As one of the first wineries in the Santa Maria Valley, we've got some serious cred behind us. In fact, the part of our estate that was originally called the Tepusquet Vineyard was one of the first vineyards planted in the region, back in 1971. More than just a beautiful place for growing grapes, it brought attention to the Santa Maria Valley and inspired others to realize the potential of this unique winegrowing region.
In 1986, our founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, there's a lotta love and pride here at our estate. There's something magnetic about Cambria; in 1999 Denise Shurtleff started as head winemaker and under her leadership, the 2006 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir earned the number one spot on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines List for 2009.
In 1986, our founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson bought that vineyard and established Cambria. After 34 years of cultivating grapes and people, there's a lotta love and pride here at our estate. There's something magnetic about Cambria; in 1999 Denise Shurtleff started as head winemaker and under her leadership, the 2006 Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir earned the number one spot on Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines List for 2009.
Services
According to our head winemaker Jill Russell, "Happy people make great wine." It's a simple idea, but it's true. Here at Cambria Estate Winery, we love our work. Maybe it's the land, maybe it's the team-maybe it's just from drinking and sharing all that delicious wine-but we can't think of a better place to be than our estate in the Santa Maria Valley.
Most university students aren't sure what they want to do with their degree, but for our Winemaker Jill Russell, wine was always part of the plan. In love with food and wine since a stint in high school as a server at a winery in Livermore, CA, her path was always crystal-clear.
A degree in Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo allowed Jill to "learn by doing" (the school's motto) and convinced her the Central Coast was where she wanted to put down roots.She racked up some major miles in her training: a semester spent learning about wine in Adelaide, Australia, was followed by another quarter at Tolosa Winery back on the Central Coast.
A degree in Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo allowed Jill to "learn by doing" (the school's motto) and convinced her the Central Coast was where she wanted to put down roots.She racked up some major miles in her training: a semester spent learning about wine in Adelaide, Australia, was followed by another quarter at Tolosa Winery back on the Central Coast.
For our Winemaker Jill Russell, you can't talk about winemaking without talking about the vineyards first. Every decision, from pruning to picking times, helps develop layers of flavor and complexity in the fruit. Working with superior grapes really lets the terroir shine and creates spectacular wine.
We love making wine, and we want to make sure we can do it for a long time. Working sustainably is incredibly important to us, from how we take care of our vines to taking care of each other. It's not a checklist; it's a way of being. We count ourselves lucky to have Katie and Julia-who both hold key roles in leadership and sustainability within Jackson Family Wines- as our hands-on proprietors.
Cambria is rooted in female leadership. Join us during the entire month of March as we shine a spotlight on women and how YOU can help to support, celebrate, and sustain women-owned businesses in 2021 and beyond. Whether you tune into a live event, share on social media or visit a local business in real life, there are multiple ways to join the movement.
Reviews (9)
Victor Gongora
Jun 03, 2021
Report
Orchid Chef X.
May 21, 2021
Report
Wiley Strahan
Nov 14, 2020
Report
Eddie Ortega
Aug 25, 2020
Report
The worst customer service .
We ordered twice from them $160 worth of wine each time. We got two bad bottles of Sauvignon blanc , lighter in color than normal an watery. Five emails to them and finally RYAN emails us back to send pictures which we did . Now waiting for him to respond and nothing ,,, called three times and now he’s to busy ,, Now their ghosting us !!!
I really love the wine but I’m afraid to order and get bad wine and bad service
Just pray your wine is good !!!!
We ordered twice from them $160 worth of wine each time. We got two bad bottles of Sauvignon blanc , lighter in color than normal an watery. Five emails to them and finally RYAN emails us back to send pictures which we did . Now waiting for him to respond and nothing ,,, called three times and now he’s to busy ,, Now their ghosting us !!!
I really love the wine but I’m afraid to order and get bad wine and bad service
Just pray your wine is good !!!!
Rachel Goldberg
Jul 12, 2020
Report
Beautiful property and amazing wines. Katy was absolutely fantastic at walking us through our tasting and giving us a lot of insight about the winery. Cambria uses really sustainable practices, and they put a lot of effort into cultivating a welcoming environment. We purchased several bottles to take home with us and are looking forward to enjoying them! Definitely recommend a visit!
Michael Szymczak
Nov 18, 2019
Report
Michael Garey
Jun 16, 2019
Report
Drove almost 3 hours for this tasting and it was so worth it! Spectacular setting off the beaten path in Santa Maria. The House is all Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Several different winery only wines in our tasting with distinctive flavors and unique terroir. The tasting room staff was so accommodating. We were lucky to have Jessica as our guide and we had the best time! Visited mid-June.
Cassandra Y.
Sep 12, 2018
Report
The Service: Wonderful~ We went on Thursday, no crowd at all. We had 110% attention from the staff... like a private tasting event! She is super knowledgeable about wine and very informative tasting lesson too.
The Tasting Room: The tasting room has beautiful view. There is small outdoor patio seating area with nice furniture. Inside the tasting room, there are nice sofa and big dining table next to fireplace for seating area too.
Feel free to bring your picnic basket and have a pleasant day here at the winery.
The Parking: Parking in front of the tasting room.
The Tasting Room: The tasting room has beautiful view. There is small outdoor patio seating area with nice furniture. Inside the tasting room, there are nice sofa and big dining table next to fireplace for seating area too.
Feel free to bring your picnic basket and have a pleasant day here at the winery.
The Parking: Parking in front of the tasting room.
Devon O'Rourke
Sep 02, 2016
Report
