Riverbench Winery

Oak-aged Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines.

In 1973, Riverbench Vineyard & Winery was established in the Santa Maria Valley when its first Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes were planted on the property. Since then, they have built a reputation for outstanding Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wines by enhancing the natural qualities through fermentation and aging in French oak barrels. Take in the vineyard views in a restored 1920s craftsman-style house on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. There is also event space available for meetings, conventions, weddings and receptions.

The Riverbench vineyard, also part of the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, consists of 115 acres of Pinot Noir and 15 acres of Chardonnay and is home to winemaker Clarissa Nagy who first fell in love with the aromas of Pinot Noir in 1995. Although that’s the year she graduated with a degree in Food Science from California Polytechnic State University, her love for all things organic grew from a young age. Her southern California family was invested in using minimum of preservatives on their food and when she graduated, she knew right away she aspired to become the best winemaker of Pinot Noir.

Known for her elegant and sophisticated winemaking style, prior to being the winemaker at Riverbench Winery, she held positions in Edna Valley Vineyards, Byron Winery, Longoria Winery and Bonaccorsi Wine Company. With each harvest she continues to pursue a unique style while never losing focus on keeping the fruit fresh.

Visit Riverbench Winery to learn more.