winery winedown: Brander Vineyard

From the first vines being planted in 1975 to present day awards and accolades, Brander Vineyards in Santa Barbara have proven taking experience from different walks of life and a continued passion is the key to running a successful winery for almost 50 years. Founder, Fred Brander, who is currently a Master of Wines candidate as well as a published American Journal of Enology and Viticulture author and Master of Food Science from UC Davis, is leading the California wine industry in quality Sauvignon Blanc production bringing home Santa Barbara's first Gold Metal at a major wine competition with his first Sauvignon Blanc harvest in 1977. Today Fred has expanded his focus to include small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux Red Varieties, with the hopes of the same success and impact as his Sauvignon Blanc.

Another important aspect of Brander's operations is Sustainability. Their ultimate goal is to preserve the terroir or sense of place through being environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable practices. To help champion these initiatives zero artificial or petroleum based additives are used, as well as the biodynamic calendar and its practices to help navigate best vineyard management, and biodiversity within their vineyards with "cover crops" and the use of composting. The copious amounts of effort and attention to detail ensures that the grapes continue to showcase their hallmark characteristics and represent the terror of Los Olivos.

The final piece is their onsite estate winery, which was built in 1979 and called "The Barn". This allows immediate processing of grapes post-harvest, allowing the healthiest and freshest grapes to be pressed. Having their own facility onsite also allows for further control and space when it comes to fermentation, keeping different blocks, sub-blocks, plots, etc. separate, which gives each vineyard/plot its own moment instead of blending them all together and loosing those special differences and unique qualities those plots express.

Brander Vineyard is located at 2401 North Refugio Road in Santa Ynez and is open daily from 11am-4pm. They offer a few different Wine Flights, as well as charcuterie, on their patio, courtyard, or inside their barrel room. We enjoyed the "Vintage Flight" on a beautiful October afternoon, which featured 5 wines, both white and red.

2023 Sauvignon Blanc, La Presa Vineyard | 2023 Pinot Gris, Kick-On Vineyard | 2023 Rose, Los Olivos District

2021 Merlot, Los Olivos District | 2021 Malbec, Losa Olivos District | 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Las Manos, Loteria Series

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