Brick Barn Wine Estate

Brick Barn Wine Estate in Buellton, California, pairs a 35-acre estate vineyard with a tasting room in a former Arabian horse barn. In the Santa Ynez Valley American Viticultural Area, near the cooler Sta. Rita Hills, the property receives morning fog and evening ocean breezes alongside afternoon sunshine. Founders Norman and Kathleen Williams’ equestrian roots remain visible in the early-1970s barn: 36 original stalls, split-face brickwork and a mid-century modern roofline give the estate an identity beyond its vines.

Winemaker Adrian Bolshoi brings a family winemaking background from Moldova to a broad range of estate grapes. Sandy lower blocks surrounding the winery grow Albariño, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Chardonnay and Vermentino; the rocky upper vineyard supports Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache and Cabernet Franc. White wines deserve equal attention here, rather than serving as a prelude to the reds. The 2023 Albariño holds Double Gold from the 2025 Sunset International Wine Competition, while Chardonnay bottlings offer concrete-aged and oak-aged alternatives.

Visits work well without a tightly scheduled itinerary: seating is first come, first served, and the $30 estate flight requires no reservation. One bottle purchase waives one estate tasting fee. Live music fills Wednesday evenings and weekend afternoons, making those periods a better fit for social sipping than quiet concentration. Children and leashed dogs are welcome, outside food is permitted, and groups of 10 or more receive bottle service only.