McKinney Family Vineyards

McKinney Family Vineyards offers private tastings and vineyard tours at the McKinney Family Estate & Vineyard in Santa Ynez, California, with views of the Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains. Owner and director of winemaking Matt McKinney is a Santa Ynez native whose cellar background spans Sunstone, Dierberg Star Lane, and Dragonette Cellars. Head winemaker Justice Massara brings vineyard experience from Napa Valley’s Mount Veeder and winemaking training from UC Davis.

The wines range from single-vineyard, single-variety bottlings to fuller-bodied red blends, with limited production rather than a single signature grape defining the program. The estate experience gives them room: a private tour led by a winemaker or sommelier and a flight of at least seven wines over an hour and 45 minutes. Bottles range from $70 to $200, making this a better fit for a leisurely tasting and a few considered purchases than a quick stop between tasting rooms. Each guest’s tasting fee is refunded with a purchase of three or more bottles.

Reservations are required, with appointments available daily between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., except on major holidays. The gated working winery and ranch requires vehicle access; a local taxi or wine-tour service is a better bet than unreliable rideshare coverage. Guests can bring food, since none is served. The property is 21 and older unless younger visitors receive advance approval.