The Brander Vineyard - Santa Ynez, California

Ann S.

Was brought here by Artisan Excursion Wine Tours. We were given 5 wines to taste. I liked some of their wines.

What I didn't like:
- Our server was too slow in between each wine tasting
- He poured a bit less than the group besides us.
- He forgot to bring more water out and we had to remind him.
- There wasn't a container for us to pour out leftover wine.

Would have been nice to give us a walk into the vineyard with some history. Or some cheese or chocolate pairing.

Clean restrooms. Seating area had a lot of shade and a stage too.

Cigal S.

Okay vineyard for tasting.
Beautiful gardens and can see the edge of the actual fields.
The wines themselves they chose to show off were mid.
There was an open door next to where we were seated, with people going in and out, and no signs, as well as no signs around us to direct anyone to restrooms. So my husband went through the doors looking for the restroom and found a room full of art and a lady yelled at him, "Get out!!!". She was super rude. He was just looking for the restroom and there were no signs. If they don't want people going there they should put up signs saying so and keep the doors closed. Staff should try to help customers, not yell.

Min J.

Most beautiful place in SB county!! Visited twice with my wife, and this place never disappoints. I had a chance to blind taste their Bouche with some of the known growers including Bordeaux 3rd growth, and Brander’s bouche came in the first place. Fruit forward red with fine tannins, it was pleasure drinking it even young and it evolves in the glass. I know they are known for their whites but you gotta try their reds. Seriously made. Their sauvignon blanc is in its purest form without any extra interventions. You might find it too simple, but it reveals it’s potential as it warms up a little. Very elegant wine in all aspects.

Phil H.

Had a flight of their wines and small lunch plate, highly recommend the sauvignon blanc

Gregg O.

Excellent white wine and a beautiful patio to enjoy it on. Good service to boot!

Great old-school ambience, excellent wines, and good prices! Hard to beat their prices on white wine but their reds are good too!

It's still a great deal for this area. And the wine is very good!

Ryan W.

Stop 2 on a recent wine tour. Overall great experience. Wine was great and staff was hospitable and informative. Nice area is available for having lunch or just hanging out for a glass of wine or 2. Probably the one turn off was the cat that parked itself on the bar during our tasting. We moved to away from the bar at that point. Wasn't really feeling a wine glass with cat hair in it. Maybe keep the cat outside.

Geoff W.

Excellent winery and a totally unexpected surprise. Nice location, excellent whites. My wife only likes "old world" reds, but absolutely loved the cab here. I did the white wine flight, and every wine was unique and delicious. Even the save varieties from different parts of the winery and years were different, with the sauvignon blanc almost having a champagne-like taste. Very friendly, knowledgeable and supportive staff in the tasting room. Highly recommended

Michael N.

John was so awesome helping us out! Love this place so beautiful and hidden away a bit. If you buy 3 bottles you get tastings free. Go for the Sauvignon Blanc and au Naturel as well as the F/RED blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 16% Syrah.