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Buttonwood Farm Winery Summary

1500 Alamo Pintado Road
Solvang ,CA 93463
United States
(805) 688-3032
buttonwoodwinery.com

Buttonwood Farm Winery Description

Buttonwood Farm Winery is nestled in the stunning Santa Ynez Valley, its sprawling vineyards spanning across 106 acres of idyllic California countryside. This family-owned winery is a true gem, combining the art of winemaking with a commitment to sustainability and community. Its story dates back to the late 1960s when Betty Williams first laid eyes on the picturesque property and instantly fell in love with the idea of having a farm. Today, Buttonwood Farm Winery is renowned for producing exceptional wines and maintaining a magnificent farm that complements its viticultural pursuits.

At Buttonwood Farm Winery, wine enthusiasts will discover a diverse portfolio of premium wines, carefully crafted from estate-grown fruit. The winery utilizes sustainable farming practices, ensuring that its vineyards remain healthy and integrated into the surrounding ecosystem. True to its commitment to sustainability, Buttonwood Farm Winery generates solar power, practices water conservation, and even raises farm animals, which contribute to the overall fertility and balance of the estate.

Visitors to Buttonwood Farm Winery are in for a treat as they explore the expansive property and soak in the breathtaking views. The tasting room exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere, offering guests the opportunity to sample a wide array of wines while learning about the winemaking process. Additionally, visitors can wander through the stunning gardens and enjoy a picnic amidst the vineyards, surrounded by fields of wildflowers and beautiful oak trees.

Buttonwood Farm Winery not only showcases its exceptional wines but is also deeply committed to its community. The winery hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, cooking classes, and farm-to-table dinners, providing guests with memorable experiences that celebrate the connection between food, wine, and the land. With its unwavering dedication to sustainability, exceptional wines, and a warm, welcoming environment, Buttonwood Farm Winery is a must-visit destination for wine lovers seeking an authentic and holistic winery experience in the heart of California's wine country.

What Makes Buttonwood Farm Winery Different From Other Nearby Wineries?

Buttonwood Farm Winery, located in Solvang, California, stands out among other wineries in the region due to its unique and distinctive attributes. This family-owned and operated winery prides itself on several aspects that set it apart from its competitors.

Firstly, Buttonwood Farm Winery is renowned for its sustainable and organic farming practices. With a commitment to preserving and protecting the environment, the winery prioritizes sustainable agricultural methods in its vineyards. This includes implementing cover crops and composting to nourish the soil, as well as utilizing natural pest control methods to minimize the use of harmful chemicals.

Another distinguishing factor is Buttonwood Farm's diverse and extensive range of grape varieties. While many wineries focus on a handful of popular grape varietals, Buttonwood Farm takes pride in cultivating an impressive array of over 12 grape varieties, including lesser-known options such as Cabernet Franc, Marsanne, and Grenache Blanc. This emphasis on diversity allows the winery to craft a wide range of distinctive and complex wines, offering visitors a unique tasting experience.

Furthermore, the winery's picturesque location adds to its allure. Nestled on a stunning 106-acre farm in the Santa Ynez Valley, Buttonwood Farm Winery offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, vineyards, and its beautiful equestrian facility. Visitors can enjoy not only the superb wines but also the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, creating a truly memorable and immersive experience.

In addition to its commitment to sustainable farming and picturesque setting, Buttonwood Farm Winery also stands out through its dedication to community involvement. The winery hosts various events throughout the year, including wine tastings, vineyard tours, and educational seminars. They also collaborate with local artisans and organizations to promote local products and support the community. This focus on community engagement helps foster a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the winery a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Another unique aspect of Buttonwood Farm Winery is its commitment to producing not only exceptional wines but also a variety of culinary products. Besides award-winning wines, the winery also produces organic olive oil, dried fruits, and preserves from the farm's own produce, showcasing their dedication to a holistic farm-to-table experience. Visitors have the opportunity to explore and taste a selection of these delectable products, contributing to the winery's distinctiveness and appeal.

Lastly, Buttonwood Farm Winery prides itself on its dedication to excellence in winemaking. The hands-on approach of the owner and winemaker in every step of the process, from grape cultivation to bottling, ensures the production of high-quality wines. With a focus on sustainable practices, a diverse range of grape varieties, a picturesque location, community involvement, and an emphasis on culinary products, Buttonwood Farm Winery truly stands out as a unique and exceptional destination in California's winery landscape.

