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959 E. Hwy 246
Solvang, CA 93464
(805) 688-7108
Favorite Wines: White Cabernet, Albariño, Tempranillo & Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
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Bella Cavalli Farms is located right next door to the infamous Flag Is Up Farms, owned by famed horse whisperer, Monty Roberts. Bella Cavalli owner Jeff Lockwood purchased half of the original ranch and now also provides equestrian facilities and services. He also raises olives and wine grapes on the land as well. The winery is only open by appointment. Bella Cavalli translates to “beautiful horses” in Italian.
One the ranch, Jeff grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Albariño, Temperanillo, and Grenache grapes. As you enter the ranch off of Highway 246 just outside of Solvang, you can see the vineyards, along side the horse pastures. In addition to producing estate wines from each of those varietals, Jeff also makes Pinot Noir and Syrah, sourced from other local growers, as well as a dessert wine. The most interesting wine produced by Bella Cavalli is a white wine called Bianco Rosso, which is a white cabernet sauvignon. It’s the perfect summer patio wine and is extremely unique.
Bella Cavalli wines are available only on-site or via the wine club. Their wines are not distributed to retailers or restaurants, so these are a very unique fine. At the ranch, there’s a small tasting room and wine shop, as well as very nice outdoor seating area. Here you can enjoy your wines under the large shade trees and watch the horses graze in the pastures. There’s also a very large, modern, show barn that you can visit.
Check out the wine club on their website. Because of limited production, you must request membership in the wine club, before being allowed to purchase wines. If you’re interested in visiting Bella Cavalli, you can enquire with Wine Tours Santa Ynez who has exclusive access to the winery.
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Last modified: June 22, 2014
