Santa Barbara, one of California’s most distinctive wine regions, took center stage in Seoul as ten acclaimed wineries brought their finest selections to an exclusive tasting event.
Known for its diverse terroir, cool-climate varietals, and commitment to sustainability, Santa Barbara’s winemakers presented their wines at Jungsik Space, offering a unique pairing with modern Korean cuisine. The event followed the California Wines Alive Tasting 2025, further solidifying Santa Barbara’s reputation as a world-class wine destination.
On Friday, February 28, the Santa Barbara Vintners Association (SBVA) hosted this intimate tasting, in collaboration with the California Wine Institute (CWI).
As part of this initiative, ten winemakers from Santa Barbara traveled to Korea, introducing their wines through dedicated tasting booths and a masterclass at California Wines Alive Tasting 2025. The following day, CWI and SBVA collaborated to showcase Santa Barbara wines in an exclusive tasting event at Jungsik Space, a venue operated by Jungsik, the first Michelin 3-star Korean fine dining restaurant in the U.S. and a Michelin 2-star establishment in Seoul.
The event paired Santa Barbara wines with a selection of Korean canapés crafted by Jungsik’s culinary team. Kim Min-jun, Jungsik’s head sommelier, guided guests through the tasting, presenting eight Santa Barbara wines that complemented the carefully curated dishes.
Santa Barbara’s Unique Terroir and Winemaking Excellence
Santa Barbara County boasts seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and benefits from a Mediterranean climate, influenced by the cold Alaskan current, which fosters ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The region’s unique transverse valley orientation—where mountain ranges run perpendicular to the coastline—creates dramatic diurnal temperature variations and diverse meso-climates, allowing for the cultivation of over 70 grape varieties.
Santa Barbara wines have earned global recognition, particularly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while Syrah and Grenache from the region have become highly regarded among Rhône-style wines. Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc also achieve exceptional quality, comparable to those from traditional wine regions.
Wineries That Define Santa Barbara’s Winemaking Legacy
Among the wineries that participated in the event, Native9 stands out for its deep-rooted history. Their story traces back nine generations to 1781, when Josef Ontiveros first brought vinifera vines to California Alta, laying the foundation for a long lineage of California farmers. Today, Native9 continues to cultivate the same land in Santa Maria Valley, preserving a tradition over 243 years in the making.
Brewer-Clifton, another featured winery, embraces a philosophy of minimal intervention, believing that the unique terroir of Sta. Rita Hills naturally produces expressive Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery emphasizes a profound respect for nature, acknowledging that understanding and working in harmony with natural forces is essential to achieving the highest quality wines.
Au Bon Climat, founded in 1982, has played a pioneering role in shaping Santa Barbara’s wine industry. Under the leadership of Jim Clendenen, the winery has been producing Burgundy-style wines for over 40 years, enhancing the global reputation of Santa Barbara County’s Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Meanwhile, LaBarge, an estate vineyard and winery in Sta. Rita Hills, showcases a commitment to organic farming. Established in 2009 by Pierre LaBarge IV, the winery spans 17 acres, growing Albariño, Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Syrah. Certified by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers), LaBarge embraces traditional winemaking with a modern approach, utilizing a gravity-fed facility and a variety of fermentation vessels, including stainless steel, oak, and concrete. The winery’s motto, “Traditional, but not to a fault”, reflects its balance between heritage and innovation.
Also present at the event was Crown Point, known for producing Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends that rival the finest wines from Napa Valley. Dierberg & Star Lane showcased their expertise in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with structured, age-worthy Bordeaux varietals. Fess Parker, a historic name in Santa Barbara, highlighted its legacy of producing rich, expressive Rhône and Burgundian varietals.
Longoria, a boutique winery, presented its handcrafted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reflecting the diversity of Santa Barbara’s microclimates. Margerum emphasized its small-production Rhône-style wines, demonstrating the unique expressions of Grenache, Syrah, and Roussanne from the region. Finally, Presqu’ile shared its commitment to sustainability and precision winemaking, showcasing elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Santa Barbara’s excellence was acknowledged when Wine Enthusiast named it the “2021 Wine Region of the Year”, affirming its status as a world-class wine producer. The region is also notable for its strong community of female winemakers, who have gained international acclaim since the 1970s.
Sustainability is also a key focus, with many vineyards holding certifications such as Demeter Biodynamic, California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), and Sustainability in Practice (SIP). The number of vineyards earning Regenerative Organic Certification continues to grow, highlighting Santa Barbara’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
