Trip Planner: USA / California / Santa Barbara / Lafond Winery

Lafond Winery, Santa Barbara

4.3

#36 of 37 in Wineries in Santa Barbara

Winery / Vineyard · Hidden Gem · Food & Drink

In 1962, Pierre Lafond reestablished Santa Barbara County's winemaking tradition by founding Santa Barbara Winery. The winery was the first since prohibition and has played a pioneering role in the subsequent development of the Santa Ynez Valley as a world-class wine growing region. Pierre purchased land in 1971 on the western end of the valley and began planting what is now a 97.5 acre vineyard.

Winemaker Bruce McGuire was brought on board in 1981 and encouraged plantings of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, noting that the soil and microclimate of Lafond Vineyar, classified as cool Region 1, were ideal for these varietals.

In 1996, Santa Barbara Winery expanded to include a new line of premium wines dedicated to producing exclusively vineyard and appellation designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Lafond Winery's new facilitiy was opened to visitors in 2001.

To visit Lafond Winery on your holiday in Santa Barbara, and find out what else Santa Barbara has to offer, use our Santa Barbara.
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Lafond Winery reviews

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23 reviews

Google

4.3

By KennethW503

If, like us, you are in the Solvang or Buellton area take the time to go to the other side of Route 101, drive 5 miles or so and visit the winery. The setting is beautiful, there is plenty of... more »
By rlepson

Recommend stopping here for sure if doing wine tasting in the area. They have charm and personality. The ladies pouring were super friendly, as were the cats - Thelma and Louise. The tasting room is..... more »
By matt v

My wife and I stopped by here on our way to Buellton and had a great time. Jeneanne was incredibly knowledgeable and poured us a number of fantastic wines. The pinots were great, especially the... more »

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Google

By Valérie Lent

If you like Pinots and Syrahs, this is the best winery we know in the funk done of Santa Barbara for these. The tasting room is not pretentious but still has an upscale feel to it, thanks to the good taste of the items for sale in addition to the wines. $15 gets you a tasting of 6 wines. The pourer who helped us today was very knowledgeable about the vineyards, the choices made by the wine maker for each wine including the reasons behind the choice of specific clones . He also provided good insight into the tasting notes to expect. The place is welcoming and you can easily engage in conversation with other wine enthusiasts, as the space is just the right size.

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By Paul O

Great wines. Great people. Attack of the Clone 777

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By Danny Rmz

Very friendly, knowledgeable staff. Great selection!! My favorite Pinot Noir in town

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By Michelle Dunn

An delicious and well-rounded selection of local wines to explore. Excellent and knowledgeable wine service. Great laid back atmosphere near the beach!

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By Kristina Setka

Very friendly and hospitable staff. Pretty good red wines, did not care for their white wines.

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