Babcock

While Babcock Winery’s first vintage was not until 1984, the quest to establish this winery began some 6 years prior. Walt and Mona Babcock were looking for a retreat from Walt’s dental practice as well as Walt’s Wharf, a restaurant they opened together in 1970. Their search led them to the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County, a fledgling wine region at that point, in which they planted their first 25 acre Babcock Vineyard in 1980. Up until 1983 they were selling their fruit to some notable winemakers but in 1984 Walt’s son Bryan produced the first Babcock wine. This Babcock Estate Sauvignon Blanc won double gold medals, the first of many honors to come for Babcock Winery. Babcock Vineyards is still family owned producing over 20,000 cases annually with 90 acres planted to multiple grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Be sure to check out our Babcock wine ratings to see which Babcock wines may be right for you.