Sea Smoke Vineyard is situated in the heart of the Santa Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, an area defined by its unique transverse mountain range. Founded in 1999 by Bob Davids, the estate was named for the thick maritime fog that funnels through the Santa Ynez River canyon, cooling the vines and allowing for a prolonged growing season. While the winery built its reputation on world-class Pinot Noir, their Chardonnay has become equally prestigious, benefiting from the region’s calcium-rich Monterey Shale soils and the constant cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. This specific site produces fruit with exceptional acidity and a distinct mineral character that has become the hallmark of the Sea Smoke style.

The 2022 growing season in the Santa Rita Hills was characterized by a cold and dry winter, which led into a temperate spring. The vines experienced a healthy bud break, though the lack of rainfall required careful vineyard management to maintain soil moisture. The summer months remained mild, allowing for steady flavor development and the retention of natural acidity. However, a significant heat event in early September accelerated ripening across the region. At Sea Smoke, the proximity to the coast and the cooling “sea smoke” fog protected the fruit from extreme temperature spikes. This resulted in a harvest that delivered concentrated fruit flavors, vibrant citrus notes, and the structural elegance typical of the estate. The 2022 Chardonnay reflects this balance of intensity and precision.