- 6020 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
- 137 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
When it comes to sparkling wine in Santa Barbara County, Riverbench Vineyard and Winery is the crème de la crème. The winery began in 1973 with the planting of chardonnay and pinot noir, traditional in Santa Barbara, but over the years, the brand evolved to focus on a variety of sparkling wines. Santa Maria’s location is cozy and elegant—a renovated, residential-style tasting room surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, making for an afternoon of bubbly and self-discovery. During the holidays, guests can participate in special offerings such as a sparkling wine bottle workshop and truffle pairing. A second tasting room in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone offers the same experience in a more modern, indoor setting. Or try a few sparkling wines during your visit, take home a bottle of the $125 Reserve Blanc de Blancs 2017. This 100 percent chardonnay wine is the most highly oxidized variety in Riverbench’s collection (due to additional barrel aging), with bright acid, and combines the flavors of toasted hazelnut and marzipan. For a unique offering, try the 2017 Blanc de Noirs, made with pinot noir.
