Travel

Holus Bolus: Small-Lot Mastery in Los Olivos

Holus Bolus is a Sta. Rita Hills focused producer based in Los Olivos, led by co-founders and co-winemakers Peter Hunken and Amy Christine MW. The winery emphasizes vineyard-driven bottlings, restrained winemaking, and clarity of varietal expression, with particular strength in cool-climate Syrah.

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Toccata Tasting Room

Toccata Tasting Room in Solvang provides a specialized focus on Italian grape varieties grown within the Santa Ynez Valley. Managed by the Lucas family, the cellar door emphasizes a casual, village-style atmosphere. The current portfolio highlights how traditional Mediterranean varieties adapt to the unique microclimates of Santa Barbara County.

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Stolpman Vineyards: Dry-Farmed Precision in Ballard Canyon

Stolpman Vineyards focuses on dry-farmed Syrah and Rhône varieties grown on limestone soils in Santa Barbara County. Founded by Tom and Marilyn Stolpman and now led by their son Pete, the winery combines high-density planting with a dedicated vineyard crew, La Cuadrilla, to produce vibrant and site-specific wines.

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Crown Point Vineyards

Crown Point Vineyards is a hillside Cabernet-focused estate in Santa Ynez defined by precision farming, low yields, and structured, age-worthy wines. During our visit, every wine tasted performed at a 95+ point level, reflecting a disciplined, site-driven approach from vineyard to cellar.

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Cordon of Santa Barbara Winery

Cordon of Santa Barbara offers a focused exploration of Santa Barbara County terroir from its tasting room in downtown Solvang. Founded by Etienne Terlinden, the winery emphasizes site-specific expressions of Rhône and Burgundian varieties. The portfolio highlights balanced winemaking and technical precision, delivering wines that reflect the diverse microclimates of

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Dragonette Cellars: Precision and Patience in Santa Barbara

Dragonette Cellars produces small-lot wines from Santa Barbara County’s cool-climate vineyards, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. Founded in 2005 by brothers John and Steve Dragonette alongside Brandon Sparks-Gillis, the winery emphasizes vineyard management and minimalist cellar practices to express site-specific character and balanced structure.

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Galante Vineyards: Cowboy Charm Meets Carmel Wine Country

Located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Galante Vineyards is a wine lover’s retreat with a Western flair. Known for its bold reds and smooth, structured varietals, this small but mighty winery delivers big flavors. With no reservations required, an inviting tasting room, and a top-notch wine club, Galante is a

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Rombi Wines, Carmel Valley

Salvatore Rombi’s Rombi Wines, located in Carmel Valley, California, is a rare find. Because while many boutique winemakers own their own tasting rooms, few actually stand behind the counter every weekend and pour for their customers!

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