Sea Smoke

Sea Smoke was founded in 1999 with the purchase of a Santa Rita Hills property north of Santa Barbara; its first vintage followed in 2001. The estate spans 172 acres, rising from 218 to 720 feet on south-facing slopes. Shallow clay topsoils sit over shale, calcareous strata and diatomite.

Pacific fog travels inland through the Santa Ynez River canyon, cooling the vineyard and helping the grapes retain acidity as they ripen. Organic farming began in 2005, biodynamic practice expanded across the property over the following decade, and the estate is now exploring regenerative agriculture. The range centres on estate-grown Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, alongside sparkling wine.