The Complete Guide to the Sta. Rita Hills Wineries

Tucked between the Santa Rosa and Purisima Hills in western Santa Barbara County, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (American Viticultural Area) is a world-class wine-growing region renowned for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Just minutes from downtown Lompoc, this unique valley offers visitors an immersive experience where maritime breezes, diverse soils, and passionate winemakers converge to produce some of California’s most celebrated wines.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual sipper, this guide will help you explore the best of the Sta. Rita Hills wineries and tasting rooms—many of which are right here in Lompoc, with others tucked into the surrounding hills for unforgettable vineyard experiences.

Terroir, Fog, and Fame: Why Sta. Rita Hills Wines Stand Out

The Sta. Rita Hills earned AVA status in 2001 after years of dedication from pioneering local winemakers including Richard Sanford, Bryan Babcock, and Rick Longoria. Covering 30,720 total acres with over 3,000 acres of vineyards, this region is celebrated for its cool-climate grape varieties, especially Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

What makes it so unique? It’s all about the east-west orientation of the valley, a rare geological feature that allows fog and ocean breezes to funnel in from the Pacific, creating an ideal growing climate. The area’s marine-based soils, high calcium content, and long, moderate growing seasons give wines from this region their distinctive elegance, minerality, and balance.

Exploring Lompoc’s Tasting Scene

Lompoc is the beating heart of the Sta. Rita Hills wine scene. From rustic wine warehouses to scenic hillside vineyards, the city and its surrounding area offer a diverse mix of tasting experiences.

Here’s where to start…

Lompoc Wine Ghetto

This funky, no-frills cluster of boutique tasting rooms has become a must-visit destination for wine lovers. Located off Highway 1 and 12th Street, the Lompoc Wine Ghetto is open primarily Friday–Sunday, though a handful of tasting rooms welcome guests on Thursdays and Mondays too.

Standout tasting rooms in the Wine Ghetto include:

• Camins 2 Dreams: Handcrafted, terroir-driven wines with minimal intervention. Open Friday–Sunday for walk-ins.
• Domaine de la Côte: Specializes in expressive, high-elevation Pinot Noir.
• Sandhi Wines: Known for precise, elegant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Reservations required.
• Windrun Wine, Dark Water Winery, Temperance Cellars, Chanin Wine Co., Sweetzer Cellars, JCR Vineyard, Pali Wine Co. / Tower 15, Montemar Wines, and Flying Goat Cellars round out the list with distinct styles and offerings.

Sta. Rita Hills Wine Center

Just outside downtown Lompoc, the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Center brings together several top-tier wineries under one roof. It’s an ideal spot for exploring the Sta. Rita Hills without venturing deep into the countryside. You can taste Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from names like Transcendence Winery, Zotovich Vineyards, and Kessler-Haak Wines—all in one stop.

Between tastings, refuel at Capulin Eats & Provisions, the on-site café known for elevated comfort food and rich, smooth coffee. Start your day with their chile verde hash or a flaky pastry, then circle back after a few sips for a slow lunch. Their rotating menu features locally sourced ingredients and creative takes on breakfast and lunch staples.

Midtown Lompoc Wineries

Midtown Lompoc is home to a few standout wineries, each just blocks apart, creating a walkable wine trail right in the city. Here, you often meet the winemakers themselves. They’ll guide you through vintages, explain the region’s cool-climate edge, and share stories you won’t find on a wine label. The setting is casual, personal, and refreshingly unpolished—perfect for both newcomers and serious collectors. With shops, coffee stops, and restaurants nearby, it’s easy to make a day of it.

Local favorites offer pours that highlight the unique character of the Sta. Rita Hills, including:

• Brewer-Clifton: Acclaimed for 100% estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Tastings by appointment only
• Longoria Wines: A legacy winery founded in 1982, open daily and producing artisanal, food-friendly wines.
• Lompoc Wine Factory: A unique community-based winemaking hub that hosts several local producers like Turiya, Jalama Wines, and Core Family Winery. Enjoy monthly art shows, live music, and flights in an industrial-chic setting.

Wineries and Vineyards in the Surrounding Hills

Just outside the city limits, the rolling hills and valleys of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA come alive with picturesque estate vineyards and countryside tasting rooms. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vineyard lifestyle—often with sweeping views, estate-grown wines, and intimate, reservation-only experiences.

Notable hillside wineries and vineyards include:

• Sanford Winery & Vineyards: One of the AVA’s founding wineries, Sanford offers a stunning tasting room nestled among estate vineyards. Try their flagship Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir while soaking in panoramic views.
• Babcock Winery & Vineyards: Known for their vibrant hospitality and eclectic tasting room, Babcock combines bold wines with a laid-back, rock-n-roll vibe.
• Melville Winery: A beautiful estate vineyard with a polished tasting room and a strong focus on sustainable farming.
• Ampelos Cellars: The first vineyard in the U.S. to be certified organic, biodynamic, and sustainable in practice. Tastings are available by appointment and often held among the vines.

These rural, vast estates offer a slower, more immersive tasting experience—perfect for those looking to connect more deeply with the land and the people behind the wines.

Plan Your Wine Adventure

With its accessible location, laid-back vibe, and a dizzying array of tasting experiences, Lompoc is the perfect home base for exploring Sta. Rita Hills wine country. Whether you’re sipping bold Syrahs or elegant Chardonnays, the flavors of the region reflect its wild coastal beauty and deep-rooted passion for winemaking.

Tips for visiting:

• Get your copy of the Lompoc Wine Map to help plan your itinerary.
• Make appointments in advance, especially for hillside or estate wineries.
• Check weekend hours. Most are open Friday through Sunday.
• Pack a picnic and enjoy your wine with a view on the outdoor patios at Montemar or Sanford.
• Stay the night in Lompoc to maximize your time in wine country.

Cheers to the Sta. Rita Hills

From humble beginnings to world-class recognition, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA has become a crown jewel in California’s wine landscape. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or looking to deepen your appreciation for cool-climate wines, the vineyards and tasting rooms of Lompoc and the Sta. Rita Hills promise unforgettable sips and warm hospitality.