This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1595 E Chestnut Ave, Lompoc, CA 93436
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
Dark Water Winery is more than just a label—it’s a story of friendship, heritage, and a lifelong devotion to the craft of winemaking. The winery was born from the partnership between Reggie Pagaling, a tribal elder of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and Dave Mazzonetto, an Italian whose family has been making wine for generations.
Dave’s connection to winemaking runs deep. Raised in Italy, he grew up surrounded by the rhythms of the vineyard, where making wine wasn’t just a job but a way of life. That old-world philosophy is at the heart of Dark Water. Every bottle reflects a commitment to time-honored techniques, extended maceration, and long barrel aging. The results are wines with structure, depth, and a clear sense of place.
While Dark Water may not have a sprawling estate or rolling vineyards, it makes up for it with authenticity. This is a passion project in the purest sense, where every decision is guided by quality rather than quantity. It’s also one of the best-kept secrets in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.
Spending time with Dave Mazzonetto is like sitting down with an old friend who just happens to make incredible wine. He has an easygoing presence, but there’s no mistaking the intensity of his passion when he talks about his process. For Dave, winemaking isn’t just about science or technique—it’s about intuition, patience, and respect for the grape.
He describes winemaking as something that’s in his blood, and after an hour of talking with him, it’s clear that’s not just a figure of speech. His approach is rooted in tradition, but he’s not afraid to push boundaries. His reds, in particular, are defined by extended maceration and lengthy barrel aging, resulting in wines with power and complexity.
Dave’s philosophy is simple: let the grapes speak, but don’t rush them. His wines are given the time they need to develop layers of flavor, and it’s that patience that sets Dark Water apart.
At first glance, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto is not what most people picture when they think of wine country. There are no rolling hills, no grand châteaus, and no sprawling vineyard views. Instead, it’s a collection of industrial warehouse spaces turned into working wineries and tasting rooms.
But don’t let the setting fool you. The Wine Ghetto is home to some of the most talented winemakers in Santa Barbara County. The focus here is on the wine itself rather than the scenery. It’s a place where small-lot producers can experiment, push boundaries, and create wines that might not fit into the mold of a larger commercial operation.
Dark Water fits perfectly into this world. There’s nothing flashy about the space, but once you sit down with Dave and taste his wines, you realize that none of that matters. The Wine Ghetto is about substance over style, and Dark Water embodies that spirit completely.
Dark Water is all about handcrafted, expressive wines, and every bottle reflects Dave’s meticulous approach. Here’s what we tasted:
Each of these wines shows a dedication to quality and an uncompromising approach to winemaking.
Joining Dark Water’s wine club is the best way to get access to their small-lot releases. Given the limited production, club members get priority access to new wines, along with discounts and special events. Since many of Dave’s wines are produced in small quantities, being part of the club is often the only way to guarantee a few bottles make it into your collection.
The club is designed for true wine lovers. There’s a focus on quality over quantity, and members get to be part of a community that values craftsmanship and authenticity.
Dark Water offers a simple and straightforward tasting experience. For $25, you get a flight of five wines, which is a great way to explore the range of styles Dave produces.
Seating is available both indoors and outdoors, and there’s a relaxed, no-reservations-needed policy. The vibe is laid-back, making it a perfect spot for both serious wine enthusiasts and casual tasters looking for something new.
Food isn’t served on-site, but the winery encourages visitors to bring their own snacks. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a long, leisurely tasting without feeling rushed.
Dark Water Winery is a perfect example of why the Lompoc Wine Ghetto is worth exploring. There are no grand estates or postcard-perfect views, but what you do get is something far more valuable—authentic, handcrafted wines made with passion and precision.
Dave Mazzonetto’s wines are bold, layered, and deeply expressive. His Cabernet Sauvignon from Happy Canyon is one of the best we’ve tasted from Santa Barbara County, and his Zinfandel from 100-year-old vines is equally impressive. The Super Tuscan-inspired Toscano blend showcases his ability to balance power with elegance, and even his Sauvignon Blanc is crafted with serious intent.
This is a winery for those who appreciate substance over flash. The wines are the main attraction, and once you sit down with a glass, you’ll quickly understand why Dark Water is one of the best-kept secrets in Lompoc.
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