Buying Wine Online: Shop Local
If there’s anything you need to stock up on right now, it’s wine. It’s easy to order and have it delivered directly to your door. And buying wine online is exactly the thing to do right now to show your support for our local wineries—and to make sure you have a good supply on hand! If you are not sure where to go or what to buy, perhaps our list will make it easy for you.
Some wineries offer discounts on multiple bottles purchased. There are often even more discounts if you join their wine club (and by the way, it’s a great time to join their wine club). In addition, many wineries are offering free local shipping or even delivery right now and other discounts, so call or check their websites for additional information—especially availability, which is always changing.
Note: Many of these happen to be advertisers in our magazine, but not all of them. Wineries were selected for this list based on whether they had online ordering available and were recommended by our panel of writers. Since there are so many wonderful wines made in Santa Barbara County, this list is by no means exhaustive.
Au Bon Climat / Clendenon Family Vineyards — AuBonClimat.com
So many wines to choose from! In addition to Au Bon Climat (you cannot go wrong with one of their exquisite Pino Noirs or one of their Bien Nacido Chardonnays), you can order wine from Clendenen Family Vineyards and other Jim Clendenen projects. Also check out their specials and case discounts.
Pictured here is the 2016 Chardonnay Bien Nacido Vineyard ($35). “This vineyard has hit its stride producing marvelous Chardonnays year after year. On the palate, classic Chardonnay flavors of apple, citrus and vanilla go on and on. Serve with shellfish, Cornish game hen, or alfredo pasta with lobster. Scored 94 points Antonio Galloni’s Vinous; 93 points Jeb Dunnuck; 92 points Wine Spectator.”
Buttonwood Winery & Vineyard — ButtonwoodWinery.com
Rosé fans will struggle to choose between their Grenache Rosé and their Syrah Rosé—so just get both. Did we mention that they have discounts on ordering 12 or more bottles? Merlot fans (yes, there are many despite Sideways) will want to stock up on their 2015 Merlot ($23.40 or $20.80 for club members).
“Cheeseburgers and pasta are perfect for this full-bodied Merlot. Merle is the French name for the black bird and our Merlot is always darkly hued. Crimson in color with beautiful clarity, 2015 Merlot’s bouquet is reminiscent of boysenberry, fig and subtle savory Herbes de Provence. In the mouth it is very fresh, showing a great balance between weight, acidity and toasty oak tannins. Flavors of fresh cherries and raspberry and beautiful cacao notes typical of the varietal are displayed on the finish.”
Foxen — FoxenVineyard.com
Two of their exceptional Pinot Noirs—the 2016 Santa Maria Valley ($36) and the 2014 Sta. Rita Hills ($20.20)—are available to order online. Be sure to check out their Rhone style wines as well. Quantity discounts for 6 or more bottles and bigger discounts for 12 or more.
“Jenny and Dick’s seven-acre Williamson-Doré vineyard, planted in 1999, sits on the eastern realm of the Santa Ynez Valley, close to the entrance to Happy Canyon. The site is gently sloped to the south, with great sun exposure and shallow soils that de-vigor the vines and thus concentrating the fruit. Varietals grown include Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Sangiovese.”
Hitching Post — HPWines.com
They have a case special on their Pinks Rosé ($120) right now that is not to be missed. Also worth stocking up on is their 2016 Cork Dancer Pinot Noir($30). Or do a vertical tasting with the three-pack of their Highliner Pinot Noir, which includes 2012, 2013 and 2014 ($120).
“Leading the Hitching Post Wines team are the creators and two long-time friends, Gray Hartley and Frank Ostini, who have been making wines in Santa Barbara County, California since 1979. In 1981 they discovered the wonders of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir; since then Pinot has been their primary focus. Hartley and Ostini strive to create flavorful handcrafted wines that possess poise and balance, putting a slice of Santa Barbara in each glass, and a piece of their soul in every bottle of Hitching Post.”
Kita Wines — KitaWines.com
They have a well-rounded selection of wines available on their website, including some library wines. One standout is their 2018 T’aya ($22), a blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. And if you’re collecting Rosés, add their 2018 Grenache Rosé ($20) to your cart.
“This rosé is comprised of 100% Grenache Noir grapes that are grown and picked specifically for rosé and the pale pink color and bright aromatic highlight this. The aromatics of strawberries, hibiscus, blood orange and cranberry entice you with their charms at first encounter. Relatively high acidity leads to an intense palate of ruby red grapefruit, red apple, white pepper and spice. The brightness combined with lees aging gives this wine a complexity and vibrancy that carries all the way through the finish. The purity of the Grenache grape makes this wine a match for almost any dish.”
Lo-Fi Wines — LoFi-Wines.com
Although not all their offerings are available online, it’s a well-curated selection. Their Cab Francs are particularly noteworthy— 2018 Cabernet Franc Clos Mullet ($32) and 2018 Cabernet Franc Coquelicot ($28). And don’t miss the opportunity to grab some of their Chardonnay, Malbec and Syrah.
