A Taste of Santa Maria Valley at Cambria Estate

Nestled in the heart of California’s Santa Maria Valley, Cambria Estate Vineyard Tours - www.cambriawines.com offers a delightful escape for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. This family-owned winery, part of the renowned Jackson Family Wines, invites you to explore its sprawling 1,600-acre estate, where sustainable practices and a passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing day out, planning a visit to their vineyards promises a perfect blend of education, flavor, and stunning scenery.

Why Visit Cambria Estate?

Cambria Estate isn’t just another stop on the wine trail—it’s a destination steeped in history and heart. Founded in 1986 by Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson, the winery has been shaped by their daughters, Katie and Julia Jackson, who grew up among these vines. Their commitment to sustainability and community shines through in every glass. The estate’s location along the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, just 17 miles from the Pacific Ocean, creates a cool, maritime climate ideal for crafting exceptional wines. Expect to sip on acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while soaking in views of rolling hills and ancient, fossil-rich soils.

What to Expect on a Cambria Estate Vineyard Tour

When you plan a visit to their vineyards, you’re signing up for more than just a tasting. Cambria offers a range of experiences tailored to different interests, from casual sippers to serious oenophiles. The Estate Tasting ($25 per person, free for Wine Club members) showcases their Winemaker’s Collection and Clone Collection, highlighting unique Chardonnay and Pinot Noir clones. For a deeper dive, the Reserve Tasting ($35 per person) features wines from the estate’s oldest vines, offering a glimpse into Cambria’s rich history. Both are hosted in a newly renovated tasting room or, during special events, among the barrels in the cellar.

For those who prefer a relaxed vibe, the Picnic + Bottle Service on the Knoll is a must. For a $50 table fee (waived with a purchase of four or more bottles), you can reserve a table for up to eight guests overlooking the vineyard. Bring your own food, enjoy recyclable wine glasses, and select from their current bottle list. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon with friends or family, surrounded by the beauty of Santa Maria Valley. Just note: outside alcohol isn’t allowed, so stick to Cambria’s offerings.

A Legacy of Sustainability

Cambria Estate stands out for its commitment to sustainable winemaking, a core value of Jackson Family Wines. Since 2009, all grapes from the estate have been certified under the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CCSW) program, ensuring environmentally friendly practices. They’ve also been SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified since 2011. Katie Jackson, a driving force behind these efforts, was recognized as a “40 Under 40 Tastemaker” by Wine Enthusiast in 2018 for her work in sustainability. This dedication means you’re not just tasting great wine—you’re supporting a winery that cares for the land and its future.

The Wines: A Showcase of Santa Maria Valley

Cambria’s wines are a love letter to the Santa Maria Valley’s unique terroir. The estate’s flagship offerings, like Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay and Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, are crafted from single-vineyard sites, ensuring each bottle reflects the land’s distinct character. The 2017 Katherine’s Chardonnay, for example, earned a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Chardonnays in 2019, praised for its balance of oak and crisp acidity. Their Benchbreak Pinot Noir, sourced from Julia’s Vineyard, bursts with red fruit and earthy notes, making it a favorite among visitors.

If you’re exploring the Jackson Family Wines white wine collection, Cambria’s Chardonnays are a standout. The cool climate and sandy, fossil-rich soils of the Santa Maria bench create wines with bright acidity and complex flavors, from apricot and honey to minerality and spice. For red wine lovers, the Tepusquet Syrah offers a bold, ripe profile balanced by a smooth finish. These wines aren’t just bottles—they’re stories of the land, crafted with care by winemakers like Jill Russell and Denise Shurtleff.

Planning Your Visit

Ready to plan a visit to their vineyards? Cambria Estate is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM, with tastings bookable up to 90 days in advance for groups of up to eight. Larger groups can contact the winery directly at [email protected]. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome, making it easy to fit into your Santa Barbara wine trail itinerary. The winery’s location off the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail puts it near other top producers, so you can pair your visit with stops at Foxen or Bien Nacido Vineyards.

Here’s a quick guide to make your visit seamless:

Experience	Cost	Details
Estate Tasting	$25/person	Features Winemaker’s and Clone Collections, free for Wine Club members.
Reserve Tasting	$35/person	Showcases historic wines from oldest vines.
Picnic on the Knoll	$50/table (waived with 4+ bottle purchase)	Scenic picnic with bottle service, max 2 hours.

Pro tip: Join the Cambria Wine Club for free tastings and access to exclusive events and limited-release wines. It’s a great way to stay connected to this special place.

A Personal Touch

What makes Cambria Estate Vineyard Tours - www.cambriawines.com truly special is the sense of family. From the moment you arrive, you feel like a guest in someone’s home. The staff, like tasting room manager Brian York or brand ambassador Katie Phillips, share stories of the land and the Jackson family’s journey with genuine warmth. It’s not just about the wine—it’s about the people who pour their hearts into every bottle. My own visit left me with a newfound appreciation for how a winery can balance tradition with innovation, all while staying true to its roots.

Tips for an Unforgettable Visit

• Book Early: Tastings fill up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve your spot online to avoid disappointment.
• Dress Comfortably: The vineyard can be breezy, so bring layers and comfortable shoes for walking.
• Explore Nearby: Pair your visit with a stop at Los Alamos, a charming town just 15 minutes away, for a bite at a local cafe.
• Try the Clones: Don’t skip the Clone Collection tasting—it’s a fascinating way to understand how different grape clones shape a wine’s flavor.

Why Cambria Stands Out Among Wine Brands

In a world full of wine brands, Cambria Estate shines for its authenticity and focus on quality. As part of Jackson Family Wines, it benefits from decades of expertise while maintaining a small, family-run feel. The winery’s commitment to sustainability, female leadership, and community initiatives—like the Seeds of Empowerment program—sets it apart. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Chardonnay or enjoying a picnic with a view, Cambria offers a wine experience that’s as meaningful as it is delicious.

Final Thoughts

Cambria Estate Vineyard Tours - www.cambriawines.com is more than a winery—it’s a celebration of Santa Maria Valley’s beauty and bounty. From sustainable practices to world-class wines, every aspect of the experience reflects the Jackson family’s passion. Plan a visit to their vineyards for a day of learning, tasting, and connecting with the land. You’ll leave with a bottle (or four) and memories to savor.