The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail
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The Central Coast wine region has created its share of world-class vineyards and wines. With over 40 wineries stretching from the Santa Ynez Valley to Paso Robles, the Central Coast is growing more and more each year in vineyard acreage and production. In 2004, the region produced over 175,000 tons of wine grape crush. Many industry analysts expect California's Central Coast to soon surpass the Napa valley in wine production.
Directly east of Santa Maria lies Foxen Canyon Road, a scenic country byway travelling through vineyards and rolling hills. Recently receiving world-wide attention in the Academy Award winning film, Sideways; the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail is a perfect way to discover these local wineries (see map below for numbered references - click on the map for an enlarged version):
A premium vineyard located just east of Santa Maria is the Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery(1). Focusing on Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Cottonwood embraces traditional Burgundian wine-making practices to produce age-worthy and memorable wines.
The Cambria Winery(2) is located 10 minutes east of Santa Maria and produces award-winning Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier, Sangiovese and Barbera. Wine & Spirits Magazine named Cambria a Regional Winery of the Year in 1997.
Located on picturesque Tepusquet Road, the Byron Vineyard & Winery(3) specializes in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris. In 1984,wine pioneer Byron "Ken" Brown founded the winery which has grown to become a leading producer of world class wines from the Santa Maria Valley.
Just up the driveway from the historic Foxen Chapel and cemetery, at the far eastern edge of the Santa Maria Valley is the Rancho Sisquoc Winery(4). Rancho Sisquoc was one of the first wineries established in Santa Barbara County and their current selection of 11 different wines reflects the maturity of their vineyards.
The Bedford Thompson Winery & Vineyard(6) produces 5000 cases annually of Chardonnay, Viognier, Gwurztraminer, Syrah (Estate), and Cabernet Franc (Estate). Located just outside Los Alamos, 15 miles south of Santa Maria.
Established in 1972, Zaca Mesa Winery(7) is a pioneer in Santa Barbara County wine history. The 750-acre winery is one of the "highest in the county, creating warm, sunny days and cool, breezy afternoons. The result is California's longest growing season, and wine of extraordinary richness, fruitiness and complexity." The Zaca Mesa tasting room and visitor center are world class; well worth a visit.
Across the lane and south a bit on Foxen Canyon Rd. is the Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard(8). (Yep, the Fess Parker, of Daniel Boone fame.) Another visitor-friendly tasting room and beautiful grounds greet the wine enthusiast at this exceptional facility.
The Curtis Winery(9) was established in 1978 and prides itself in producing quality wines from "hand-harvested, carefully sorted, and gently handled" fruit. Now a part of the Firestone Vineyard, the Curtis tasting room is open daily from 10-5.
The grandaddy of the Santa Ynez Valley, the Firestone Vineyard(10) was the first commercial winery to crush locally grown grapes in Santa Barbara County. If you haven't tried Firestone's Riesling, grab some immediately..you won't be dissappointed. A branch of Firestone, the Firestone Walker Brewing Company, produces some outstanding Ales.
