Challen Winery is a small, independent producer in Santa Barbara County, specializing in premium, single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
We partner with exceptional vineyards whose owners share our deep respect for the land and our dedication to quality. Each vineyard we partner with is a site of distinction, contributing its own unique character to our wines.
We aim to craft world-class wines that eloquently express their origins. Each bottle is a true expression of terroir—a reflection of the soil, climate, and spirit of the vineyard where it was grown.
We take a minimalist approach in the cellar, allowing the fruit to shine and the vineyard’s voice to come through. The result is wine with a clear sense of place, made with intention and integrity.
Our fruit is sourced from some of the most respected and expressive vineyard sites in California. In the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, we work with Zotovich, Fiddlestix, Bentrock, La Encantada, Drum Canyon, and Peake Ranch Vineyards—each offering a distinct combination of climate, soil, and elevation. From the Arroyo Grande Valley AVA, we source Chardonnay from the renowned Talley Rincon Vineyard. In the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, we turn to Tondre Grapefield for its consistently vibrant fruit. And for our Cabernet Sauvignon, we look to the warm, elevated sites of Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara.
Our clonal selections reflect a deep commitment to complexity and site expression. These include revered “Heritage” clones—2A, Pommard 4, Mt. Eden, and Calera—as well as “Dijon” clones 113, 114, 115, 667, and 777. And for Chardonnay, we source clones 4, 15, and 76. Together, they contribute a nuanced range of aromatics, textures, and structure to our wines.
Our process begins in the vineyard, where we select uniformly ripe, hand-picked, and carefully hand-sorted grapes. In the cellar, we ferment both destemmed and, depending on the bin, whole-cluster fruit in small, open-top fermenters, allowing for complexity and layered expression.
We use a combination of indigenous and cultured yeasts for primary fermentation, which typically spans nine to twelve days. Once complete, the free-run juice is gently transferred to French oak barrels, while the remaining must is pressed under low pressure. The pressed juice is kept separate and aged in its own barrels.
We work exclusively with French oak—primarily from Tronçais and Châtillon forests—sourced from respected coopers including Tonnellerie Rousseau, François Frères, and Leroi. All barrels are medium toast, with approximately 20% new oak used each vintage to maintain balance and preserve the integrity of the fruit.
After malolactic fermentation, wines are racked, then regularly topped and monitored throughout their 16 months of barrel aging. Our wines are bottled without fining or filtration to maintain texture, purity, and a true sense of place.
Mary Bradley, Winemaker
Bill Cates, Consulting Winemaker (from the other side)
Join the Challen Winery Wine Club and enjoy a personal connection to our small-lot, single-vineyard wines.
Each quarter, members receive a curated 3-bottle shipment featuring a selection of our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, or Cabernet Sauvignon—chosen to highlight the season and the distinct character of our vineyard sources.
Every shipment includes a letter from owner Challen Cates and detailed tasting notes to enrich your enjoyment and deepen your understanding of each wine.
Membership Details:
Quarterly 3-bottle shipments (March, June, September, December)
$120 for all Chardonnay$135 for 2 Pinot Noir + 1 Chardonnay$150 for all Pinot Noir
Complimentary shipping within California (flat-rate elsewhere)
Priority access to new releases and limited-production wines
Exclusive invitations to special tastings and events
Thoughtfully chosen wines delivered four times a year
“Wine makes every meal an occasion, every table more elegant, every day more civilized.” — André Simon
By joining the Challen Winery Wine Club or purchasing our products, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms and conditions set forth on this website.
Wine Club pricing per quarterly 3-bottle shipment is as follows:
Applicable taxes and shipping fees apply. Complimentary shipping within California.
Your credit card will be charged one week prior to each scheduled shipment. It is your responsibility to keep Challen Winery informed of any changes to your shipping address, email address, or credit card information.
An adult signature (21 or older) is required for delivery. We recommend using a business address to ensure successful delivery.
If you wish to cancel your membership, please notify us at least one week prior to the next billing date.
By completing your purchase, you affirm that you are at least 21 years of age and legally able to enter into a contract under the laws of the State of California.
Not sure which wines to choose or need help updating your preferences, shipping info, or billing details? We’re always happy to assist — just contact us and we’ll make sure everything’s just the way you want it.
