This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1623 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Reservation Required
Price Range For Tasting
Etienne Terlinden established Cordon of Santa Barbara with a background rooted in both European tradition and California technical experience. Terlinden, who also serves as a commercial diver, applies a disciplined approach to his winemaking process. The name Cordon refers to the permanent wood of the grapevine, a nod to the foundational elements of viticulture. Since its inception, the winery has maintained a small-lot production model, allowing for a concentrated focus on specific vineyard blocks across the Santa Ynez Valley and its surrounding AVAs.
Etienne C. Terlinden leads the winemaking team. His background includes time spent as a U.S. Navy SEAL, a discipline he translates into a meticulous approach to vinification. Terlinden emphasizes minimal intervention to allow vineyard characteristics to emerge, focusing on balance and structure. His style leans toward restraint, aiming for wines that pair well with food rather than relying on high alcohol or excessive oak extraction.
The tasting room is located in the heart of Solvang rather than on a vineyard estate. While it lacks vineyard views, the space offers a charming 
courtyard environment typical of the town’s Danish-inspired architecture. Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, providing a quiet respite from the busy streets. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, suitable for walk-ins or planned visits.
The Cordon Wine Club provides members with regular shipments of limited-production bottlings. Members receive tiered discounts on all wine purchases and complimentary tastings at the Solvang location. The club often includes access to small-batch releases and library wines that are not always available to the general public. It serves as the primary distribution channel for the winery’s most sought-after Rhône blends and single-vineyard Pinot Noirs.
Visitors can choose from a flight of current releases, typically priced around $28 per person. This fee is waived with the purchase of two bottles. The tasting list changes seasonally, featuring a mix of white and red varietals. Reservations are not strictly required but are recommended for weekends or larger groups to ensure seating availability.
2021 Cuvée Rouge 246 This red blend presents aromas of dried cherry, cranberry, and a hint of dusty earth. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with flavors of red plum and subtle baking spice. The tannins are fine-grained, leading to a clean, persistent finish. It shows good integration of fruit and savory elements. 93 Points
2022 “Les Jumeaux” Pinot Noir Sourced from the Sta. Rita Hills, this Pinot Noir displays characteristic notes of raspberry, bing cherry, and forest floor. The acidity is bright and lifted, providing a fresh counterpoint to the ripe red fruit. Herbal undertones of dried thyme appear on the mid-palate, supported by polished tannins. 92 Points
2023 Frémont’s Camp Alisos Canyon Petite Sirah A structured offering from Alisos Canyon, this wine opens with deep scents of blackberry, blueberry, and graphite. The mouthfeel is dense and compact, revealing layers of black fruit, cocoa, and black pepper. Firm grip marks the finish, suggesting it will benefit from short-term cellaring. 91 Points
2022 Treaty of Cahuenga Ballard Canyon Syrah This Syrah highlights the savory side of Ballard Canyon. Aromas of violet, black olive, and smoked meat mix with dark berry fruit. The palate is weighty but focused, delivering concentrated flavors of cassis and iron. Integrated tannins and moderate acidity create a harmonious, age-worthy profile. 94 Points
Cordon of Santa Barbara delivers a consistent and technically sound lineup of wines in a convenient downtown location. Etienne C. Terlinden’s disciplined winemaking results in bottles that are structured, balanced, and expressive of their respective appellations. For visitors seeking a focused tasting experience without the need to travel deep into wine country, this tasting room offers a solid introduction to the region’s capabilities.