Winter Wine Company

Winter Wine Company, also known as Winter Wines, makes small-lot wines in Santa Barbara County, California, from vineyards across the state. This is not a single-estate operation: grape sourcing reaches into Napa Valley, the Sonoma Coast and Monterey County. The winery takes its name from Winter, an English Cream Golden Retriever, and names individual varietal wines after her puppies. That connection extends beyond the labels: 20% of profits support animal charities.

The wines give vineyard-minded drinkers plenty to explore. Opal Pinot Noir comes from Lancel Creek Vineyard, Luke Petite Sirah from Quixote Vineyard, and Frankie Carignan from 150-year-old vines at Sandy Lane Vineyard. Select reds ferment alongside small amounts of Viognier, a white grape that adds floral aromas. Paloma Pinot Gris takes a different direction, spending four months on its fermentation lees—the spent yeast—in French oak for added texture. Wine purchases run through an allocation program, with access varying by membership level.

The visitor experience centers on the Wonderment Club’s activities throughout Santa Barbara County, rather than a conventional tasting-room circuit. Gatherings generally accommodate six or more at partner locations, private venues or members’ homes, with subjects ranging from clay and cooking to marine ecology. Membership is free, experiences carry separate ticket charges, and participation requires neither wine purchases nor recurring shipments.