Pence Vineyard & Winery: A Burgundian Vision in California

Blair Pence’s pursuit of elegance, authenticity, and place at Pence Vineyard & Winery in the Sta. Rita Hills.

By Kaylee van Voorn

Sitting on the back of a golf cart, moving through the endless rows of vines with a chilled glass of Pence Vineyard & Winery’s Brut Rosé in my hand, the landscape of Santa Ynez’s Sta. Rita Hills excites the wine enthusiast within me. 

The journey to the ranch itself feels like the perfect escape, heading up the Santa Barbara County coast, watching the scenery gradually shifting into rolling hills. Upon arrival, I'm struck by what the ranch holds beyond the vines: horses grazing in the distance, dogs wandering freely, and even peacocks. 

Following a warm welcome, my friend and I are accompanied by Pence’s very own Advanced Sommelier, Tristan Pitre, who leads us through the Perlage tasting experience in the Heritage Room. The tasting features Pence Vineyard & Winery’s estate-grown sparkling wine selection, including Blanc de Blancs, Blanc de Noirs, and Brut Rosé, each thoughtfully paired with an assortment of cheese and caviar.

Established in 2006, Pence is located on 200 acres along the eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Everything at Pence begins in the vineyard, where olive and almond trees are planted throughout the property and the vines are farmed 100 percent organically. At the center of it all is Blair Pence, whose journey from curious college student to Burgundy devotee shapes his viticulture philosophy, “We’re striving for honesty and elegance in our wines, which reflects the beautiful landscape where our grapes grow,” explains Pence.

As someone who grew up in the Netherlands and spent many of my summers in the southern hills of France, I find myself drawn to the connection between Blair Pence’s devotion to Burgundian winemaking practices and his vision for creating something equally authentic on his estate in Sta. Rita Hills. That philosophy is apparent not only in the wines themselves, but also in the rustic tasting room aesthetic and the surrounding landscape, shaped by cold, ocean-driven winds that create a longer growing season. This climate allows the grapes to develop complexity while maintaining freshness and acidity, making it possible for Pence Vineyard & Winery to craft wines with both Burgundian sensibility and distinctly Californian character.

Pence offers several curated tasting experiences, each designed to highlight a different aspect of the estate and  available by appointment only. This structure emphasizes the connection between guest, guide, and place, making the experience feel distinctly personal. The estate spans 45 acres and grows varietals including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Keeping with traditional Burgundy winemaking methods, the vineyard is divided into 19 distinct blocks, which guests are invited to explore in full. Rather than a traditional bar tasting, Pence offers curated experiences, including a golf cart tour that brings guests through the vineyard for a closer, more immersive look at the land.

Looking ahead, Pence is excited to share with us that new developments are on the horizon for the winery in 2026. Another tasting room on the upper end of the property is expected to open, expanding both vineyard potential and guest experiences. Even as it evolves, the winery continues to move with intention—carefully shaping each experience while staying grounded in its commitment to intimacy, authenticity, and an uncompromising focus on quality. 

We will raise a glass to that, cheers!