Welcome to Kalyra! ​

Our winery blends Aussie spirit with California soul. Led by our Australian winemaker Mike Brown, we specialize in bold, unexpected dessert wines, crisp whites, mellow reds, and tingly bubbles that defy tradition and delight the senses. Staying true to our roots, Kalyra offers visitors a well-rounded wine experience in a laid-back, beachcomber and sometimes crazy vibe. 

 

The History of Kalyra

Mike Brown started his wine career by working in the vineyards of Australia’s Barossa Valley. He came to study viticulture at UC-Davis and on a roadtrip with classmates, he was introduced to the Central Coast which reminded him of his home in Southern Australia.  The ever-growing wine region of Santa Barbara offered many opportunities to work on his craft.

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In 1989, Mike introduced his label, Kalyra, a translation from the Australian Aboriginal meaning ‘A Wild & Pleasant Place.’ It’s fun, international blends made the label wildly popular, reflecting the same qualities as its root meaning.

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In 2002, the first Kalyra tasting room opened in Santa Ynez. Its setting and aesthetics attracted the attention of movie producers working on comedy-drama film about the Santa Barbara wine country. The movie, ‘Sideways,’ was a perfect fit for the funky Kalyra vibe, and its tremendously successful release in 2004 thrust Kalyra into the national spotlight.

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Despite the publicity, Kalyra stayed true to its original roots of a laid-back atmosphere; an international flair blending the best of Santa Barbara varietals originating from Australia, Austria, Portugal, France, and Spain; and value-priced wines that wine aficionados of all levels enjoy. It continues to be a destination for wine enthusiasts around the world on a mission to find ’A Wild & Pleasant Place.’

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THE KALYRA MISSION:
To acknowledge the true desires of the wine enthusiast lifestyle—fun, education, entertainment—and package it with affordability and a commitment to leave the world a better place through our enjoyment of wine.

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