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Santa Barbara » Kenneth Volk Vineyards

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Kenneth Volk Vineyards Video Tour

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

5230 Tepusquet Road
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 938-7896
info@volkwines.com

Tasting:   Open Friday to Sunday 10:30 to 4:30pm
Complimentary Tasting
5% discount on 6 to 12 bottles, 10% on 12 to 23 bottles and 20% on 2 cases.
Tours:
  Informal Tours
Price Range:   $14 to $48 per bottle
Established:   2006
Vineyards:   Four acres
Production:
  12,000 cases
VIP Tasting:   Yes

Kenneth Volk Vineyards Description

Tepusquet Road leads across the Santa Maria Valley past row crops, wild goats and dusty roads to the oasis that is Ken Volk Vineyards and Winery. What was once the Byron Winery facility has now been transformed into a modern boutique operation, with handcrafted wines produced by the former owner of the very successful Wild Horse Winery in Paso Robles.

The winery focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but also produces Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In addition, the winemaker promotes and produces rare “heirloom” wines made from sometimes overlooked grapes including Mourvedre, Malvasia Bianca, Pinot Blanc, Tempranillo and Negrette.

Perched in a narrow canyon over Tepusquet creek sit the winery buildings, as well as the 25-year-old four-acre vineyard that provides the fruit for Volk’s Estate Chardonnay. The winery sources grapes from other cool Santa Barbara and San Benito County vineyards, as well as from the warmer vineyards of Paso Robles.

The small cozy tasting room is paneled with knotty pine and looks out on a peaceful hillside high above the creek. The uncomplicated room has vineyard maps and a few items for sale, but mostly concentrates on the wine. Wines from their sister brand, Aqua Pumpkin Wines, are also available to taste and purchase. Several picnic tables can be found on the narrow strip of grass and the covered deck in back. This off-the-beaten-track winery is a unique wine country wine-tasting experience.

Wines and Awards

Some notable accolades:

1990 - Winemaker of the Year, Wine & Spirits Magazine
1990 - Winemaker of the Year, Central Coast Wine Classic
1998 - 1st San Luis Obispo County Winemaker of the Year, CA Mid-State Fair
1998 - Outstanding Citizen Award, Central Coast Salmon Enhancement
1999 - Agriculturalist of the Year, Cal Poly State University
2001 - Wine Industry Person of the Year, Paso Robles Vintners & Growers Association.

Recent Awards

2005 Cabernet Franc, Paso Robles
Beverage Testing Institute
Gold
2005 Cabernet Pfeffer, Siletto Ranch Vineyard
California Mid State Fair
Gold
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles
California State Fair
Double Gold
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Starr Ranch
Beverage Testing Institute
Gold
2005 Chardonnay, Sierra Madre Vineyard
Vineyard & Winery Management
Gold
2006 Chardonnay, Sierra Madre Vineyard
Critics Challenge International
Platinum
San Francisco Chronicle
Gold
Beverage Testing Institute
Gold
California State Fair
Gold
Santa Barbara County Fair Wine Comp.
Gold
2005 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley
Beverage Testing Institute
Gold
2005 Merlot, Paso Robles
Lone Star International Wine Competition
Gold
2006 Mourvèdre, Enz Vineyard
California Mid State Fair
Gold
Best of Class
2004 Negrette, San Benito County
Orange County Fair
Gold
2005 Negrette, San Benito County
Vineyard & Winery Management
Gold
California State Fair
Gold
Best of Class
California Mid State Fair
Gold
2005 Pinot Noir, Sierra Madre Vineyard
Dallas Morning News
Gold

Wine Club

Unlike most wine clubs, this club allows members the choice of either selecting the wines they wish to receive in each shipment, or simply allowing the wines Ken has pre-selected to be delivered directly to their door. 

This is accomplished by their interactive web based wine club. Thirty days prior to the shipment date members will receive an e-newsletter announcing the featured wines of the upcoming shipment. If a member would prefer to modify their shipment, they may select alternate wines from our portfolio. Very Cool!

Cellar Door Wine Club Benefits

Click Here for more information

Shipments per year

Number of Bottles

Time of year

Discounts

Four per year

Four bottles per shipment

March, June, September and November

20% on all wine and merchandise

Other benefits include:

·          Wine club shipment preview with customized options

·          Invitations to pre-release parties.

·          Invitations to special Cellar Door Club events

·          Informative newsletter.

·          New release information

·          Complimentary Reserve Tasting for you and three guests.

 

Kenneth Volk Vineyards Features

Ambiance Types of Wine Amenities
Off the Beaten Path
Family Run
Country Charm
Casual & Relaxed
Dog Friendly
Bordeaux
Burgundy
Rhone
Italian
Tours Available
Picnic Sites- Superior

Kenneth Volk Vineyards Reviews

Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Fine Central Coast Rhone Wines
wineprospector, Los Angeles
Ken Volk has built on his legendary wine making history at Wild Horse by opening a signature winery in Santa Maria Valley. Once again, he is creating some of the best wines in the area, and if you enjoy Rhone varietals and blends, you must find time to stop here. In particular, try some of his rare varietals that you won't find most places such as Verdelho, but don't skip the incredible Roussanne and Tempranillo.

Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Chardonnay is the bomb!
Rocko,
This was off the beaten path but well worth the visit. Really great wines here and the best Chardonnay from the central coast. Tiny tasting room but nice yard and tables over the creek.

Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
great pinot @ the Fair!
blancsonoma, Sea Ranch
Enjoyed the pinot! Tasty pairing with the tri-tip. We also tried it with our chocloate covered espresso beans.

Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Experience shows
WineHound, San Luis Obispo
Any tour of the Santa Maria area wineries needs to include Kenneth Volk Vineyards. Ken has the depth of wine making experience to produce a great selection of red and white wines and that is proven out by the extensive local awards this year by the Santa Barbara Fair. The 2005 Chardonnay received best white wine of the show! I also recommend the Viognier, Tempranillo, and Mourvedre. Ken has a passion for his wine and can be found pouring at local events, something I really appreciate.

Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Great find!
James, Ventura
The google map on this website helped us find this exceptional winery tucked back against the hills. The place is near the end of the road so you are really out there but it is only 10 minutes or so from Santa Maria. There are some really interesting wines produced here included the best Pinot Noir I have ever had. Also though are the Rhone varieties Viognier and Mourvedre which were exquisite. Plus rich Chardonnay and a killer Cab! The owner winemaker really knows what he is doing. Don't pass this place by.

Staff Knowledge & Friendliness
Amenities, Comfort & Cleanliness
Value
Wine Quality
Overall Impressions
Ken Volk Vineyards
Wine Enthusiast, San Diego
The Mourvede and Merlot was excellent. A nice charming winery back up a deserted canyon. Little bitty tasting room with great staff and wonderful wines. The winery is out in the country but not really too far from Santa Maria. Quaint atmosphere, great people and enjoyable wine.

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Review Disclaimer

The above reviews are the subjective opinion of Winery Advisor members and not of Winery Advisor LLC.

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