If you didn’t know the name Melville Winery before, then get ready to know it now. In a thrilling two-step, blind tasting process that probably had sommeliers sweating in their wine cellars, Wine & Spirits Magazine combed through thousands of wine wizards from every nook and cranny on this planet to see who should be named a Top 100 Winery for 2023. And guess who made the cut? Melville Winery of Santa Barbara wine country!

This family-owned and operated winery crafts some seriously spectacular Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, which are cultivated exclusively within their private estate vineyards. By not purchasing grapes from outside, Melville has full control from vine to glass. The cold climate of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation region of Western Santa Ynez Valley is particularly well-suited for growing these grapes. I was just there two weeks ago and had the privilege of enjoying their fabulous 2017 Estate Pinot Noir.

The Melville farming team, led by Ignacio "Nacho" Padilla Mares and Francisco Ramirez, are the true geniuses behind these precious wines. Let's also not forget about winegrowers Chad Melville, Britt Rogers, and the whole winery team who've poured their heart and soul into crafting wines that scream "Sta. Rita Hills" in every sip. Melville is very much all about the hands-on process, literally. The wines you have from here are all manually punched down by hand. Now that’s dedication to making quality wine.

I for one cannot wait to see them strut their stuff on the global stage! So, whether you're sipping Chardonnay in California or savoring Shiraz in Sydney, remember the name: Melville Winery. They are here to prove that wine excellence knows no bounds.

~ Kay Syrah

Wine Country Guru Gal