The Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara American Viticultural Area (AVA), established in 2009 and located at the eastern edge of the Santa Ynez Valley, is bordered by the San Rafael Mountains to the west and the Los Padres National Forest to the east. The inland location of Happy Canyon, in combination with the San Rafael Mountains which effectively prevent the cool Pacific coastal breezes from reaching Happy Canyon, results in a relatively warm climate ideal for growing Bordeaux and Rhone varieties.