Lafond Winery & Vineyards
6855 Santa Rosa Road
Buellton, CA 93427
805-688-7921 
Tasting: 10-5 daily
Fee:  $5, with logo glass

Just a mile and a half past Sanford Wineries, Lafond Winery has been in operation since 1996.  The tasting room, however, is relatively new so they might not be on all of the wine tasting maps.

Lafond (of the Pierre Lafond Bakery fame, amongst other things) has created a dream come true in the tasting room, which is  spacious and provides a wonderful view of the mountains.  It also offers a peek into the cavernous aging room where rows of barrels give off an extra ambience so you know for sure that you are in a winery. 

Lafond is well known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.  They are a sister winery to Santa Barbara Wineries and they do offer selections.

We had the opportunity to sample their 1998 Chardonnay, which was awarded a 93 out of 100 by Connoisseur's Guide.  It was wonderfully buttery and very good.

Directions:

From Santa Barbara, take the 101N almost until you reach Buellton.  Take the Santa Rosa exit and turn left at the top of the ramp.  Go back over the highway and turn left.  Follow Santa Rosa for about five miles.  The road is very wiggly but the vineyard is well marked.  The road to the winery is about a half mile long through their vineyard and past some of their winery buildings.  Go all the way to the end of the road.  There is ample parking and a picnic area.