Pence Vineyards & Winery
Sta. Rita Hills winery offering elevated Pinot Noir & Chardonnay tastings with vineyard tours. Appointment only.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Pence Vineyards & Winery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Sta. Rita Hills winery offering elevated Pinot Noir & Chardonnay tastings with vineyard tours. Appointment only.
"This winery is such a gem. The property is beautiful and the staff are so kind and accommodating."
🎯 Book Your Appointment
Appointments are essential! Secure your spot Weds-Sun to enjoy their full experience.
💰 Worth the Splurge
Tastings are an investment ($55+), but include a lengthy, guided experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Estate Grown Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills
Savor their estate-grown Pinot Noir, celebrated for its juicy red fruit, floral notes, and minerality. A must-try for red wine lovers.
Vineyard Tour & Tasting
Vineyard grounds
An immersive experience with guided tours and knowledgeable staff, offering insights into the vineyard's history and winemaking.
Exceptional Chardonnay
Tasting room
Beyond Pinot Noir, their Chardonnay is also highly praised, offering a delightful complement to their red selections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Appointment is Key
An Elevated Wine Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Appointment
Appointments are essential! Secure your spot Weds-Sun to enjoy their full experience.
💰 Worth the Splurge
Tastings are an investment ($55+), but include a lengthy, guided experience.
Planning my first trip to Santa Barbara. I enjoy medium pinots the most. Also drink a fair bit of whites and sparkling. Recommendations on wineries to visit there?
🐾 Feline Friends Welcome
Enjoy the company of the winery's resident cats during your visit!
🍷 Serious About Wine
This spot is for those who appreciate high standards and a deep dive into wine.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Appointment
Appointments are essential! Secure your spot Weds-Sun to enjoy their full experience.
💰 Worth the Splurge
Tastings are an investment ($55+), but include a lengthy, guided experience.
🐾 Feline Friends Welcome
Enjoy the company of the winery's resident cats during your visit!
🍷 Serious About Wine
This spot is for those who appreciate high standards and a deep dive into wine.
🫒 Don't Forget Olive Oil
Beyond wine, consider purchasing their fantastic olive oil.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pence Vineyards & Winery is lauded as a gem for serious wine enthusiasts, offering an elevated and immersive experience that goes beyond typical tastings. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable and accommodating staff, the beautiful vineyard setting, and the exceptional quality of their Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. While the tasting fee is on the higher side, most agree the comprehensive tour and personalized service make it well worth the investment.
"Fantastic experience and Tim was amazing. We had so much fun learning about the wines and participating in some trivia. Excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay’s. The cats were a plus too!"
Kelly Hensler
"This winery is such a gem. The property is beautiful and the staff are so kind and accommodating. Originally I thought the cheapest tasting being $55/pp was a little steep but it’s a whole hour and an half experience, with a tour of the property. So worth it. There wasn’t a single wine I didn’t like. Will definitely be returning with friends!"
Melina Norris
"We were hosted by Katrina who took us on a guided tour through the vineyard followed by wine tasting. It was such an exquisite experience!!! Katrina gave us a feeling that we are the most important guests on earth, and was very knowledgeable about the wines and vineyard’s history. The wines and olive oil we tasted were fantastic, and the beautiful vineyard together with Katrina’s outstanding hosting - made it into a top notch experience. You should not miss an opportunity to do this wine tasting at Pence!!!"
Adina Gerson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pence Vineyards & Winery is located in the Sta. Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County. As it's by appointment only, ensure you have your confirmed booking details for directions. It's a scenic drive from Santa Barbara proper.
Public transport options are very limited in this wine region. It's highly recommended to arrange for a car service or designate a driver for your visit.
For a safe and enjoyable wine tour experience, consider hiring a private driver or using a ride-sharing service. Many visitors opt for organized wine tours that include transportation.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Pence Vineyards & Winery operates strictly by appointment only, typically Wednesday through Sunday. Booking in advance is essential.
Tasting fees can be around $55 per person, but this often includes a comprehensive experience like a vineyard tour and lasts about an hour and a half.
Pence Vineyards is generally open for appointments from Wednesday to Sunday. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their booking system or contact them directly.
While some visitors have been accommodated without a reservation in the past, it's strongly advised to book in advance to guarantee your experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pence offers an elevated experience that often includes a guided tour of the vineyard, wine tasting, and sometimes even trivia, making it more than a typical tasting.
Yes, guided tours through the vineyard are a key part of the Pence experience, offering insights into their viticulture and history.
Pence is particularly known for its excellent Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, with many visitors praising their estate-grown selections.
While focused on a premium wine experience, the beautiful property and unique atmosphere can be enjoyed by adults. Check with the winery regarding specific policies for children.
Information on pet policies can vary. It's best to contact Pence Vineyards directly to inquire about their rules regarding pets on the property.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Winery policies on outside food can differ. It's advisable to check with Pence Vineyards directly regarding their policy on bringing your own food.
While Pence focuses on wine and vineyard tours, they may offer small bites or pairings. It's recommended to confirm food availability when booking your appointment.
The Sta. Rita Hills area is more rural, but nearby towns like Los Alamos and Solvang offer a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The vineyard landscapes, rolling hills, and the winery's architecture provide stunning backdrops for photos. Capture the vines, tasting room, and scenic views.
Generally, photography is allowed, especially to capture the beautiful scenery. However, always be mindful of other guests and winery staff.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🍷 Serious Wine Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sta. Rita Hills Terroir
Travelers often remark on the stunning vineyard views and the sense of place that the Sta. Rita Hills provides. The rolling hills and the expansive vineyards create a picturesque setting that enhances the overall wine-tasting experience. It's this combination of exceptional terroir and dedicated winemaking that sets Pence apart.
Understanding the terroir is key to appreciating the quality of Pence's wines. The careful stewardship of the land and the meticulous attention to detail in the vineyard translate directly into the glass, offering visitors a true taste of this exceptional California wine region.
An Elevated Tasting Experience
The staff, like Katrina and Nonnie mentioned in reviews, are praised for their exceptional hosting skills and deep knowledge. They create a welcoming atmosphere, making guests feel like VIPs. The inclusion of elements like wine trivia adds a fun, interactive dimension to the tasting, making it a memorable event for all.
While the tasting fee might seem higher initially, the extended duration (often 1.5 hours) and the comprehensive nature of the experience, including the tour and engaging staff, are consistently described as well worth the investment. It's this commitment to a high-quality, personalized experience that draws visitors back.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit