The Honea Vineyards are located in the beautiful Los Olivos District American Viticultural Area, part of the Santa Ynez AVA about 30 miles northwest of Santa Barbara, in Solvang. The valley has a unique climate, with the average temperature rising 1 degree Fahrenheit for each mile traveled to the east and diurnal shifts that bring warm days and cool nights — this includes highly beneficial fresh ocean air and frequent morning fog, which is perfect for Rhône varietals in particular.
Location
It comprises a north-south valley created by the Alamo Pintado Creek tributary that runs through Los Olivos, with striking views of the Santa Ynez Coast Range to the south and the San Rafael Range to the north. Rolling limestone hillsides meet with gravelly alluvial soil created by the Alamo Pintado Creek in the flatlands.
Honea Vineyards is one of the first set of vineyards in the region to utilize high-density planting, with six feet between rows, four feet between individual vines, and 1,815 plants per acre. It uses all drip irrigation and Rain Bird frost protection and also contains several thriving olive trees and outdoor event spaces perfect for a variety of gatherings, including weddings and wine club parties.
Topography
The most iconic and beautiful feature of the vineyard is the hills. The three prominent hills are made-up of unique soils and stones that have helped feed and create the kind of premium grapes Honea Vineyards is known to grow. This includes limestone, alluvium, sandstone and shale.
Climate
The location is warmer than the more coastal Santa Rita Hills, but not as hot as the Happy Canyon area in the eastern part of the appellation. The intermediate microclimate offers the ideal combination of cool nights, warm days and a long growing season ideal for grapes.
Setting
From the hills of grapes to the rows of olive trees and magnificent oaks, it doesn't get more picturesque than the views and surroundings at Honea Vineyards. More than just a vineyard, Honea Vineyards has been host to wine club member events and family weddings.
