• “When it’s great, Pinot Noir produces he most complex, hedonistic and remarkably thrilling red wine in the world…” -Robert Parker

    5 El Rey Wine

  • “It’s a hard grape to grow…thin skinned, temperamental, ripens early…it’s not a survivor like Cabernet, which can grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention…it can grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can… [Continue Reading]

    1 El Rey Wine

  • “at their best, Pinot Noirs are the 3 most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic.” -Joel Fleischman Vanity Fair

    1 El Rey

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About

The El Rey vineyard was planted on the very western edge of Santa Barbara County on a hill over looking the La Purisima Mission Lands. This growing area is just perfect for Pinot Noir -a noble grape that thrives in this cool-climate area covered with chilly morning fog and strong afternoon winds. We hope you enjoy.     … [Read More...]

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Our Wine Maker

Sonja’s approach to wine making combines a lifetime of learning about exquisite flavors, travels and experiences. Sonja believes the story is in the grapes, the harvest and the season. Her goal is to create vibrant, balanced and approachable wines using the basic ingredients of premium fruit from Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County and … [Read More...]

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Our Wines

El Rey Pinot Noir: El Rey wine is handcrafted every step of the way using small lots, old world techniques, and a lot of love and attention - Fruit is handpicked before dawn so it’s nice and cold when it comes into the winery Every cluster is hand sorted in the vineyard, and again when they are destemmed During fermentation the lots are punched down by hand … [Read More...]