What Some Possible Concerns About Buttonwood Farm Winery ?

While it's important to highlight the positives of a winery, it's also important to provide an unbiased perspective. Here are a few common criticisms or areas of improvement that some visitors have mentioned about Buttonwood Farm Winery:

1. Limited Wine Varieties: Some visitors have commented that Buttonwood Farm Winery offers a relatively limited selection of wines compared to other wineries in the region. While they appreciate the overall quality, they expressed a desire for more diverse options.

2. Lack of Events and Activities: Some visitors were disappointed by the limited number of events and activities at Buttonwood Farm Winery. They felt that there was a lack of entertainment options beyond wine tasting, such as live music, tours, or food pairings.

3. Inconsistent Service: A few visitors reported inconsistent or unattentive service during their visit to Buttonwood Farm Winery. While this could be an isolated experience, it's important to mention as it can impact the overall visitor experience.

4. Limited Food Options: Some visitors felt that the on-site food options at Buttonwood Farm Winery were limited. They suggested that expanding the menu to include a wider range of snack or small plate options would enhance the overall experience.

It's important to note that these criticisms are subjective and may not reflect everyone's opinion. Visitors' preferences and expectations can vary greatly, so it's crucial for potential visitors to read multiple reviews and make their own judgments.

Buttonwood Farm Winery History

Buttonwood Farm Winery is a renowned and picturesque winery located in the charming Santa Ynez Valley, just north of Santa Barbara, California. Nestled on a sprawling 106-acre estate, this family-owned winery has a rich history that dates back several decades.

The story of Buttonwood begins in the early 1960s when Betty Williams, a passionate equestrian, purchased the property. Originally intending to create a horse farm, she soon discovered that the land was ideal for growing grapes as well. Inspired by this revelation and the burgeoning wine scene in California, Betty decided to transform the property into a winery.

In the mid-1980s, Betty enlisted the help of acclaimed viticulturist Daniel Walker to assist in establishing a vineyard on the property. They carefully selected varietals that would thrive in the region's unique microclimate, with its warm days, cool nights, and strong maritime influence. The winery's name, Buttonwood, was derived from the majestic old buttonwood trees lining Alamo Pintado Road, which borders the estate.

The first vines were planted in 1983, and two years later, Buttonwood Farm Winery released its inaugural vintage. The initial focus was on Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Over the years, the winery expanded its plantings to include Rhône varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and Viognier, showcasing the diverse spectrum of flavors the Santa Ynez Valley had to offer.

Fortunately, Buttonwood Farm Winery was not seriously impacted by the devastating grapevine-eating Phylloxera epidemic that swept through California in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This allowed the winery to continue cultivating and crafting wines while many others were forced to replant their vineyards.

Under Betty's stewardship, Buttonwood Farm Winery blossomed into a beloved destination for wine enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The estate offers not only stunning vineyard views but also a range of activities to engage visitors. Guests can enjoy picnicking on the expansive grounds, exploring the picturesque gardens, or partaking in a tasting experience in the charming farmhouse tasting room.

In 1997, Betty's daughter, Seyburn, took over the winery's operations. Having grown up amongst the vines, Seyburn carries forward her mother's legacy with a deep respect for sustainability and a commitment to crafting exceptional wines. Today, Buttonwood Farm Winery is known not just for its award-winning wines but also for its dedication to organic farming practices and environmental stewardship.

The winery's commitment to sustainability is evident in its vineyard practices. From hand-harvesting to natural pest management and cover cropping, Buttonwood Farm Winery strives to protect the health of the land and its surrounding ecosystem. They also utilize solar power and employ water conservation techniques to minimize their environmental impact.

Buttonwood Farm Winery has achieved widespread acclaim over the years, earning numerous accolades for their wines. The estate's Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blends are particularly renowned, showcasing vibrant citrus flavors and a tantalizing minerality that reflects the unique terroir of the Santa Ynez Valley.

With its captivating history, commitment to sustainable farming, and exceptional wines, Buttonwood Farm Winery continues to be a beloved destination for wine lovers seeking an authentic California wine experience. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the beauty of the farm, savor delicious wines, and create lasting memories in this enchanting corner of the Santa Ynez Valley.