The Santa Ynez Valley plays host to a handful of boutique wineries that envelop the senses with a single visit. One such location is Sunstone Vineyards and Winery conveniently located just a half hour north of Santa Barbara in the California wine country. The name derived from the way sunlight graces the stones and limestone found on the property, Sunstone Winery and Vineyard stands proudly beside its neighboring wineries just minutes away. With its property situated on the fringe of the Santa Ynez River, the expansive wine estate’s alluring atmosphere is overseen by a family of wine growers dedicated to providing a worthwhile experience.
For more than a few years, Sunstone Winery and Vineyards has sponsored the popular Santa Barbara International Film Festival. As the host and supporter of artistic collaborations in film and the education of such through the winery’s own theater-turned-learning center in downtown Santa Barbara, Sunstone Winery and Vineyard has proven its dedication and appreciation for the fine art of cinema that continues to follow their mission of “…engaging, enriching, and inspiring people through the power of film.”
As one of the first certified organic vineyards in Santa Barbara County, the owners and staff at Sunstone Winery and Vineyards are proud of their C.C.O.F. (California Certified Organic Farmers) designation. From the winery’s Merlot and Cabernet to its Cabernet Franc and Syrah and Viognier, the property is run with an environmentally friendly concept in mind through the efforts of recycling, reusing and conservation. By avoiding the use of pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fungicides, the vineyards and grapes that create Sunstone wines become something to anticipate knowing that the end result will not only be extraordinarily palate-pleasing, but also be a healthier option.
The first initial planting of twenty-eight acres of grapes commenced in 1990. Since then, the estate has flourished and become what it is today – a prominent, must-visit boutique winery with expansive vineyards on an estate fit for visitors and guests with even the most discrimination taste.
The main entry to Sunstone Winery and Vineyards tasting room is upscale rustic yet embraces guests with the aromas of blooming lavender and prominent rosemary plants when entering into the courtyard touched by the beauty of an intimate setting under a sunny California sky. Our wine specialist explained that the aftermath of a damaged horse barn from a fallen tree encouraged the rebuilding of it into what is now the Sunstone Tasting Room. It’s odd sometimes how things work out because the tasting room is quite a sight that is held dear by the owners, staff and visitors alike. The courtyard offers a spacious area for enjoying a bottle of Sunstone wine over a lingering lunch right outside the tasting room. A short walk to the front door and it’s time to indulge in tasting what this estate is so proud of producing.
Friendly, educated wine specialists behind an elongated tasting bar graciously pour sips of vintages for those awaiting the flavors of perfection. Two stone barrel aging rooms allow for a 5,000 square feet capacity for younger wines to age peacefully while onlookers explore the area sipping wine, snacking on cheeses, and carrying on conversations with one another.
The Villa at Sunstone offers overnight accommodation for those guests seeking a lengthier experience on the now fifty-five-acre estate. This old-world architectural gem with its Tuscan influences was the former home to the Sunstone founders but was converted into a guest residence for visitors supplying 8,500 square feet of luxurious space to enjoy. Multiple suites with private baths and sweeping vistas of the vineyards and Santa Ynez mountains prove majestic, while special packages offer private wine tastings and other intriguing educational reasons to lodge at this location during your wine adventure.
Don’t miss the variety of events from summer concerts and gourmet winemaker dinners to the wine release parties and traditional grape stomping gatherings, as well as getting to know the benefits of joining Club Sunstone! Whether visiting for the day or arriving for an elongated wine weekend to lodge at the Villa at Sunstone, you are sure to enjoy a memorable adventure.