This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1645 Copenhagen Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
Lucas & Lewellen is one of those wineries that doesn’t just produce wine; it tells a story that stretches back decades. The collaboration began in 1975, when grape grower Louis Lucas and Superior Court Judge Royce Lewellen crossed paths through the Santa Maria Wine & Food Society. One brought generations of viticultural know-how, the other a legal mind, and a shared passion for wine. It was a meeting of minds and terroirs.
What started as a friendship grew into a business that spans 400 acres of estate vineyards across Santa Barbara County. The vineyards are spread across three distinct climate zones, allowing them to grow an impressive variety of grapes and produce wines with a broad stylistic range. Their reach has expanded over the years, and today, Lucas & Lewellen wines can be found in 25 states and 14 countries.
From the beginning, this partnership was rooted in a love for the land and a clear vision for what Santa Barbara County could offer. It’s not a flashy origin story, but it feels solid and sincere, just like the wines.
WinemakerMegan McGrath Gates has been leading the charge in the cellar since 2007, and her approach is as grounded as it gets, literally. With a background in soil science and a fascination with geology, Megan brings a unique depth to her craft. She believes wine begins long before the grapes hit the press; it starts underground, in the quiet complexity of the soil.
Raised in the Santa Ynez Valley and educated at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Megan cut her teeth working with Burgundian-style wines at Flowers Vineyard & Winery. She’s also taken the time to explore classic wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, Piedmont, and Tuscany, experiences that continue to shape her style. But she doesn’t try to replicate Old World or New World traditions exactly. Instead, she focuses on balance, making wines where acid, fruit, tannin, and texture are all pulling in the same direction.
What sets Megan apart isn’t just her technical knowledge; it’s her respect for the grape’s natural expression. Her wines tend to show a quiet complexity that rewards attention without demanding it. If you’re someone who enjoys peeling back the layers of a wine slowly, her style hits the mark.
The tasting experience is firmly rooted in downtown Solvang, right on Copenhagen Drive. Inside, the space is inviting, cozy, and well laid out. It’s designed for good conversation and easy sipping. There’s no outdoor seating, but the indoor setup makes up for it with warm hospitality and a relaxed pace. There’s also a private tasting area reserved for club members, a nice touch if you’re looking for a little more quiet and focus.
The Lucas & Lewellen wine club carries the same unpretentious charm as the tasting room. With a 4-star rating, it’s a solid option for fans of approachable, well-crafted wines. Members get first dibs on new releases, access to the private tasting area, and a few generous discounts.
What really makes the club work is the variety. Because the winery produces such a wide range of wines, from crisp whites and rosés to structured reds and dessert wines, there’s something for just about every palate. Whether you’re stocking your everyday lineup or collecting bottles for more thoughtful meals, the shipments feel purposeful rather than padded.
The pricing is also friendly. You won’t need to rework your monthly budget to stay a member, which makes it a good fit for wine drinkers who want quality without all the extra fuss.
Tastings are priced between $20 and $25, which is more than fair considering the lineup. During our visit, we sampled 16 wines, and every single one landed somewhere between 86 and 92 points. That kind of consistency is impressive, especially across different styles.
Standouts included some expressive Rhône-style reds and a few elegantly structured whites, but the 2020 Hidden Asset was the clear favorite.
This red blend, 34% Malbec, 28% Merlot, 24% Syrah, 11% Petite Sirah, and 3% Cabernet Franc, brings a lot to the table. It’s sourced from the Valley View and Los Alamos Valley vineyards and aged for 16 months in 100% French oak, with just over a fifth of that being new. The oak influence is present but restrained, allowing the fruit to speak first.
On the nose, there’s a lovely mix of plum, blackberry, and a faint herbal lift. The palate follows with smooth layers of dark fruit, a little cocoa, and just enough grip from the Petite Sirah to keep things interesting. At 14.5% alcohol, it has some heft, but the balance holds steady. We rated it 91 points, and at $34 a bottle, it punches above its weight.
It’s one of those wines that feels familiar but not boring, easy to pair with grilled meats or enjoy on its own. There’s no single varietal dominating the blend, which gives it a nice harmony and a soft, lingering finish.
You can check out our full review of the 2020 Hidden Asset, here.
With over a dozen wines on offer, there’s plenty to discover. All in all, Lucas & Lewellen offers a comfortable and rewarding tasting experience in the heart of Solvang. It’s not flashy, and that’s the point. Good wine, good people, and a focus on the fundamentals are the real assets here.
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