Business Details
37 Years
experience
Sunstone Winery: Organic Wines & Vineyard Experiences in Santa Ynez
Sunstone Winery was founded in 1989 as a family-run vineyard rooted in organic farming and sustainable practices. Our commitment to environmental stewardship and crafting award-winning Bordeaux and Rhne-style wines has defined our legacy. Under the leadership of the Rice family and later the Cabugos and Price families, we expanded into a multifaceted destination featuring luxury accommodations, private events, and wellness-focused products. Our estate vineyard, the oldest continuously organic vineyard in Santa Barbara County, reflects our dedication to terroir-driven winemaking. With over three decades of experience, we prioritize heritage, community, and innovation, offering immersive experiences like vineyard tours, wine tastings, and culinary events. Our team of experts, including certified winemakers and hospitality professionals, ensures every guest enjoys the timeless elegance of our French Provenal-inspired setting.We maintain rigorous quality standards, earning recognition from Wine Enthusiast and Wine & Spirits, while fostering ethical relationships with employees, suppliers, and visitors. Our Sunstone Villa and wine club memberships provide exclusive access to limited-production wines and curated events. As stewards of the land, we integrate sustainability into every aspect of operations, from bio-diverse farming to energy-efficient practices. Our mission remains to create unforgettable moments through exceptional wines and hospitality, honoring the vision of our founders while embracing future innovation.
Services
Wine tastings
Vineyard tours
Wine club memberships
Villa rentals
Event hosting
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We are California's first organic vineyard estate, established in 1989.
- Our wines have earned over 90 points from Wine Enthusiast and Wine & Spirits.
- We offer exclusive access to limited-production wines through our wine club.
- Our French Provenal-inspired estate includes luxury accommodations and event spaces.
- Our team includes certified winemakers and hospitality professionals with decades of experience.
Services
Wine tastings
Experience curated flights of 5-6 award-winning wines, including Bordeaux and Rhne varietals, in our French Provenal-inspired tasting room or outdoor courtyards. Guests enjoy expert-led pairings with insights into our organic winemaking process. Reservations recommended for weekends.
Vineyard tours
Explore our 28-acre organic vineyard with guided tours detailing sustainable farming practices, terroir, and harvest techniques. Learn how sun-dappled shale and limestone shape our wines. Tours include access to barrel-aging caves and picnic grounds.
Wine club memberships
Join Club Sunstone for exclusive access to limited-production wines, member-only events, and discounts on tastings and merchandise. Benefits include annual Grape Stomp participation and direct wine delivery to your doorstep or as gifts.
Sunstone Villa rentals
Stay in our 8,500-square-foot French chteau-style villa featuring reclaimed materials from France. The villa offers five master suites, private event hosting, and immersive wine experiences for intimate gatherings or special celebrations.
Private events
Host weddings, corporate retreats, or private dinners in our vineyard, courtyards, or Sunstone Villa. Our team provides customized catering, wine pairings, and seamless planning for groups of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to 100+ guests.
People
Djamila Cabugos
CEO & Owner
Djamila oversees all operations at Sunstone Winery, leveraging her legal expertise and entrepreneurial vision. Since acquiring Sunstone in 2019, she has expanded its brand into luxury hospitality and wellness products. Recognized as a 40 Under 40 leader, she champions sustainable agriculture and community development.
Teddy Cabugos
President & Owner
Teddy, the first Filipino winery owner in U.S. history, focuses on business development and global brand strategy. He has revitalized Sunstone through innovative product lines like SUNSTONE SPRITZ and SOLIS. He advocates for Californias wine and hospitality industries as a board member of key trade organizations.
Michael Miroballi
Winemaker
Michael, a Santa Ynez native with 16+ years of experience, crafts Rhne, Burgundy, and Bordeaux varietals. His wines have earned accolades from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. He mentors our team to ensure guests receive world-class wine education and tasting experiences.
Barbara Seguine
Tasting Room Manager
Barbara brings a lifetime of wine passion to Sunstone, combining WSET certification with hospitality expertise. She ensures every guest feels welcomed and inspired, drawing on her background at DAOU Vineyards and Chamisal Vineyards to elevate our tasting room service.
Sophia Burge
Director of Sales & Operations, Sunstone Villa
Sophia oversees Villa operations, blending her heritage in wine with luxury hospitality experience from Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. She ensures every stay, wedding, or celebration reflects the Villas timeless elegance and five-star service standards.
Questions
What are Sunstone Winery's tasting room hours?
Our tasting room is open daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Last reservations are at 3:30 PM, with last seating at 4:00 PM.
Do I need a reservation to visit?
Reservations are optional but recommended for weekends and holidays to ensure faster service. Walk-ins are accommodated as space permits.
Can I bring food or pets to Sunstone?
Yes, guests may bring picnics and well-behaved, leashed dogs. Food trucks and charcuterie boards are also available on-site.
Are group visits allowed?
Groups of 11+ require advance reservations for private tastings or bottle service. Picnic tables accommodate up to 10 guests, with additional fees for extra tables.
What benefits does the Sunstone Wine Club offer?
Members receive exclusive wines, discounts on purchases, complimentary tastings in our members-only lounge, and invitations to events like the annual Grape Stomp.
When is the tasting room closed?
We are closed on Easter, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. We close early at 3:00 PM on Christmas Eve.
Reviews (5)
Kari K.
Jan 25, 2022
Report
My husband and I visited this winery on Saturday. And although the property itself is stunning, the customer service was a 1 star. We ordered a 6 flight tasting . Our wine educator never told us one thing about the wines we were drinking . He came, he poured and he left. We didn't even make it through a tasting as he didn't come back timely enough to refill the following wines before we had to leave to get to another winery. Great location, stunning property, absolutely terrible customer service !! Very disappointed in our experience .
Kelly H.
Jan 22, 2022
Report
I really want to like this place. I mean for yelp's 2 for 1 discount. $20 dollar is unbeatable for 2. This place gets packed on a Sat! Great atmosphere! Nice background music & you can bring whatever snacks you want to bring! I see Costco croissants people bring here & they have a catering trucks. My only thing is the server just name the wine. This is chardonnay. This is Rose. Can't you tell us a little more of the flavor? The timing is slightly off. Probably a one time thing but won't return.
Patricia Rice Patty
Jan 18, 2022
Report
Seems nice. We stopped by to see it but decided not to stay. Workers were very helpful and was 6 tastings for about $20. Wines looked like a good mix.
Nancy Newland
Jan 12, 2022
Report
What a beautiful place to sit and enjoy nature. And the wine is the best! Get a membership, and enjoy Sunstone winery often with friends.
Erik H.
Jan 08, 2022
Report
Service was amazing. Seating was perfect, wine was delicious. What more do you need?
P.S Holly is the best! Give this star woman a bonus!
P.S Holly is the best! Give this star woman a bonus!
