Searching for the turnoff to Zaca Mesa Winery, look for the working windmill located at the entrance. Beyond it is the vineyard and large barn-like structure that houses Zaca Mesa Winery, just a part of this 750-acre ranch. Park in the back and take the short path under the oaks to the tasting room courtyard. Notice the giant chess set and picnic tables as you enter the large tasting center.

The stylish room has a “tasting island” and secondary tasting bar. Olives, olive oils, fancy sweets, crackers, cheese, cookbooks and wine country photographs are for sale. The winery is known for its estate-grown Rhone varieties, and has been credited with having planted the first Syrah grapes in Santa Barbara County.

The vineyard is approximately 30 miles from the coast and reaches 1500 feet in elevation. In 2002, one hundred acres of the original vineyard were replanted using new clones of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Other changes include tightened vine spacing to reduce the pounds of grapes per vine, and the implementation of vertical trellises.

Wines produced include Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne, Syrah, Grenache, several Rhone blends and a dry Rose. There is a short trail from the back parking lot that leads up the hill to a picnic table under a grape trellis, providing commanding views of the valley.