: http://www.sbparks.org/Scripts/ParksDetail.asp?ParkID=17
Location: Hwy 101 to Bates Rd. exit. Take Bates Rd. to the beach parking lot.
Montecito
San Ysidro Ranch — An ultimate romantic hideaway for over a century, "The Ranch" hosted the wedding of Vivien Leigh and Sir Laurence Olivier, and was the honeymoon retreat for John and Jackie Kennedy. There are 41 individually decorated private cottages and suites nestled along a creek and tree-lined paths. Among the amenities are outdoor hot tubs and rain showers on private patios, stone fireplaces, hand-selected antique furnishings and fine linens, pool, fitness center and in-room personalized spa services. The Ranch also hosts 2 world-class restaurants.
(805) 565-1700 | www.sanysidroranch.com
Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore — The pinnacle of classic hotel & resort luxury at beautiful Butterfly Beach in prestigious Montecito. A sophisticated blend of Old World charm and world-renowned Four Seasons service and amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness facility, 11 room spa, tennis courts, 2 gourmet restaurants and guest privileges at the adjacent legendary Coral Casino Beach & Cabana Club.
(805) 569-2742 | www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara
Montecito Inn — Built by cinema legend Charlie Chaplin in 1928 as a retreat for his friends, today the inn welcomes guests from around the world who enjoy its relaxed sophistication. Located mere steps from the discriminating shops and restaurants of Montecito's popular Coast Village Road and just two blocks from breathtaking Butterfly Beach, the inn is also home to the popular Montecito Cafè.
(800) 843-2017 | www.montecitoinn.com
Santa Barbara
Canary Hotel — The only full-service luxury hotel in downtown Santa Barbara. Rooftop pool, Jacuzzi and lounge; gourmet yet comfortable restaurant & bar; in-room spas and adjacent fitness facility; walk to shopping, dining and all downtown amenities.
(805) 884-0300 | www.canarysantabarbara.com
Upham Hotel & Country House — A 58-room historic landmark, built in 1871, combining the intimacy of a bed & breakfast inn with the amenities of a fine hotel. Renowned Louie's Restaurant on-site; a short walk or ride to all that downtown Santa Barbara has to offer.
(800) 727-0876 | www.uphamhotel.com
Hotel Oceana —A small, charming beachfront hotel offering expansive, lush garden courtyards; 2 pools with private poolside cabanas; in-room spa service; convenience to the Santa Barbara Harbor, Stearn's Wharf and numerous beachfront restaurants. Just a few blocks to downtown Santa Barbara.
(805) 965-4577 | www.hoteloceanasantabarbara.com
Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort — A sprawling 24-acre beachfront resort hotel just ½ mile from downtown Santa Barbara and Montecito. Accommodations and amenities appropriate for an intimate getaway, family vacation, corporate retreat or convention.
(800) 879-2929 | www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com
Inn of the Spanish Garden — Intimate luxury boutique hotel located just a few blocks from downtown Santa Barbara in the city's historic Presidio District. Lush gardens with fountains, in-room fireplaces and luxurious linens and baths.
(805) 564-4700 | www.spanishgardeninn.com
Simpson House Inn — North America's only AAA Five Diamond-rated bed & breakfast inn. Nestled on an acre of English gardens and built as a private estate in 1874, the inn is just blocks from the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. Featuring 15 rooms, suites and cottages; fireplaces; personalized in-room spa services; guest privileges at Santa Barbara Athletic Club; gourmet breakfasts, wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres, afternoon tea and dessert buffet.
(800) 676-1280 | www.simpsonhouseinn.com
Villa Rosa Inn — Built in 1931, this Spanish-Colonial Revival gem has been completely and tastefully renovated as one of Santa Barbara's finest inns. Its 18 individually unique guest rooms – some featuring fireplaces -- each offer a lovely view of the ocean, harbor, mountains or courtyard.
(805) 966-0851 | www.villarosainnsb.com
Harbor View Inn — A luxury beachfront boutique resort hotel near Stearn's Wharf and the Santa Barbara Harbor. Among the amenities are an ocean view pool with full food and beverage service and an adjacent fitness center, a full-service spa, and Eladio's Restaurant.
(800) 755-0222 | www.harborviewinnsb.com
Santa Barbara Hotel Group — A one-stop shop for 5 charming inns.
(800) 676-1280 | www.sbhotels.com
Summerland
Inn On Summer Hill — An intimate retreat for over two decades, this cozy Craftsman style bed & breakfast shares historic Summerland's Lillie Avenue with charming antique shops, home furnishings boutiques, a winery tasting room and an eclectic mix of small dining establishments $ndash; from a classic California beach town burger stand, to a chic French patisserie and cafè. Within walking distance to the beach, just 5 minutes from the sophisticated amenities of adjacent Montecito and 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, the inn features ocean views from every cozy room, a relaxing spa and more.
(800) 845-5566 | www.innonsummerhill.com
For additional lodging suggestions, rates and reservations, please click here.
