This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1733 Fletcher Way, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
Reservation Required
Price Range For Tasting
Roger Bower, an entrepreneur and rancher from Texas, purchased the property in 2012 after seeking a site ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawn to the warm conditions of Happy Canyon, he replanted the vineyard with Bordeaux varieties suited to the terrain. The inaugural vintage arrived in 2013, featuring a blend called Relevant Red that combined Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Syrah. By 2014, the Estate Selection emerged as a full estate blend. The name Crown Point reflects the estate’s elevated position, evoking a crown jewel amid the surrounding ranges. Milestones include sustainable certification and a commitment to crafting two flagship wines per vintage: a pure Cabernet Sauvignon and a Bordeaux-style blend.
The winemaking program is led by Simon Faury, who serves as the Director of Winemaking. Faury brings extensive experience from his time in Napa Valley and Bordeaux, allowing him to approach the fruit with a perspective that values both ripeness and structure. He works closely with consulting winemaker Philippe Melka, a highly respected figure in the international wine community known for his work with top-tier estates. Together, Faury and Melka employ a philosophy of precision. They focus on harvesting small, distinct plots within the vineyard and fermenting them separately to maintain control over the final blends. Their approach results in wines that are concentrated, layered, and built for aging.
The estate spans 35 acres of vines in Happy Canyon, positioned 12 miles north of the Pacific Ocean between the Santa Ynez coastal range and San Rafael Mountains. At elevations around 1,000 feet, the site features rocky loam and clay soils high in minerals but low in nutrients, with 
volcanic influences that stress the vines for concentrated fruit. The climate offers warm days tempered by coastal breezes and cool evenings, supporting a long growing season for balanced ripening. A retrofitted horse barn houses the winery, equipped with French oak barrels, wooden fermenters, concrete tanks, and stainless steel for controlled winemaking. Sustainable practices, including SIP certification, guide viticulture. Plantings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Wines show firm tannins and layered flavors; for instance, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon presents aromas of black cherry and cassis with cedar notes, leading to a full-bodied palate with integrated oak and a persistent finish. The 2021 Relevant Red offers chalky tannins framing fresh blackberry and pepper spice.
Crown Point’s wine club is designed for collectors seeking limited-production, estate-driven Cabernet Sauvignon. Allocations are intentionally small, reflecting the winery’s low-yield philosophy.
Members receive priority access to new releases and reserve bottlings, along with invitations to private tastings and estate events. Club participation is the most reliable way to secure the winery’s most limited wines.
Experiences require reservations and prepayment, hosted in private settings for guests 21 and older. The Estate Tasting, at $65 per guest, features a seated flight of current releases. The Wine Tasting, priced at $75, includes a guided sampling in the tasting room. The Vineyard Tour & Wine Pairing, for $100, incorporates a vineyard walk, cellar visit, and pairings with cheeses. The Reserve Cabernet Tasting, at $175, focuses on library selections and premium pours. Groups are kept small, with some options extending to 90 minutes and including panoramic views from elevated spots.
Crown Point Vineyards stands as a serious producer in the Happy Canyon region. The combination of Roger Bower’s vision and the technical expertise of Simon Faury and Philippe Melka has resulted in a portfolio that demonstrates the capacity of Santa Barbara County to produce substantial Bordeaux-style wines. The wines are marked by firm tannins, dark fruit profiles, and polished textures. For collectors and enthusiasts looking for structured reds from the Central Coast, this estate delivers a consistent and well-executed expression of its terroir.