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  In 1978, Walt and Mona Babcock were seeking a retreat from Walt's dental practice and the rigors of being restauranteurs (Walt's Wharf in Seal Beach and Oysters in Corona del Mar). Their search led them to purchase 110 acres of land on the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. At that time the area was considered a fledgling wine region. This inspired and prompted the Babcock's to plant a 25-acre vineyard in 1980. By the end of 1983, various notable winemakers had purchased Babcock fruit and made compelling wines. It was quickly becoming apparent that the soil and cool climate of the Babcock estate was ideal for producing ultra-premium wine grapes.
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| Still family-owned and operated, Babcock Winery and Vineyards is an expanding 20,000-case winery with 80 acres currently planted to Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Experimental varieties such as Albarino and Tempranillo from Spain, and Pignolo from Italy, are being evaluated. What has Bryan excited these days is the promotion of a newly BATF approved appellation, Santa Rita Hills. Named for the hills that lie in the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley between two other ranges-- the Purisimas to the north and the Santa Rosas to the south-- this region is situated at its closest point within 10 miles of the Pacific Ocean. Babcock's Winery and Vineyard and a number of other nearby vineyards are in  the heart of this viticulturally distinct area. In a cool climate (Region 1), it takes longer for the fog to burn off here than it does in the greater Santa Ynez Valley to the east. Generally 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Santa Ynez, this district also is caressed by cooling ocean breezes at mid-afternoon that help keep temperatures moderate on warm summer days. The climate and soil combination is particularly ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot NoirWith new vineyards currently being planted, a new barrel aging facility, and a renowned winemaker who will continue to make wine outside of the box, Babcock Winery and Vineyards promises to continue its tradition and reputation as one of the finest and most consistently reliable wine producers in California. |
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In 1984, Walt and Mona Babcock decided it was time to seize the opportunity to produce their own wine. Just as they were setting the stage for their winemaking operation, their son, Bryan, who had graduated from Occidental College with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry, was attending the University of California - Davis, working toward his master's degree in food science, with an emphasis in enology. Fortunately, his studies primed him for the first Babcock harvest, as he was awarded a double gold medal for Babcock's 1984 Estate Sauvignon Blanc. This was the first of the many honors and awards that Babcock Winery would receive.