Chanin Wine Co. is dedicated to crafting wines from Santa Barbara County that reflect the individual vineyard in which they are grown. Gavin Chanin focuses only on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two grapes that are especially revealing of subtle differences in geography, geology and climate. His grapes are grown in Santa Barbara County, where cool coastal winds, diverse marine based soils and a long growing season provide an exciting and unique environment for Burgundian varieties.

The vineyards are the focus of all the Chanin wines and each wine is made from grapes grown at one vineyard and not blended. Gavin searches out old vines, and makes wine from some of the oldest in the county. This allows him to make refreshingly balanced wines at lower alcohol levels than most California “blockbuster” or “cult” styled wines. Through low yields, improved farming techniques and gentle winemaking he aims to create a wine that pairs well with food and is delicious young, but is also age-worthy. All his vineyards are organic or sustainably farmed too.

The Chanin winemaking philosophy is rooted in representing each individual vineyard by emphasising balance, finesse, and complexity. He avoids excessive alcohol, and modern winemaking additives (such as commercial yeasts, bacteria, enzymes) that can overshadow vineyard characteristics. He also chooses not to filter the wines or use intrusive wine processing machines. The goal is to grow grapes that are so healthy none of the above is needed.

California is the heart of American wine production, accounting for around 80% of all U.S. wine. Its vast and varied landscape offers an extraordinary range of climates and terroirs, allowing a broad diversity of grape varieties and wine styles. Stretching over 1,100 kilometres from north to south, the state includes world-famous wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Mendocino.

Key wine towns include Napa, St. Helena, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa. Napa Valley is renowned globally for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon, while Sonoma produces acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Further south, Santa Barbara is noted for its cool-climate Syrah and Pinot Noir, while Paso Robles excels with robust Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.

The most widely planted grape varieties in California include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The diversity of microclimates allows both cool- and warm-climate grapes to flourish.

California’s primary growing challenges include drought, water scarcity, and the increasing threat of wildfires, which can damage vineyards and affect grape quality through smoke taint. However, its abundant sunshine, varied topography, and innovative viticultural practices provide significant benefits, helping to maintain its reputation as a leader in premium New World wine.

Pinot Noir is one of the world’s most celebrated and challenging grape varieties, renowned for producing elegant, complex wines. Believed to have originated in Burgundy, France, over 1,000 years ago, it thrives in cooler climates where its thin skin and early ripening nature are best suited. Viticulturally, Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow: it is susceptible to rot, mildew, and pests, and requires precise canopy management to balance ripening with acidity retention.

Pinot Noir is planted across the globe, with notable expressions found in Burgundy, Champagne, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, California’s Sonoma Coast, New Zealand’s Central Otago, and Germany’s Baden and Pfalz regions. In Champagne, it is a key component of sparkling wines, typically blended with Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. The wine's diverse geographical range means that you might also find it labelled as Red Burgundy, Pinot Nero, Blauburgunder, or Spätburgunder.

The grape produces wines of delicate colour but remarkable aromatic depth. Typical flavour profiles include red fruits such as cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, often layered with floral notes, earthy undertones, and hints of spice or forest floor as the wines mature. Styles range from light and silky to more structured and age-worthy, depending on climate and winemaking choices. Pinot Noir’s ability to express terroir with precision makes it a favourite among wine lovers, despite — or perhaps because of — its demanding nature in the vineyard.