6020 Foxen Canyon Rd, Santa Maria, (805) 937-8340. Tasting $25.
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| winery sign at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California |
Situated near the north end of the Foxen Canyon wine trail, the Riverbench Vineyard & Winery tasting room is inside a converted 1920s craftsman-style house. But in good weather, most tasters head for tables on the manicured lawn area for an outside tasting under mature, sheltering trees and with a view of the vineyards. Flowers are often blooming around the edges, and hummingbirds dart among them.
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outdoor tasting area at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California
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Jordyn sets up tasting at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California
 | flower garden at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California
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Known for its Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, the winery also make sparkling wines. You can choose from several tasting experiences served in Riedel crystal glasses. I opted for the basic “Riverbench Tour,” which offers two Chardonnays and three Pinot Noirs. The starter was a 2021 Bedrock Chardonnay. A light wine aged in stainless steel, it is pretty in the glass and crisp on the palate. Then came a softer 2021 Estate Chardonnay that was aged in 20% new French oak and presented a creamier feel that I especially enjoyed, followed by a light 2023 Rose of Pinot Noir that was lovely and refreshing on the warm day I tasted. Next came a tasty and smooth 2021 Estate Pinot Noir made from100% Pinot Noir grapes that presented a light spiciness. The final wine was a delicious 2019 Clone 115 Pinot Noir that was more complex and a little spicier than the previous wine, made more special by being aged in 30% new French oak. Only a few wineries in the area make sparkling wines, so I pleased to taste a splash of the 2018 Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine. Made with all Chardonnay grapes, it has bright fruit notes and was a perfect finish to the tasting.
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| Riverbench Rose of Pinot Noir at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California |
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| Riverbench Blanc de Blancs at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California |
The Riverbench winery has local owner, and its vineyard consists of 115 acres of Pinot Noir and 15 acres of Chardonnay. Food pairings can be improvised with locally-made chocolate truffles or a picnic basket with crackers, prosciutto, and more, and live music is scheduled several times each month. And as with most wineries, becoming a wine club member provides special prices and offerings.
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| tasting room events board at Riverbench Vineyard & Winery in Santa Maria, California |
This scenic route winds through 30 miles of rustic back country, from Los Olivos to Santa Maria. On this dedicated wine trail you can visit numerous wineries and taste wines from the oldest appellation in Santa Barbara County. The area is known for cool-climate varietals—Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. map
