I'm attending a code symposium near Santa Ynez in a couple weeks. One of the topics to be covered is "Winery Caves" concentrating on provisions of the California Fire Code.

I'm looking for suggestions on which cave/tour to check out.

Thanks!

Better Red Than Not!

I don't know of many caves in Santa Barbara County. Cottonwood Canyon in Santa Maria has caves... and I think after all the hassels that Norman went through to get those approved, many other people decided it wasn't worth the effort. Cottonwood's might be the only ones.

Loring Wine Company

According the Santa Maria wine site only cCttonwood has caves. Sunstones claims to also have caves, but I haven't been there to verify that.

Good luck!

Sunstone has a cave; it's been years since I saw it last, but I wasn't too impressed. However, if I were you, here are the ones I would hit (not necessarily in order):

Byron
Sanford
The tasting room at Los Olivos
and the little winery I like, Koehler

Happy hunting!!!!

Mike

"I'll take Swords for $200, Alex." - Saturday Night Live