History of the Winery
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.
Winemaker
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 name Cordon refers to the permanent wood of the grapevine, a nod to the foundational elements of viticulture.
The Property
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.
Tasting Options
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.
Tasting Notes
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.
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.
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.
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.
More Santa Ynez Valley: our reviews of Toccata Tasting Room, Crown Point Vineyards, and Stolpman Vineyards.
Wines to look for
Four bottlings are highlighted in the tasting notes:
- 2021 Cuvée Rouge 246 Red Red blend; dried cherry, cranberry, and a hint of dusty earth, with red plum and subtle baking spice on a medium-bodied palate.
- 2022 “Les Jumeaux” Pinot Noir Single varietal From the Sta. Rita Hills; raspberry, bing cherry, and forest floor, with bright acidity and herbal notes of dried thyme.
- 2023 Frémont's Camp Alisos Canyon Petite Sirah Single varietal From Alisos Canyon; blackberry, blueberry, and graphite, with layers of black fruit, cocoa, and black pepper.
- 2022 Treaty of Cahuenga Ballard Canyon Syrah Single varietal From Ballard Canyon; violet, black olive, and smoked meat with dark berry fruit, cassis, and iron.
Our verdict
★★★★★
Cork & Journey: 5 out of 5 stars. 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.