Spear Vineyards & Winery

Spear Vineyards & Winery is located in the heart of the famed Santa Rita Hills winegrowing appellation Sta. Rita Hills AVA. In addition to a breathtaking location for our small-lot winemaking, our tasting room and winery are where we can share a truly first-class vineyard tasting experience with you.

Spear Vineyards were planted in 2014 along the Highway 246 corridor and within the interior of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. These are amongst the highest elevation plantings in the famed appellation. Peaking at 900' above sea level, there are currently 34 acres in production representing six different grape varietals on a multitude of diverse clonal, rootstock, orientation, elevation and soil combinations.

Inspired by the unique geography and strong ocean influence of our distinct winegrowing area, a small group of like-minded vignerons defined and petitioned recognition for what would officially become the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in 1997.

Led by pioneer Richard Sanford, whose first planting in the Santa Rita Hills was in 1970, this group carefully considered wind trajectory, fog patterns, topography and soil profiles to identify a concise and cohesive sub appellation on the western edge of the Santa Ynez Valley.Several years after submittal, the new American Viticultural Area (AVA) was officially recognized.