Sunstone Winery
An organic estate vineyard, winery and villa retreat in the Santa Ynez Valley, where Provencal style courtyards, stone barrel aging caves and picnic grounds sit above vines that have been farmed organically since they went into the ground in 1990.
The first organic vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County
When the Rice family moved from Santa Barbara to a 52 acre ranch above the Santa Ynez River in 1989, they chose the site for its south sloping exposure, sandy rocky soil and a microclimate of morning fog, warm breezy afternoons and cool evenings. Fred and Linda Rice planted the original 28 acre vineyard in 1990 to Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Mourvedre and Viognier, and farmed it organically from the very first vintage.
The winery believes it is now the oldest continuously organically grown vineyard in Santa Barbara County. That claim is easier to accept once you learn the rest of the story: the tasting room itself began as a horse barn, rebuilt by Fred and Linda after a storm dropped an oak tree on it, and opened to visitors in 1994.
Linda Rice passed away in 2010, and the estate she shaped has carried on as a family project. The Cabugos family joined as new owners in 2019 and the Price family in 2021, with the Rice family still involved and the original commitment to organic growing intact.
A portal to Provence
Sunstone is named after the exposed, sun dappled shale and stones of the vineyard estate. The architecture recalls rustic barns of the French countryside, with lavender and rosemary lining the courtyards, a kitchen with a wood burning oven, and 5,000 square feet of stone barrel aging caves built into the hillside. Tastings happen in the courtyards, the caves and on the picnic grounds.
The wines lean into that identity. Winemaker Michael Miroballi focuses on Bordeaux and Rhone style wines from the estate and other sustainable vineyards, and the flagship Eros blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon has taken Best of Class at the Los Angeles County Fair. For context on the wider region, see our guide to the Santa Ynez Valley.
The wines
Rhone and Bordeaux varieties dominate the list, from estate Syrah and Grenache to the Eros and Rapsodie blends, with reserve bottlings from the best barrels. Every wine below links straight to the winery.
2022 ErosSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2021 Carmelo ReserveSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 RapsodieSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 GrenacheSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 GSM CuveeSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 Syrah, EstateSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 Cabernet SauvignonSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 Merlot Reserve, EstateEstateView at the winery ›
2021 Villa ReserveSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 Soleil RougeSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2021 Petit Verdot ReserveSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›
2022 AlectronaSanta Ynez ValleyView at the winery ›The complete current release list is on the Sunstone Winery shop.
Visiting Sunstone Winery
The tasting room is open daily from 11am to 5pm with the last seating at 4pm. Reservations are not required but are strongly recommended on weekends. Tastings can be enjoyed in the courtyards, on the picnic grounds or in the barrel caves, and private tastings and vineyard tours are also offered.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sunstone Winery?
At 125 N Refugio Road in Santa Ynez, about 35 minutes north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are not required, but the winery strongly recommends them on weekends. The tasting room is open daily from 11am to 5pm with the last seating at 4pm.
Is Sunstone really organic?
Yes. The vineyard was planted in 1990 and has been farmed organically from the beginning. The winery believes it is the oldest continuously organically grown vineyard in Santa Barbara County.
What wines does Sunstone make?
Bordeaux and Rhone style wines, including estate Syrah, Grenache, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the flagship Eros blend, the Rapsodie and Villa Reserve blends, plus whites and a rose.
What are the barrel caves?
Sunstone has 5,000 square feet of stone barrel aging caves built into the hillside behind the tasting room. Cave tastings and private events are held inside them.
Who makes the wine?
Winemaker Michael Miroballi, who works with estate fruit and grapes from other sustainable vineyards in the region.
Who owns Sunstone?
The estate was founded by Fred and Linda Rice, who planted it in 1990. The Cabugos family joined as owners in 2019 and the Price family in 2021, with the Rice family still involved.
Can I bring food or kids?
The winery has picnic grounds and courtyards, and food is part of the culture here, with a kitchen and wood burning oven on site. Check with the winery ahead of a visit for current picnic and family policies.
Nearby and related
- Santa Ynez Valley the AVA that surrounds the estate.
- Santa Barbara County the wider region and its sub appellations.
- California winery directory every producer we cover.
Information sourced from the Sunstone Winery official website, checked September 2026. Always confirm hours and availability before visiting.