Crown Point Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon with Distinct Personality
The essence of Crown Point is a site with undeniable attributes that converge to provide a distinctive personality for Cabernet Sauvignon. Tucked between mountain ranges just eleven miles from the coast in Santa Barbara County, it’s here where a unique topography, featuring rocky slopes that fade into a loamy mesa, and a mild, Mediterranean climate work in tandem to distinguish the wines. An intimate understanding of site is at the core of Crown Point’s viticulture ethos. As stewards of the land, the team takes pride in understanding the prowess and challenges of the estate to capture the voice of the vineyard in each bottle.
Roger Bower discovered Crown Point Vineyard in 2012 in pursuit of the next frontier in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Located in the easternmost AVA, Happy Canyon, the estate is planted exclusively to Bordeaux grape varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec – including 14 different selections of Cabernet Sauvignon from the old and new world. Determined to showcase the caliber of Bordeaux wines from the region, Crown Point prides itself on farming and winemaking at the highest level to produce limited production, site-driven wines.
Nestled between east-west transverse mountain ranges, Crown Point’s 45 acres under vine realize warm daytime temperatures that drop precipitously at night, in part to cooling maritime influences that funnel into the valley from the Pacific Ocean. Along with varied topography, 930 feet in elevation at its highest point, the property has rocky, mineral-rich, nutrient-poor soils that stress the vines, producing fruit with intense color and concentration.
The combined geological, topographical, and climatic attributes allured an all-French winemaking trio. Leading the team is Winemaker Simon Faury, an alumnus of Napa Valley’s Merryvale and Harlan Estate. Working in concert with Simon is Consulting Winemaker Michel Rolland, a famed oenologist who has consulted with over 250 world-class wineries throughout 14 countries worldwide. Originally from Bordeaux and now living in Napa, Consulting Winemaker Philippe Melka has worked with some of the most renowned vineyards in Bordeaux and Napa Valley. This winemaking “Dream Team” brings Roger’s vision to life, producing finessed, age-worthy wines representative of this special place.
Garnering the attention of wine enthusiasts and critics alike, Crown Point is blazing a trail for world-class Bordeaux-style wines grown in the Santa Barbara region, all the while raising the hospitality bar. Providing visitors with a comprehensive, high-end tasting experience from grape to glass, Crown Point’s guest experience begins with a private, guided tour through the estate vineyards, offering breathtaking vantage points of the property, followed by an in-depth look inside the state-of-the-art winery. It concludes with a seated tasting featuring Crown Point’s acclaimed wines, individually paired with local artisan cheeses. Recently recognized as ‘Best Winery Tour’ winner in USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards 2021, Crown Point’s private tasting experience is designed to help visitors learn and appreciate the winery’s evolution and commitment to excellence in all facets of operations.