In the beginning...

In 1978, Walt and Mona Babcock were seeking a retreat from Walt's dental practice and the rigors of being restauranteurs (Walt's Wharf in Seal Beach). Their search led them to purchase 110 acres of land on the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. At that time the area was considered a fledgling wine region. This inspired and prompted the Babcocks to plant a 25-acre vineyard in 1980. By the end of 1983, various notable winemakers had purchased Babcock fruit and made compelling wines. It was quickly becoming apparent that the soil and cool climate of the Babcock estate was ideal for producing ultra-premium wine grapes.

In 1984, Walt and Mona Babcock decided it was time to seize the opportunity to produce their own wine. As they were setting the stage for their winemaking operation, their son Bryan, a graduate of Occidental College with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry, was attending the University of California at Davis, working toward his master's degree in food science with an emphasis in enology. His studies primed him for the first harvest under the Babcock label, and he was awarded a double gold medal for their 1984 Estate Sauvignon Blanc. This was the first of the many honors and awards that Babcock Winery would receive.

Today...

Still family-owned and operated, Babcock Winery is surrounded by 90 acres of estate vineyards currently planted to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. The 20,000 case winery primarily uses their own grapes but also sources their fruit from other notable local vineyards.

What has Bryan excited these days is the promotion of the recently TTB approved appellation, Santa Rita Hills. Named for the hills that lie in the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley between two other ranges-- the Purisimas to the north and the Santa Rosas to the south-- this region is situated at its closest point within 10 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Babcock and a number of other nearby vineyards are in the heart of this viticulturally distinct area. Within a cool climate (Region 1), generally 10 to 15 degrees cooler than eastern Santa Ynez Valley, this district is caressed by cooling ocean breezes at mid-afternoon that help keep temperatures moderate on warm summer days. The climate and soil combination creates flavorful wines of depth, texture and balance, most notable in the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties.

Never resting on his laurels, Bryan continually finesses his farming practices and strives to make compelling wine outside of the box. It has led to Babcock's reputation as one of the finest and most consistently reliable wine producers in California.