The beautiful Santa Barbara County is not only the home of horses, cattle, lavender and green pastures, it is also the home of some of California's best grapes. Since the first modern vineyards were planted in the Tepusquet area of the Santa Maria Valley in the early 60's, vineyards have burgeoned. The area's soils are clay and sandy loam with excellent drainage. Grapes need warm days and cool nights to ensure a longer growing season for optimal growth and production. The geology of the Valley's hills and east west transverse coastal mountains generate morning fog with cool temperatures and warm afternoons tempered by ocean breezes. This actually creates a variety of microclimates that promote the growth of all of the classic grape varietals.

Grapes are now the third most valuable crop in Santa Barbara County, with more than 18,000 acres planted, valued at more than $150 million. Well over one million cases of wine are produced annually by over 100 wineries, most of which are small, family operations located in the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valleys.

Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard is within the Santa Ynez Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), which has a transverse east-to-west direction. This orientation allows for extreme microclimates throughout the appellation, each of which provide diverse and ideal conditions for different grape varietals. Sandy, clay loams ridden with ancient river materials provide excellent drainage for the vines, which enjoy a very long growing season due to the lack of rain in the summer months. But it is the climate that provides such an ideal location at this end of the valley for Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. After early morning fogs from the nearby Pacific ocean, the warm days allow the thicker skins of these grapes to fully ripen. As the day ebbs to dusk, the temperature drops dramatically and allows the grapes to retain a natural acidity that would not be present in any other type of climate. This environment results in grapes of spicy flavors, elegant tannins and a lively acidity.

The Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard grows Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. The varietals and their clones were carefully chosen and yield grapes which are now in high demand by several wineries in the area. The fruit is carefully hand farmed all growing season during which much attention is paid to shoot-positioning and crop-thinning to achieve lower yields and high quality. After veraison, the grapes are green-dropped to achieve even ripening. This technique ensures that only the ripest, most flavorful grapes are used. On the day the winemakers determine the sugars and flavors are exactly right, the crop is hand-harvested and rushed to the wineries where winemakers have made many award-winning wines.

In 2002, a few tons of our best Sauvignon Blanc, our favorite Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were reserved to be made into our first ever Great Oaks Ranch and Vineyard wines. The 2003 vintage marked the first production of a Great Oaks Ranch Syrah.