WINERY SUMMARY

Where meticulous vineyard selection meets artisanal winemaking, Dragonette Cellars has established itself as Los Olivos' most distinctive small-production winery, crafting terroir-driven wines that capture the essence of Santa Barbara County's most exceptional sites. This boutique operation represents the pinnacle of cool-climate winemaking in California's Central Coast.

Founded by brothers John and Steve Dragonette alongside winemaker Brandon Sparks-Gillis, Dragonette Cellars emerged from a shared vision to create wines that express pure terroir rather than winemaker manipulation. Rather than owning a single estate, the founders strategically source from premium vineyard sites across Happy Canyon, Sta. Rita Hills, and Santa Ynez Valley, selecting only blocks that offer the most expressive microclimates for each varietal. This philosophy of vineyard partnership allows unprecedented access to diverse terroirs, from wind-swept hillsides to well-drained rocky soils that define Santa Barbara's most coveted appellations.

Dragonette's portfolio centers on three varietals: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah, each crafted to showcase specific vineyard characteristics. Their flagship Pinot Noirs, including single-vineyard bottlings from renowned sites, demonstrate remarkable site-specificity and age-worthiness that places them among California's ultra-premium offerings. The Sauvignon Blancs exhibit mineral-driven complexity rarely achieved in California, while their Syrahs capture both power and elegance. Limited production ensures each wine receives individual attention, with sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention winemaking preserving the authentic voice of each vineyard. Critical acclaim has positioned these wines as allocation-only treasures among collectors.

The Dragonette experience reflects their artisanal approach, with tastings available by appointment only in their intimate Los Olivos facility. The unpretentious setting focuses attention on the wines themselves, where visitors engage directly with the winemaking team in guided tastings that explore terroir differences across their portfolio. Private vineyard tours can be arranged to showcase their partner sites, offering insights into their meticulous farming partnerships. The exclusive nature of these visits, combined with extremely limited production, creates an insider experience unavailable at larger operations.

For wine enthusiasts seeking authentic terroir expression and artisanal craftsmanship, Dragonette Cellars offers rare access to some of Santa Barbara County's most compelling wines. Contact the winery directly to arrange your private tasting and discover why these small-production gems have earned such devoted following among collectors and critics alike.