GiroStrada
Home›Guides›California›Santa Barbara›Wineries›Sanford Winery
Sanford Winery winery estate in Lompoc, Sta. Rita Hills
Lompoc, Sta. Rita Hills

Sanford Winery

Sta. Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir Pioneer

4.7(111 reviews)
Pioneer Vineyard Cool Climate Oldest Pinot Noir Terlato Family
Overview

Discover Sanford Winery, the pioneer of Sta. Rita Hills' renowned Pinot Noir.

Best For
Wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike
Best Time to Visit
Harvest (Sep–Oct)
CellarPass Editorial Recommendation

Why We Recommend Sanford Winery

Sanford Winery deserves a place in your travel guide for its pioneering role in establishing the Sta. Rita Hills as a premier wine region. With the oldest Pinot Noir vines and a legacy of excellence, it offers an authentic taste of Santa Barbara's viticultural history. The Terlato family's dedication ensures quality and sustainability come first, making each bottle a testament to their craft.

Why Visit

  • Pioneering Pinot Noir since 1971
  • Breathtaking vineyard vistas
  • Expert tastings led by knowledgeable staff
  • Home to oldest Pinot Noir vines
  • Commitment to sustainability and quality

Good to Know

Sanford Winery is best known for being the first vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.

Why Visit Sanford Winery?

You can't visit California wine country without experiencing Sanford Winery! The stunning views, combined with the chance to sample award-winning wines crafted from the region's heritage vines, make for an unforgettable afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, Sanford delivers in spades.

Pioneering Pinot Noir since 1971
Breathtaking vineyard vistas
Expert tastings led by knowledgeable staff
Home to oldest Pinot Noir vines
Commitment to sustainability and quality

Popular Wines

Chardonnay
Pinot Noir
Rosé
La Rinconada Pinot Noir
Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

"We had the best time wine tasting with Kiana this past week. She guided us through all the different wines and provided very interesting info about Sanford, the area, the different types of wines, etc. She made our wine tasting experience so fun and informative! The wines were delicious, we loved them all and appreciated the variety. The property is also beautiful and fun to spend time at. It was our first time visiting this winery and we’ll definitely be back soon!"

Amy Grajeda

· Verified Guest

Wineries Nearby

View Nearby Wineries

Plan Your Trip to Sanford Winery

Everything you need to know before visiting.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and Harvest Season (September–October)

Reservations Required?

Yes, reservations are highly recommended at most wineries.

How Many Wineries Per Day?

2 – 4 wineries per day

Transportation Options

Private wine drivers, guided wine tours, ride-share services, rental cars, luxury transportation services, cycling tours

Where to Stay

Los Olivos for wine country charm, Solvang for walkability and value, Santa Ynez for luxury resorts, Santa Barbara for coastal access and upscale accommodations

Plan Your Santa Barbara Visit

First-Time Visitors

Comparison

Wine & Varietals

Why Sanford Winery Made Our List

Sanford Winery deserves a place in your travel guide for its pioneering role in establishing the Sta. Rita Hills as a premier wine region. With the oldest Pinot Noir vines and a legacy of excellence, it offers an authentic taste of Santa Barbara's viticultural history. The Terlato family's dedication ensures quality and sustainability come first, making each bottle a testament to their craft.

You can't visit California wine country without experiencing Sanford Winery! The stunning views, combined with the chance to sample award-winning wines crafted from the region's heritage vines, make for an unforgettable afternoon. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or simply looking for a beautiful place to unwind, Sanford delivers in spades.

  • Pioneering Pinot Noir since 1971
  • Breathtaking vineyard vistas
  • Expert tastings led by knowledgeable staff
  • Home to oldest Pinot Noir vines
  • Commitment to sustainability and quality

Wine Quality

& Reputation

Guest Reviews

& Ratings

Tasting Experience

& Hospitality

AVA

Representation

Bookable

Experiences

About This Winery Profile

CellarPass is the leading platform for curated wine travel experiences.

  • 5M+ travelers helped since 2009
  • 10,000+ bookable experiences
  • Expert-curated wine travel content
  • Independently researched & written

Last Updated

July 9, 2026

We update our guides regularly to ensure information is accurate.

Written By

CellarPass Editorial Team

Our team of wine travel experts and local contributors.

From the CellarPass Collection

Discover more Santa Barbara guides to plan your perfect wine country trip.

Explore All Santa Barbara Guides →
Plan Your Perfect Getaway

Your Santa Barbara Adventure Awaits

Our Trip Planner makes it easy to build your ideal wine country experience. Save your favorite wineries, restaurants, and experiences — and create a personalized itinerary in minutes.

Build Your Itinerary

Add wineries, restaurants, and experiences that match your style.


Organize with Ease

Arrange your days, get directions, and see everything in one place.


Save & Share

Save your trip and share it with friends or travel companions.


Up-to-Date Info

Access the latest hours, availability, and reservation details.

Start Planning Your Trip →
Santa Barbara wine country lifestyle

Trip planning made simple. All in one place.