Strange Family Wines

Strange Family Wines pairs estate-grown sparkling wines with a tasting room in Los Olivos, California, separate from its 20-acre vineyard in Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). Sparkling wine is a particular reason to stop: Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Brut Rosé give bubbles more than a supporting role alongside still Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and cool-climate Syrah.

The estate vineyard receives morning fog and cooling coastal air, conditions well suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming practices guide work across its 20 acres. The sparkling wines use the traditional method, also called méthode champenoise, in which a second fermentation takes place inside the bottle to create the bubbles.

The tasting room at 2933 Grand Avenue, Suite A, sits a short walk from the Inn at Mattei’s Tavern. Botanical décor sets the scene, and nonalcoholic tastings give nondrinkers a reason to join the table. It opens daily, with later service until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tuesday through Thursday, the 4–6 p.m. happy hour offers $10 still wines, $13 sparkling wines, $10 zero-proof mocktails, and $10 caviar bumps—a useful midweek alternative to a full tasting.