Clementine Carter Wines

Winemaker Sonja Magdevski gives Clementine Carter Wines in Los Alamos, California, a clear purpose: making a case for cool-climate Rhône grapes in Santa Barbara County. Most of the fruit comes from the Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area, with Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Rhône whites at the heart of the roughly 3,000-case production. Her brother Plamen runs day-to-day tasting room operations, while her mother Dobrila oversees the kitchen.

The vineyard relationships give these wines their particular identity. At Robert Rae Vineyard, Clementine Carter sources Grenache, Mourvèdre and Roussanne from an organically farmed property that also houses Martha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary. The Feminist Party brings Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre together in the winery’s sole blend. There is room beyond Rhône varieties, too, including Machado Vineyard Pinot Noir and LaBarge Vineyard Chardonnay made entirely in stainless steel.

The tasting room at 388 Bell Street is a useful stop for groups whose tastes don’t all match. Window nooks, communal tables and a sunny patio share space with sister business Babi’s Beer Emporium, adding beer, cider, panini and spinach pie to the options. Six-wine flights cost $40, with one fee waived per three-bottle purchase; all-red or white-focused requests are welcome. Walk-ins and reservations are both accepted, and friendly dogs are welcome.