As one of the first wineries in the Santa Maria Valley, we've got some serious cred behind us. In fact, the part of our estate that was originally called the Tepusquet Vineyard was one of the first vineyards planted in the region, back in 1971. More than just a beautiful place for growing grapes, it brought attention to the Santa Maria Valley and inspired others to realize the potential of this unique winegrowing region.
In 1986, our founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, there's a lotta love and pride here at our estate. There's something magnetic about Cambria; in 1999 Denise Shurtleff started as head winemaker and under her leadership, the 2006 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir earned the number one spot on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines List for 2009.
In 1986, our founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, there's a lotta love and pride here at our estate. There's something magnetic about Cambria; in 1999 Denise Shurtleff started as head winemaker and under her leadership, the 2006 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir earned the number one spot on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines List for 2009.
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According to our head winemaker Jill Russell, "Happy people make great wine." It's a simple idea, but it's true. Here at Cambria Estate Winery, we love our work. Maybe it's the land, maybe it's the team-maybe it's just from drinking and sharing all that delicious wine-but we can't think of a better place to be than our estate in the Santa Maria Valley.
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Most university students aren't sure what they want to do with their degree, but for our Winemaker Jill Russell, wine was always part of the plan. In love with food and wine since a stint in high school as a server at a winery in Livermore, CA, her path was always crystal-clear.
A degree in Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo allowed Jill to "learn by doing" (the school's motto) and convinced her the Central Coast was where she wanted to put down roots.She racked up some major miles in her training: a semester spent learning about wine in Adelaide, Australia, was followed by another quarter at Tolosa Winery back on the Central Coast.
A degree in Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo allowed Jill to "learn by doing" (the school's motto) and convinced her the Central Coast was where she wanted to put down roots.She racked up some major miles in her training: a semester spent learning about wine in Adelaide, Australia, was followed by another quarter at Tolosa Winery back on the Central Coast.
Winemaking
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For our Winemaker Jill Russell, you can't talk about winemaking without talking about the vineyards first. Every decision, from pruning to picking times, helps develop layers of flavor and complexity in the fruit. Working with superior grapes really lets the terroir shine and creates spectacular wine.
Sustainability
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We love making wine, and we want to make sure we can do it for a long time. Working sustainably is incredibly important to us, from how we take care of our vines to taking care of each other. It's not a checklist; it's a way of being. We count ourselves lucky to have Katie and Julia-who both hold key roles in leadership and sustainability within Jackson Family Wines- as our hands-on proprietors.
Women's Day
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Cambria is rooted in female leadership. Join us during the entire month of March as we shine a spotlight on women and how YOU can help to support, celebrate, and sustain women-owned businesses in 2021 and beyond. Whether you tune into a live event, share on social media or visit a local business in real life, there are multiple ways to join the movement.
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