Ballard Canyon: In the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley AVA

Ballard Canyon, one of the newest AVAs, lies where the unique soils and climate of the Canyon create a great environment for producing distinctive wines from red grapes such as Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and white grapes such as Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne.
 

Notable wineries in the vicinity:  Boutique winery Rusack Vineyards, noted for varietals and blends featuring Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon https://www.rusack.com/;  Jorian Hill, noted for Rhone Varietals and Rhone blends and Syrah http://www.jorianhill.com/; and Stolpman Vineyards, noted for Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussane and Viognier.  Decisions, decisions, decisions!

Tip No. 6: Tasting rooms charge for tastings.  They generally range from $12 to $20.  Some tasting rooms offer tasting of the vintner’s “premium” wines for an additional charge.

Back to Winery Tours