This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1661 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
Mark and Wendy Horvath didn’t just stumble into winemaking; they chased it down with purpose. After cutting their teeth in Sonoma’s wine country and learning the ropes from industry pros, they felt the pull of Santa Barbara County, still then a rising star in the wine world. It was the early days of the Sta. Rita Hills, and the opportunity to shape something new was too tempting to pass up. Mark honed his skills at Babcock Winery, where he climbed the ranks and took charge of winemaking duties.
Before long, side projects like Kenneth-Crawford Wines added even more momentum. But it was Crawford Family Wines that would become the ultimate dream — a deeply personal venture rooted in the best fruit the Sta. Rita Hills and the surrounding areas could offer. Their minimalist philosophy — letting the fruit shine and keeping winemaking techniques gentle — is the foundation of every bottle they produce today.
Mark Horvath’s journey from passionate wine taster to professional winemaker reads like a love letter to the craft. Early mentorship from Master Sommelier Emmanuel Kimiji gave him a worldly wine education, but the true magic happened once he got his hands dirty.
Working at Carmenet Winery in Sonoma, Mark didn’t just punch the clock; he immersed himself, from the cellar to the lab, taking every UC Davis extension course he could fit into his schedule. But it was a serendipitous encounter with a group of young Santa Barbara winemakers that truly set his course. They shared a vision for the region’s potential, and Mark jumped in headfirst, eventually making his mark at Babcock Winery before branching out on his own.
Today, at Crawford Family Wines, Mark applies everything he’s learned — blending hands-on experience with academic knowledge — to create wines that are pure, expressive, and true to their vineyard roots. And it’s clear that for Mark, wine isn’t just a product. It’s a lifelong pursuit.
The PropertyCrawford Family Wines doesn’t sprawl across rolling hills or boast a grand estate. Instead, it offers a cozy, welcoming space right in the heart of Solvang. Set along Mission Drive, the tasting room shares its home with a local art gallery, creating a relaxed, creative vibe. With comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, it’s the kind of place that invites you to take your time, enjoy the wine, and soak in the stories behind every pour.
The club offers flexibility, with members receiving a curated selection of wines twice a year (which are fully customizable as well). These selections often include limited-production wines that rarely make it beyond the tasting room. There are perks too: complimentary tastings, first access to new releases, and special events that feel more like intimate gatherings than big productions.
Given the small lot production style, being in the club gives members a true inside track to some very exclusive bottlings. It’s a setup that matches the winery’s overall vibe — personal, thoughtful, and refreshingly low-key.
For $25, guests are treated to five thoughtfully selected wines — but don’t be surprised if you’re handed a few bonus pours. During a recent visit, Machaela Horvath, daughter of the winemaker, was our host.
Machaela brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, sharing insights about each wine without ever veering into wine-speak overkill. She makes the experience approachable, weaving in stories about the vineyards, the varietals, and her family’s journey into winemaking.
The tasting lineup typically highlights the winery’s strong focus on Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with occasional Rhone varietals making an appearance.
If you’re lucky, Machaela might sneak you an extra pour or two, giving you a glimpse of the winery’s versatility and commitment to craftsmanship. It’s the kind of tasting that feels spontaneous and genuine, not scripted or rushed.
Crawford Family Wines may be small, but it’s making a big impression on anyone lucky enough to visit. Rooted in a true passion for winemaking and a deep connection to the Santa Barbara region, this family-run operation shows what’s possible when authenticity leads the way.
With a friendly, welcoming tasting room, top-notch wines, and a team that clearly loves what they do, Crawford Family Wines is the kind of place that makes you want to stay a little longer, sip a little slower, and maybe even join the wine club so you can keep the experience going long after you leave.
All things wine, and food you could ever need or want — straight to your email!
