Anyone have anything new re: Santa Barbara?

[Zinner]

Have you already gone? You don't give the dates of travel, so hard to tell when you need info.

Anyhow, Jim Clendenen at Au Bon Climat chooses to put his funds into the wines rather than fancy facilities and tasting rooms. The winery is a rather unromantic looking Butler building with several winemakers and labels working out of there. While it lacks in decor, the excitement is in what's in the barrels.

Anyhow, earlier this month I was in Lompoc(where Babcock is located) to visit Sea Smoke, which for all the world is very similar to ABC. Industrial quarters slap behind a Home Depot, but stunning wines. Unfortunately I suspect it's also not open to the public(I'm a writer--that's why I can get an appointment), but the Sea Smoke folks suggested that I also stop by Melville, which I believe shares a drive with Babcock next door.

Melville does have a gorgeous tasting room open to the public 7 days a week from 11 a.m-4 p.m. and should be quite convenient for you.

I had just very limited time in the Santa Rita Hills because I had to be back up in San Luis Obispo for a reception. If you have time to go up to SLO and explore the Edna Valley area, let me know. Perhaps I can be more help there.