2018 Cabernet Franc Clos Mullet: “Hand-harvested and organically grown; 100% de-stemmed. Pumped over once daily. No sulfur used at harvest. Fermented on the native yeasts, followed by full malolactic by naturally occurring bacteria. The wine was fermented for two weeks then pressed to tank, settled, then racked to barrel the following day. Total of 20 ppm so2 added without filtration in keeping with our minimalist (lo-fi) philosophy.”
Margerum Wine Company — MargerumWines.com
Try the 2019 Riviera Rosé ($24.50) for a special dinner or try the 2018 Riviera Rosé in 375ml cans (12.50) for outdoor dining or relaxing by the pool when the weather warms up. Discounts on ordering 12 or more bottles.
“Riviera Rosé, called “Riviera” as Santa Barbara is known as the American Riviera based on its’ southern facing, Mediterranean climate. This is the perfect wine to accompany the picnics, dinners, and BBQs. Enjoy Riviera Rosé on the lake or by the pool. You can take this can of Rosé just about anywhere. Our winemaker, Doug worked at a winery in the south of France for 4 years where this style of rosé is made & Margerum Wine Company makes the private label Rosé for Auberge de Soleil and other top properties.”
Riverbench Vineyard — Riverbench.com
After perusing the great selection of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, be sure not to miss their line up of sparkling wines—Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, Demi Sec, Brut Rosé and Pinot Meunier (see description below). Discounts on ordering 12 or more bottles.
“Every once in a while, something comes along that disrupts the routine and brings a feeling of unexpected bliss. In 2014, we at Riverbench decided to fully invest in developing our grower sparkling wine program by planting Pinot Meunier. This rare grape is famous in Champagne, France, but has yet to make itself known in California; we are, in fact, the first to grow it for sparkling wine here in Santa Barbara County. We jumped in with both feet and took a chance, and this first Pinot Meunier sparkling wine is lighting up our world. The grape itself has quite a backbone, forming a sparkling wine with structure and complexity. Bright citrus and ripe blackberry play softly in the background behind a pretty puff of pillowy yeastiness and a touch of cream. Some might get an exciting and unique note of rye on the finish. Either way, this bottling stands for something that puts a smile on your face.”
Rusack Vineyards — Rusack.com
They have a nice selection of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs at different price points. Also don’t pass up their 2018 Sauvignon Blanc, Ballard Canyon Estate($26), a great everyday dinner wine. And for a special occasion, they have a large selection of magnums.
“This 2018 vintage of Sauvignon Blanc marks our second 100% Ballard Canyon Estate Sauvignon Blanc. After arriving at the winery in the early morning, the grapes were gently whole-cluster pressed, and then cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve the crispness and varietal characteristics. This beautifully dry white wine is gifted with bright fruit aromas, suggesting both white nectarine and passionfruit. These merge with flavors of caramelized pineapple & jasmine blossom, underscored by a hint of slate, with a finish on the palate that is both full and fresh.”
Santa Barbara Winery — SBWinery.com
With so many wines to choose from, their specials on packs of three wines are the way to go. Try the Italian Package which includes Primitivo from Joughin Vineyard, Sangiovese from Stolpman Vineyard and Lagrein from Joughin Vineyard. If you are shopping for a gift, check out their branded wooden wine boxes. Another option, wines from both Santa Barbara Winery and La Fond Winery are available for delivery via RestaurantConnectionSB.com.
“In 1962, at the age of thirty-two, Pierre Lafond founded the first post-prohibition commercial winery in Santa Barbara County. Two years later, he located a winery facility on Anacapa Street, just two blocks from the Pacific Ocean. For years, Santa Barbara Winery has been honored with the opportunity to produce and be recognized nationally for our award-winning Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Syrahs.”
Taste of Sta. Rita Hills — TasteOfStaRitaHills.com
This is where you head when you really want a large selection—representing a compilation of some of the most prestigious wines in the Sta. Rita Hills. Browse the Storm Wines, Paul Lato Wines, Demetria, Seasmoke and many others. Italian varietal lovers will gravitate toward their Moretti label 2017 Sangiovese Grosso ($38), 2018 Barbera ($38) and the 2018 Vermentino($29), described below.
“Another fantastic vintage for one of our most popular white wines. We love this vineyard for its consistency of quality. White flowers, citrus and tropical fruit on the nose lead to a bright cornucopia on the palate – lime, mulberries and ripe pear. This is a medium-bodied wine perfect for sipping alone or paired with seafood, chicken or fried foods. While rich on the palate, the low alcohol makes the finish clean and crisp.”
Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards — ZacaMesa.com
Along with their excellent selection of Rhone varietals, they have a couple of exceptional Chardonnays and a Pinot Noir from Bien Nacido Vineyard. We love their 2014 Z Three estate ($48). But don’t forget to add one of our favorite whites, the 2017 Viognier ($25) to your cart.
“Viognier is a white grape variety indigenous to the Rhône Valley of France. We are so taken with this beautifully aromatic varietal that we have dedicated 20 acres of our estate vineyard to the grape. The 2017 is a stunning, pure and elegant expression of Viognier. The nose is laser-focused with stone fruits, pear skin and white flowers, spotlighting mineral notes of wet stone and chalk. With beautiful energy on the palate, its mouthwatering acidity carries persistent flavors of nectarine and citrus peel.”
