The Brewer Clifton tasting room offers an unparalleled wine tasting experience in the heart of Santa Barbara's wine country. Nestled in the picturesque town of Los Olivos, this boutique winery showcases the best of Santa Rita Hills AVA through its exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. As you step into the Brewer Clifton tasting room, you'll be transported into a world of fine wines, expert craftsmanship, and warm hospitality.
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Santa Barbara County has emerged as a premier destination for wine enthusiasts, rivaling even the most renowned California wine regions. At the forefront of this viticultural revolution stands Brewer Clifton, a winery that has played a pivotal role in putting the Sta. Rita Hills AVA on the map. Founded by Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton in the 1990s, this winery has become synonymous with exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that truly capture the essence of the region's terroir.
The story of Brewer Clifton is one of passion, innovation, and a deep respect for the land. Greg Brewer's journey into winemaking began unexpectedly when he transitioned from his role as a French-language professor at UCSB to working in a Santa Barbara winery tasting room. It was there that he met Steve Clifton, and together they embarked on a mission to create wines that would showcase the unique characteristics of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
Their first vintage, produced in 1996, marked the beginning of what would become one of Santa Barbara's most respected wineries. Greg Brewer considers his work in founding the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, which became an official AVA in 2001, as his greatest accomplishment.
Brewer Clifton's approach to winemaking is rooted in transparency and vulnerability. All wines are "raised in a state of neutrality," using old barrels to allow the true character of the grapes to shine through. This commitment to minimal intervention allows the unique terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills to express itself fully in each bottle.
Greg Brewer's winemaking philosophy is centered around eliminating personal bias or prejudice in the wine, "to enable other componentry" to be louder than him in the final product. This approach results in wines that are pure expressions of their vineyard origins, showcasing the best that the Santa Rita Hills AVA has to offer.
Brewer Clifton specializes in two varietals that thrive in the cool climate of the Sta. Rita Hills: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These wines have garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following among wine enthusiasts. The winery's commitment to single-vineyard expressions allows wine lovers to explore the nuances of different terroirs within the AVA.
The Brewer Clifton tasting room, located in the charming town of Los Olivos, offers a welcoming and intimate setting for wine tasting. The space is designed to maximize each guest's experience, providing a perfect backdrop for exploring the winery's exceptional offerings.
While specific details about the tasting room's layout are not provided, it's common for boutique wineries like Brewer Clifton to offer a variety of seating options. These may include bar seating for casual tastings, comfortable lounge areas for more relaxed experiences, and outdoor spaces to enjoy the beautiful Santa Barbara weather.
Brewer Clifton offers intimate events with Winemaker Greg Brewer, available both in-person and virtually. These events provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the winery's history, winemaking techniques, and the nuances of their wines.
Brewer Clifton's tasting menu showcases their acclaimed vineyard designate wines. Visitors can expect to sample a range of Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, each expressing the unique characteristics of its vineyard origin. The winery is known for its refined Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, all raised in neutral barrels with whole cluster fermentation.
The tasting experience at Brewer Clifton typically features a flight of their vineyard designate wines. This 60-90 minute experience highlights the winery's commitment to terroir-driven wines and provides an excellent opportunity to compare and contrast different expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
While specific food options are not mentioned, many boutique wineries in the region offer light snacks or partner with local food providers to enhance the tasting experience. It's always a good idea to check with the tasting room directly about current food offerings.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, it's best to inquire directly with the tasting room about available options.
Hours of Operation:
Open Seven Days a Week
10am – 4pm By Reservation Only
Reservations are required for tastings at the Brewer Clifton tasting room. This ensures that each guest receives personalized attention and an optimal tasting experience. To make a reservation, visit the Brewer Clifton website or contact the tasting room directly.
Brewer Clifton offers a wine club for enthusiasts who want to enjoy their wines regularly and gain access to exclusive benefits. While specific details are not provided, wine clubs often include perks such as discounts, priority access to new releases, and invitations to special events.
The winery likely offers branded merchandise and gift options, which can make excellent souvenirs or presents for wine lovers. These may include wine glasses, apparel, or gift sets featuring their acclaimed wines.
Brewer Clifton maintains an active online presence, with a website (bygregbrewer.com) that provides information about their wines, tasting experiences, and events. Wine enthusiasts can stay updated on new releases, upcoming events, and special offers by following the winery's social media accounts.
The Brewer Clifton tasting room offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the best of Santa Barbara's wine country. With its focus on exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, commitment to terroir-driven winemaking, and intimate tasting experiences, it's a must-visit destination for any wine enthusiast exploring the Central Coast.
Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a curious novice, the Brewer Clifton tasting room promises an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. So raise a glass to Greg Brewer's visionary winemaking, and immerse yourself in the world of fine Santa Barbara wines at the Brewer Clifton tasting room.