We spent a delightful day tasting the finest wines at Brander in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Owner Fred Brander has been making incredibly good wines for over 50 years and his pink chateau is a favorite gathering spot for lovers not only of quality wine but of good living, music and food. Since its inception in 1975, the Brander Vineyard has been highly acclaimed as a top Sauvignon Blanc producer, with one main bottling and five distinctively different cuvees.  Brander Vineyard also produces small quantities of hand-crafted Bordeaux-style red wines, along with two single vineyard Syrahs, a rose, a Malbec and a Syrah. 

The Brander Vineyard is a wonderful discovery for worldwide travelers and wine love lovers seeking a picturesque tasting experience.  The winery and tasting room are located within the 43 acre vineyard and guests can reserve a large, beautiful villa for the night if they wish to sleep among the Brander grapes.

Owner Fred Brander had a special surprise for us. He gave us a tour of The Brander Museum of Folk Art, a handsome hacienda on the property. It was a revelation to see Fred’s extraordinary collection of over 1200 pieces of clay, paintings, textiles, wood and metal Día de los muertos (Day of the Dead) altars and offerings  and alebrijes (fantastical figurines). We were dazzled with the beauty and scope of the collection of bowls, animals, masks, jewelry, baskets and creative work of more than 400 artists represented.

The museum seeks to foster an appreciation and enjoyment of the artesanía, or crafts, of Latin America by presenting exhibitions that both illustrate the visual traditions rooted in the community as well as exemplify the richness and beauty of the culture. As Fred explains, “Mexican folk art fills my corazon with joy and color. Artisans pour their souls into every piece they create and I feel it’s an honor and a privilege to have their work in my home. I am also grateful for museums, big and small, where these special pieces can be displayed and their charm and creativity can be enjoyed by others. “

A visit to Brander Winery and Vineyard plus this incredible museum will fulfill both palate and artistic soul and we urge you to make it a point to visit Brander. It will also serve you well to join the Brander Wine Club for special offerings at discounted prices and exclusive invitations to events held at the winery. https://www.brander.com/, 805.688.2455, 2401 North Refugio Road
Santa Ynez, Ca 93460.