Larner Vineyard & Winery is a family-owned estate nestled in the heart of the newly established Ballard Canyon AVA in the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded in 1999 by Stevan and Christine Larner as a vineyard, it expanded in 2009 to include a winery. Today, the second generation of Larners runs the estate: Michael Larner, an accomplished winemaker, enology professor, and viticulturist, alongside his wife Christina LoCascio Larner, the tasting room manager and local artist who paints with wine as her medium. Monica Larner, a renowned wine critic, frequently returns from her home in Italy.

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The 134-acre ranch is planted with 34 acres of Rhône varieties, including Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Viognier, with a small tribute to Italy in the form of a block of Malvasia Bianca. In 2012, Michael and Christina opened the Los Olivos General Store in the historic old gas station at the corner of the town’s flagpole, which now also houses the Larner tasting room—an intimate space to explore the family’s exclusive estate wines.

Larner Tasting Room Hours: Thursday-Monday, 11am-5pm or by appointment.