Montemar Winery: Small Production, Big Personality

History

Montemar’s story starts in a garage—literally. Back in 1991, Steve and Caryn Arrowood began making wine as a passion project, working with fruit from Santa Barbara County and Napa Valley. For years, their garage was a hub of winemaking experiments, producing up to 14 barrels annually. Friends and family got to enjoy these early efforts, but as Steve’s interest in winemaking deepened, so did his ambitions.

After retiring from aerospace, Steve took the leap and made Montemar an official, bonded winery in 2009. By 2013, production had grown enough to open a tasting room, and by 2015, Montemar had its own winery space in Lompoc. Tragedy struck in 2020 when Steve passed away after a long battle with cancer. His son, Kyle Arrowood, who had been involved in winemaking from an early age, stepped up to take the reins. Under his leadership, Montemar continues to produce limited-production wines that showcase the unique vineyard sites of Sta. Rita Hills and other Santa Barbara County AVAs.

Through all its growth, Montemar has stayed true to its original philosophy: great wines start in the vineyard, and serious winemaking doesn’t mean you can’t have fun along the way.

Winemaker

Kyle Arrowood didn’t just step into the winemaker role—he grew into it. Having spent years helping his father, Kyle developed an intimate understanding of Montemar’s meticulous approach to winemaking. He officially joined the winery full-time in 2018, just a couple of years before taking over completely.

Montemar’s winemaking philosophy is all about letting the vineyards speak for themselves. The same careful process is applied across varietals, meaning differences in the final wines are a direct result of the vineyard site and vintage rather than heavy-handed winemaking techniques. With a focus on small-lot production, Kyle keeps things hands-on, ensuring every barrel reflects the high-quality fruit sourced from Montemar’s long-standing vineyard partnerships.

Overview of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto

If you’re picturing rolling vineyards and grand estates, think again. Lompoc’s Wine Ghetto is a no-frills collection of industrial buildings turned into functional, urban wineries. It’s a place where winemakers focus more on what’s in the glass than on scenic tasting rooms.

The Wine Ghetto is home to some of the most respected names in Santa Barbara County, offering a laid-back alternative to the traditional wine country experience. Montemar fits right in, providing a welcoming atmosphere without the pretense. Their 6,000-square-foot outdoor space and organic garden add a relaxed, personal touch to the urban winery setting.

List and Scores of the Wines We Tasted

Montemar produces a range of varietals, with an emphasis on Pinot Noir and Syrah. The wines reflect their vineyard sources, showing off the diversity of Santa Barbara County’s terroir. Here’s what we tasted:

• 2018 Chardonnay – $44 – 88 PTS
  A balanced, fruit-forward Chardonnay with bright acidity and subtle oak influence. Notes of green apple, lemon curd, and a hint of vanilla make this a solid choice for those who like a fresher style.
• 2022 Rosé – $25 – 88 PTS
  A lively, crisp rosé with strawberry and watermelon notes. Perfect for a warm afternoon, this wine is refreshing without being overly simple.
• 2016 Pinot Noir – $42 – 84 PTS
  Classic Sta. Rita Hills Pinot with red cherry, cranberry, and earthy undertones. A bit more restrained than some of the other Pinots we tasted, but still well-crafted.
• 2018 Grenache/Graciano – $38 – 90 PTS
  A standout blend with great structure and depth. Ripe red fruit, spice, and a touch of floral character make this an intriguing and layered wine.
• 2017 Grenache – $38 – 88 PTS
  Bright and fruit-driven, this Grenache offers raspberry and plum flavors with a hint of white pepper. Medium-bodied and easy to drink.
• 2016 Syrah SBC – $40 – 90 PTS
  Rich and full-bodied, this Syrah has dark berry fruit, smoky undertones, and firm tannins. A great example of Santa Barbara Syrah.
• 2015 Syrah Watch Hill – $40 – 87 PTS
  More refined and slightly aged, this Syrah leans into savory notes of black olive, leather, and dried herbs.
• 2014 Syrah SBC – $36 – 88 PTS
  Silky and well-integrated, this Syrah shows dark fruit, spice, and a smooth finish.
• 2013 Syrah Watch Hill – $50 – 90 PTS
  One of the more complex wines in the lineup, with layers of dark fruit, pepper, and earthy depth. A wine that has aged gracefully.
• 2016 Radian Pinot Noir – $52 – 89 PTS
  A structured, slightly brooding Pinot with dark cherry, black tea, and mineral notes. Shows the intensity of the Radian Vineyard site.
• 2016 Zotovich Pinot Noir – $48 – 88 PTS
  Elegant and silky, with red fruit and a touch of baking spice. Well-balanced and easy to enjoy.
• 2016 Hilliard Bruce Pinot Noir – $48 – 88 PTS
  A richer expression of Pinot, with darker fruit, floral aromatics, and a smooth, lingering finish.

Wine Club

Montemar takes care of its members with small-lot wines that aren’t available anywhere else. Given the winery’s limited production, joining the club is one of the best ways to get access to their best bottles. The club offers customizable shipments, discounts, and invites to special events. It’s clear that Montemar values its members, making the club a great option for those who appreciate artisanal wines and a more personal connection with the winery.

Tasting Options

Tastings at Montemar are casual and flexible. You can choose from a $15 mixed tasting, a $20 all-Syrah flight, or a $25 all-Pinot lineup. If you pick up three bottles, your tasting fee is waived.

The outdoor space is a big draw, offering plenty of room to relax. Guests can stroll through the winery’s “Ghetto Organic” garden or settle in with a cheese and charcuterie board. You’re also welcome to bring your own picnic, making it one of the more laid-back tasting experiences in the area.

Well-behaved kids and pets are welcome, reinforcing the winery’s friendly, unpretentious vibe. Reservations aren’t required, so it’s an easy stop whether you’re planning ahead or just popping in.

Conclusion

Montemar Winery is all about handcrafted wines, personal connections, and a relaxed atmosphere with deep roots in Sta. Rita Hills and a winemaking approach that lets the vineyards shine, it’s a great stop for those who appreciate small-production wines without the fuss of a traditional tasting room.

Whether you’re exploring the Lompoc Wine Ghetto for the first time or looking for a new favorite spot, Montemar delivers an experience that’s both serious about wine and serious about fun.