General Information
Schools
Public
- University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
- Santa Barbara City College
- San Marcos High School
- Dos Pueblos High School
- Santa Barbara High School
- Montecito Union School
- Cold Spring School
- Santa Barbara Middle School
- Santa Barbara School District (K-12)
Private
- Antioch University
- Westmont College
- Santa Barbara Business College
- Santa Barbara College of Law
- Brooks Institute of Photography
- Fielding Graduate University
- Pacifica Graduate Institute
- Anacapa School
- Laguna Blanca
- Crane Country Day School
- Waldorf School
Attractions
- Santa Barbara Mission
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens
- Santa Barbara Downtown
- Wine Tasting
Museums
- Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art
- Karpeles Manuscript Museum
- Santa Barbara Historical Museum
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Recreation and Entertainment
- Golf
- Hiking
- Surfing
- Parks
- Movie Showtimes
- Shopping – Paseo Nuevo
- Restaurant Guide
- Santa Barbara Bowl
Private Golf, Racquet, Polo and Country Clubs
- Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club
- La Cumbre Country Club
- Montecito Country Club
- Santa Barbara Tennis Club
- Santa Barbara Yacht Club
- Glen Annie Golf Club
- Sandpiper Golf Club
- River Course at Alisal Ranch
- Rancho San Marcos
Arts
- Arts Commission
- Galleries
- Arlington Theater
- Granada Theater
- Lobero Theater
- Ballet Santa Barbara
- Festival Ballet
- State Street Ballet
- Symphony
- Chamber Orchestra
- Blues Society
- Contemporary Arts Forum
Celebrations
Government and Business
- Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara City
- Santa Barbara Chamber of Commerce
- Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Montecito Association
- Carpinteria
Media
- Santa Barbara News Press
- Santa Barbara Independent
- Santa Barbara Daily Sound
- Santa Barbara Magazine
- Santa Barbara Food & Home
- CASA Magazine
- KEYT-TV
- Radio Stations
Transportation
A Brief History
Santa Barbara County's wine grape growing and winemaking history began in 1782 when Father Junipero Serra brought grapevine cuttings from Mexico to be planted near Sycamore Creek. In 1804, the largest mission vineyard, 25 acres, was established just north of Santa Barbara, adjacent to San Jose Creek on land that is now part of the town of Goleta. An adobe winery was built as well, and it still stands as Goleta's oldest landmark.
In 1884, Justinian Caire imported grape slips from France and planted a 150-acre vineyard on Santa Cruz Island. His prize-winning wines were shipped to San Francisco for bottling. Meanwhile, a grapevine planted in 1842 on a farm in Carpinteria grew to monstrous proportions. In fifty years, it had a trunk measuring nine feet around, an arbor covering two acres and an annual yield of ten tons of grapes.
Santa Barbara County's first modern-day winery, aptly named Santa Barbara Winery, was founded in 1962 by Pierre Lafond, the 32-year-old owner of a popular wine and cheese shop. It wasn't until two years later, however, that the county's first commercial wine grape vineyard was planted – by UC Davis viticulture graduates Uriel Nielsen and Bill DeMattei. Lafond's own vineyard was planted in 1972. Other pioneers included Firestone, Sanford, Rancho Sisquoc and Zaca Mesa.
Around 1980, vineyard owners and winemakers began fine-tuning vineyard plantings and winemaking to reflect Santa Barbara's terroir. Chardonnay and pinot noir began replacing chenin blanc and white Riesling, and the county's cooler regions began hosting Rhone varietals such as syrah, grenache, mourvedre, viognier, marsanne and rousanne. Today, chardonnay, pinot noir and syrah are the most widely planted grapes.
The Terroir
Santa Barbara's wine growing region is home to a topographic feature not found anywhere else in the contiguous U.S. – a pair of mountain ranges running east-west rather than north-south. The result is a funnel effect that ushers in fog and cool air from the Pacific Ocean, thereby extending the growing season and allowing the grapes to develop intense flavors and optimum acid-sugar ratios as they ripen slowly and evenly. These favorable conditions, combined with plentiful sunshine and soils conducive to growing exemplary wine grapes, are the perfect elements for a world-class wine growing region.
The AVA's
There are four American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in Santa Barbara County. The Santa Ynez Valley AVA is the largest and is home to more than 50 wineries and many acres of vineyards. It consists of the warmer eastern part of the valley -- farther from the ocean and, therefore, the recipient of less cooling ocean influence -- and the significantly cooler Santa Rita Hills in the west, closer to the ocean. The difference is so great in the two parts of the valley that the Santa Rita Hills has now received its own AVA designation.
The third AVA, Santa Maria Valley, is bounded by the San Rafael Mountains (as they curve northward) to the east and the Solomon Hills and the city of Santa Maria to the west. Windy, cool and often foggy, this is another cool-climate growing area more similar to Burgundy, the French home of pinot noir and chardonnay, than to Bordeaux, where merlot and cabernet sauvignon are the mainstays. Those grapes are grown in the warmer, eastern part of the Santa Ynez Valley.
The newest AVA, with the smallest vineyard acreage (500+), is Happy Canyon. Nestled in the far eastern portion of the Valley, Happy Canyon's almost 24,000 acres span elevations from 800 to 3,400 feet. It's combination of warm climate and rocky, mineral-rich soil makes it the perfect home for Bordeaux and Rhône grape varietals.
The Wines
Because Santa Barbara is blessed with a cornucopia of microclimates, winemakers are able to produce a wide array of wines to please virtually any palate. After nearly forty years of experimentation and fine-tuning by vintners in order to match grape varietals with the region's terroir, however, a handful of varietal wines and blends are taking center stage and achieving acclaim. Chardonnay, Pinot Gris (Pinot Grigio) and Viognier are standouts among white wines, while Pinot Noir and Syrah shine in the red wine category.
As plantings of Bordeaux and Rhône varietals increase and mature in the new Happy Canyon AVA and elsewhere, however, wine lovers will be seeing more top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon blends, Merlots and Sauvignon Blancs emerging from Santa Barbara's Wine Country.
The Wines
The most comprehensive information about Santa Barbara's wine country, wines, wineries and wine events may be found at the website of the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association, www.sbcountywines.com.
© Copyright 2010 Michael O'Shea
