Crafted Drinks: Lompoc’s Beer and Wine Roundup

Lompoc is home to some inventive beverage makers. From estate wineries to regional brews, this Central California city is bursting with festive beer and wine choices. To experience Lompoc’s crafted drinks, we’ve put together some helpful information for your visit.

California’s newest wine frontier

Lompoc is located in a valley, which provides a consistent, ideal climate for grapes. As a result, several wineries and vineyards have popped up in and around the area. There are four main wine-tasting areas you should know about. 

1. Lompoc Wine Ghetto

Lompoc has a hip industrial park area that transformed into a wine-lovers paradise, affectionately called the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. Inside are eleven small, boutique wineries and tasting rooms that locals and visitors adore. While visiting “the ghetto,” try the: 

• 2018 Blanc de Noir Sparkling at Ampelos Cellars

• Spear Vineyard Chardonnay at Montemar Wines

• ‘Sweetie’ 2016 Late Harvest Grüner at Fiddlehead Cellars

2. Midtown Wineries

Just a few blocks from Midtown Lompoc, you’ll find a handful of wineries that are worth a stop. Brewer-Clifton, Longoria Wines, and Turiya Wines and Camins 2 Dreams make up the Midtown Wineries. Here’s a little intel on these spots: 

• Brewer-Clifton

This winery is fairly well-known. Greg Brewer was recently named Winemaker of the Year and is the man behind the flavorful wines on tap. Tastings are done by appointment only at this location, but when you set up a time to visit, be sure to try the 2015 Acin Pinot Noir.

• Longoria Wines

Established in 1982, Longoria is a small family-owned winery producing acclaimed artisanal wines. You won’t miss this location as it looks a lot like a red barn. During your visit try the 2016 Chardonnay Cuvee Diana. The winery is open daily.

• Turiya Wines

You’ll find entirely hand-crafted red blends and Bordeaux-style wines at this boutique winery. The tasting room is only open on Friday and Saturday. If you swing by, try the 2016 Chardonnay Cuvee Diana.

• Camins 2 Dreams

Camins 2 Dreams makes their wine with grapes sourced from Sta. Rita Hills vineyards. They look forward to sharing their love of wine with you.

3. Sta. Rita Hills Wineries

A short drive outside of town takes you to the rolling landscape of Sta. Rita Hills. Here you’ll find large estate vineyards and wineries, most of which are open daily. Here are a few suggestions for your countryside wine tour: 

• Babcock Winery and Vineyards

This winery has a hangar-sized tasting room with a retro rock-and-rock theme. It’s a great spot for a group of friends to visit. The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon “Block 15” is a must-try.

• Dierberg Starlane

With 40+ years of winemaking experience, the owners of Dierberg Starlane know what it takes to make good wine. You can stop in and enjoy a flight of five wines for $25.

• Sanford Winery & Vineyards

The Sanford family was among the first to start vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills regions and specialize in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. For a truly unique experience, consider taking an ATV tour of the vineyard and follow it up with a tasting. 

4. Sta. Rita Hills Wine Center

At the Sta. Rita Hills Winer Center, you will find three award-winning tasting rooms. Book a private tour or enjoy a tasting on the delightful patio area.

Lompoc’s craft brewery and wine bar scene

The area is known for its wines, but a number of bars serve handcrafted beers from the area too. If you’re in the mood for a draft or to relax at a wine bar, try these locations:

1. 1. PCH Street Wine Lounge

Stop by the PCH Street Wine Lounge in historic old town Lompoc for a fun time and delicious wine. They have a great selection of beer and wine on tap or by the bottle. Check their calendar for trivia and karaoke nights.

1. 2. Cold Coast Brewing Company

Opened by four Lompoc locals, Cold Coast features great beers on tap like their Tropical IPA or the Happy Blonde.

1. 3. Solvang Brewing Co. Hoptions Taproom & Eatery

Hoptions offers visitors a wide selection of craft beers at their on-site taproom. Enjoy a cold beer and delicious food.

1. 4. Tap & Cork

Located in Old Town, the Tap & Cork is a local pub with a dozen local and regional beers on tap. Pool tables, karaoke, and poker nights add to the fun.

1. 5. Jasper’s

The locals love Jasper’s and you will too. It has 20+ beers on tap and a pool table that’s ready for action. 

You can spend an entire weekend enjoying the crafted drinks throughout the Lompoc area. When you’re ready to visit, book a hotel room, and use the recon above to plan your tasting itinerary.