Dragonette Cellars

History of the Winery

Dragonette Cellars began as a collaborative project between brothers John and Steve Dragonette and close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis. The trio launched the label in 2005 with a shared interest in the specific growing conditions found within Santa Barbara County. They spent their early years working in a local wine shop and cellar, allowing them to study the region’s geography and viticulture closely.

From the beginning, the founders focused on securing fruit from vineyards known for distinct soil compositions and marine-influenced climates. Over the last two decades, the winery has maintained a consistent philosophy of low yields and careful sorting. Their approach relies on direct involvement in the vineyards they lease or own, ensuring that farming practices align with their winemaking goals. The operation remains independently owned and managed by the three original partners.

Winemaker

Brandon Sparks-Gillis handles winemaking as co-owner, working closely with the Dragonette brothers. His method balances active vineyard oversight with restrained cellar techniques, using native yeast fermentations and selective oak to preserve fruit and site traits. The team avoids fining or filtration where possible, aiming for wines with lifted acidity and integrated tannins that highlight soil influences, such as mineral notes from diatomaceous earth or herbal tones from sandy loam.

The wines are marked by precision and balance, avoiding excessive weight in favor of aromatic detail and textural integration.

The Property

Dragonette Cellars operates its production facility in Buellton, but the public face of the brand is their tasting room in downtown Los Olivos. The space is modern and inviting, featuring a blend of indoor bar seating and a relaxed outdoor patio. While they do not own the vineyards they source from, their “property” effectively extends to the specific rows they farm at renowned sites like Fiddlestix, Radian, Bentrock, and Vogelzang. These vineyards are chosen for their unique soil compositions and exposure to the cooling Pacific maritime influence.

Tasting Options

Visitors to the Los Olivos tasting room can choose from a few distinct experiences:

• Estate Tasting ($30): A flight of current releases, typically featuring their Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir blend, and a Syrah.
• The Study Experience ($50): A private, seated tasting held in a separate room. This educational session dives deeper into geology and winemaking techniques, featuring single-vineyard and reserve wines.
• Private Winery Tour ($50): Hosted at the Buellton production facility, this appointment-only experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cellar and barrel room.

Wines We Tasted

2023 Black Label Chardonnay – $105

This reserve bottling opens with notes of yellow apple, hazelnut, and a touch of lemon curd. On the palate, it shows moderate weight and a clean texture. The oak influence is present but integrates with the fruit profile. It finishes with a steady acidity that keeps the richness in check. A solid Chardonnay that aims for a structured, Burgundian style.

2022 Fiddlestix Pinot Noir – $85

Sourced from a site known for its clay and chert soils, this wine delivers aromas of red cherry, cranberry, and dried savory herbs. The mouthfeel is energetic, with fine-grained tannins providing a light grip. Flavors of pomegranate and baking spice linger on a finish that is fresh and lifted. It represents the spicy, red-fruited side of the Sta. Rita Hills well.

2023 Radian Pinot Noir – $85

The Radian vineyard is famous for its extreme wind and diatomaceous earth, which often translates to intensity. This vintage offers dark cherry, bramble, and a distinct mineral earthiness. It is tighter and more linear than the Fiddlestix, with a firm structural backbone. The fruit is concentrated, showing notes of black raspberry and tea leaf on the close.

2022 Black Label Pinot Noir – $105

A blend of the best barrels from the vintage, this Pinot Noir displays impressive depth and complexity. Aromas of black plum, violet, and forest floor lead into a palate that is dense yet polished. The tannins are ripe and well-resolved, supporting layers of dark berry fruit and subtle oak spice. It feels complete and harmonious, with a finish that persists for nearly a minute.

2020 MJM (Reserve Syrah) – $90

Named for the wives of the founders, the MJM is a flagship blend of the winery’s top Syrah barrels. It is powerful and savory, bursting with notes of blackberry preserves, smoked meat, cracked pepper, and olive tapenade. The texture is full-bodied and velvety. Despite its weight, it maintains excellent balance and freshness. It is a serious, age-worthy Syrah that showcases the best of Santa Barbara’s Rhone capabilities.

More Santa Ynez Valley: our reviews of Stolpman Vineyards, Holus Bolus, and Cordon of Santa Barbara Winery.