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Riverbench Vineyard & Winery winery estate in Santa Maria, Santa Barbara
Santa Maria, Santa Barbara

Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

Elegant estate wines from the historic Santa Maria Bench.

4.8(88 reviews)
Historic Vineyard SIP Certified Sustainable Farming Estate Grown
Overview

Historic Santa Maria vineyard crafting elegant Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and rare estate-grown sparkling wines.

Best For
Lovers of sparkling wine and cool-climate Pinot Noir.
Best Time to Visit
Harvest (Sep–Oct)
CellarPass Editorial Recommendation

Why We Recommend Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

Riverbench is an essential inclusion for its historic status as one of the first vineyards planted on the Santa Maria Bench. It stands out for its sophisticated sparkling wine program and its long-term commitment to sustainable, SIP Certified estate-grown excellence.

Why Visit

  • Taste rare estate-grown sparkling Pinot Meunier.
  • Explore historic 1970s Santa Maria vines.
  • Sip elegant, cool-climate SIP Certified wines.
  • Experience refined winemaking by Clarissa Nagy.
  • Enjoy scenic views of Sisquoc River.

Good to Know

A historic Santa Maria Valley vineyard renowned for its elegant estate-grown Pinot Noir and pioneering sparkling wine program.

Features the first Santa Barbara sparkling Pinot Meunier in dedicated sparkling wine tasting flights

Maintains dual tasting room locations in both Santa Maria and Santa Barbara

Why Visit Riverbench Vineyard & Winery?

You absolutely have to visit for their sparkling wine flights, which are among the most unique and high-quality offerings in Santa Barbara County. It’s the perfect spot to taste history while enjoying elegant, food-friendly wines in a beautiful, sustainable vineyard setting.

Taste rare estate-grown sparkling Pinot Meunier.
Explore historic 1970s Santa Maria vines.
Sip elegant, cool-climate SIP Certified wines.
Experience refined winemaking by Clarissa Nagy.
Enjoy scenic views of Sisquoc River.

Popular Wines

Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling

"I’ve been a wine club member at Riverbench Winery for 13 years, and the wine has stayed consistently delightful all these years—especially the sparkling, which is always a favorite. Visiting over the years has had its ups and downs when it comes to staff, but our most recent visit was truly delightful. The gardens are beautiful as always, and the woman who helped us this time was so fun, warm, and engaging. I really wish I had caught her name because she made the experience extra enjoyable. It’s wonderful to have a visit that reminds you why you’ve stayed a member for so long. Looking forward to many more glasses in that gorgeous setting"

UnbiasedVoice

· Verified Guest

Wineries Nearby

Plan Your Trip to Riverbench Vineyard & Winery

Everything you need to know before visiting.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and Harvest Season (September–October)

Reservations Required?

Yes, reservations are highly recommended at most wineries.

How Many Wineries Per Day?

2 – 4 wineries per day

Transportation Options

Private wine drivers, guided wine tours, ride-share services, rental cars, luxury transportation services, cycling tours

Where to Stay

Los Olivos for wine country charm, Solvang for walkability and value, Santa Ynez for luxury resorts, Santa Barbara for coastal access and upscale accommodations

Plan Your Santa Barbara Visit

First-Time Visitors

Comparison

Wine & Varietals

Why Riverbench Vineyard & Winery Made Our List

Riverbench is an essential inclusion for its historic status as one of the first vineyards planted on the Santa Maria Bench. It stands out for its sophisticated sparkling wine program and its long-term commitment to sustainable, SIP Certified estate-grown excellence.

You absolutely have to visit for their sparkling wine flights, which are among the most unique and high-quality offerings in Santa Barbara County. It’s the perfect spot to taste history while enjoying elegant, food-friendly wines in a beautiful, sustainable vineyard setting.

  • Taste rare estate-grown sparkling Pinot Meunier.
  • Explore historic 1970s Santa Maria vines.
  • Sip elegant, cool-climate SIP Certified wines.
  • Experience refined winemaking by Clarissa Nagy.
  • Enjoy scenic views of Sisquoc River.

Wine Quality

& Reputation

Guest Reviews

& Ratings

Tasting Experience

& Hospitality

AVA

Representation

Bookable

Experiences

About This Winery Profile

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Last Updated

July 13, 2026

We update our guides regularly to ensure information is accurate.

Written By

CellarPass Editorial Team

Our team of wine travel experts and local contributors.

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