Sunstone

When Fred and Linda Rice and their three children moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 55-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would end up happily presiding over one of the largest organic vineyard estates in Santa Barbara County.

Today, Sunstone Vineyards and Winery devotes its entire 77-acre estate to organic grape growing. The Rices’ sun-dappled acreage, which is planted to Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, meets all California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF) standards.

Fred and Linda, along with son Bion, who is now President of the winery, and daughters Ashley and Brittany, originally chose the terraced site overlooking the Santa Ynez River for its ideal south-sloping exposure, its sandy, rocky soil, and a microclimate that features earlymorning fog, warm, breezy afternoons, and cool evenings. It proved to be a fortuitous choice, as they soon discovered that it was a perfect spot for the growing of top-notch organic fruit and enjoying a country lifestyle.“Our goal was to create a place where wine and food could be enjoyed in a picturesque atmosphere,” says Linda Rice. “Camaraderie and a sense of sharing is so much a part of this lifestyle. All of our interests-from environmental preservation and organic growing to the celebration of food, family, and friends-have come together here at Sunstone.”

Bion Rice recommends experiencing Sunstone wines directly at the winery. “Tasting our wines is tasting the terroir of this special place,” he says. ”As you drive in, you are surrounded by the soils and the vines that create our wines. You can feel the temperate winds that sweep between the rows, creating the perfect climate for Bordeaux and Rhone varietal grapes. Our goal is to capture the true essence of this vineyard in your glass.” Aromas of French lavender and rosemary greet visitors as they approach the winery’s inviting courtyard and tasting room. The architecture recalls wineries in the Provencal countryside, and the relaxed ambiance in the tasting room includes a kitchen complete with woodburning oven. Over 5,000 square feet of stone barrel-aging caves are built into the hillside. Winemaker dinners and other special events are held in the tasting room, caves, and courtyard year-round.