The often foggy and windswept Santa Maria Valley is the northern most appellation in Santa Barbara County. The region’s first officially approved AVA enjoys extremely complex soil conditions and diverse microclimates. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are two varietals that especially benefit from the ocean’s influence, and are the flagship wines of this appellation.

There are about 15 Santa Maria Valley wineries and 7,500 acres of vineyards. There is not as much of a boutique wine scene here as in other regions, but this is starting to change. The most prized vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley are grown east of Highway 101 on elevated benchlands. These benchlands are perfectly suited for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which enjoy the cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean. During the 1970s and 1980s, Kendall-Jackson, Beringer Vineyards, and Robert Mondavi planted vines throughout the region.

The quality of Santa Maria Valley grapes is so widely recognized that the fruit is not just used in winemaking at wineries in the appellation. Santa Maria Valley grapes are also used by wineries throughout Santa Barbara County and at many wineries outside of the county. The famous Bien Nacido Vineyard provides grapes for several premium wineries in the state. (Wine/Appellations)