Whether you’re a first-time visitor seeking an introduction to Santa Barbara wines or you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur, the Jamie Slone Wines tasting room in the epicenter of downtown Santa Barbara’s historic core is the perfect spot to start your next touring and tasting experience. Jamie and Kym Slone created their dream winery here with a meticulous attention to detail. Their passion for what they do and all things Santa Barbara is contagious, and it shows in every aspect of the tasting experience—from the quality of the wines themselves and the inviting tasting room space to the thoughtful enhancements and immersive educational opportunities on offer. Here are six reasons to consider making Jamie Slone your first stop.
1. An AMERICAN RIVIERA EXPERIENCE®
Jamie Slone Wines is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara’s historic Presidio Neighborhood, a concentration of incredible restaurants, boutique wineries, delightful shops and architectural landmarks. No car needed—it can all be enjoyed on foot. Jamie Slone’s tasting room aesthetic fully embodies the American Riviera Experience® with Mediterranean-inflected, Spanish Colonial style. The bright, airy tasting room has 15-foot high ceilings with centuries old wood beams and white washed adobe walls. It feels like entering a friend’s cozy living room thanks to the rich leather, dark wood furnishings, bright textiles and handsome tasting bar with its vibrant blue façade and gold leaf accents. It all adds up to a relaxed vibe with elegant furnishings and the lovely natural lighting keeps the need for Instagram filtering to a bare minimum.
2. casual wine tasting & PALATE-FRIENDLY PERKS
Many who visit want to enjoy their wine tasting experience in a relaxed and stress free environment, not to mention sipping at their own pace. Interested in some tasty gourmet treats without having to book a private experience? At Jamie Slone Wines guests can purchase chocolates crafted by Chocolats du CaliBressan that are perfectly paired with individual wines. Weekend visitors can enjoy cheese plates by Slate Catering, which are available while supplies last Fridays through Sundays. Santa Barbara’s original Hippie Pop Popcorn rounds out the selections.
3. UPGRADE to appointment only
experiences
For those looking to upgrade to a more intimate tasting experience, with a little advance planning you can do so in a variety of ways. Consider pre-booking one of the premium experiences to enjoy a by-appointment-only tasting in the Reserve Room. Chocoholics will feel like they’ve died and gone to heaven during the hour-long Wine & Chocolate Pairing led by Kym Slone. Kym collaborated with a revered local chocolatier, Jean-Michel Carre of Chocolats du CaliBressan, to develop a special pairing flight featuring four chocolates and five wines. The 60-minute Wine Education Experience is led by local wine educator Hope Riley who will do a deep dive into the nuances of wine tasting, Santa Barbara’s terroir and Jamie Slone’s featured varietals as you taste your way through six wines. You can also enjoy a 60-minute Private Tasting Experience and opt for a catered cheese and charcuterie platter if desired.
4. Fine WINES & rave REVIEWS
Whether you simply drop in or book a by-appointment-only tasting, you will be able to taste the diversity of Santa Barbara’s unique terroir all under one roof at Jamie Slone Wines. Jamie and Kym partnered with one of Santa Barbara County’s leading winemakers, Steve Clifton, to produce their wines made with grapes sourced from the best vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. Steve is behind the highest-ever rated wine made in the region and brings his high standard of excellence to the collaboration. Most Jamie Slone Wines have earned a 90+ rating from Wine Enthusiast and customers also rave about their wine tasting experience, bringing the winery to the top of the Trip Advisor and Yelp ratings in the region.
5. DIVERSITY OF VARIETALS
Jamie Slone Wines is a small boutique winery that handcrafts only 1,200 cases a year including red blends, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc and more. They ship to most states and all wine is sold direct to consumer via the tasting room, with one exception. Their 2013 Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills made the list at Thomas Keller’s iconic French Laundry restaurant in the Napa Valley, which is a significant endorsement of the quality level. We encourage you to try it at the source right here in Santa Barbara!
6. Membership has its benefits
The best way to get all the benefits and perks of Jamie Slone Wines is to become a wine club member. Two clubs are available: The Jamie Slone Wines Club and the forthcoming Kimberly James Wine Family. The new club is focused exclusively on Burgundian style Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and the first release is set for October 2019. Both clubs provide access to many exclusive Jamie Slone Wine Adventures including wine club parties, winery and vineyard events, glamping in safari tents in the middle of wine country, Santa Barbara Harbor cruises and more. You can even enjoy a members-only perk like a four-hour Vineyard Tour & Tasting with Jamie or Kym Slone.
BONUS: FURRY FRIENDS ARE WELCOME!
Jamie Slone Wines has a canine mascot in Sophie, the “queen of the tasting room.” The 13-year-old Havanese is there every day ready to greet guests. She’s always ready for her close up, accessorized with her white pearl necklace, and she doesn’t shed so there’s no issue for those with allergies. Tasting room visitors are also welcome to bring their own dogs on a leash to make it a puppy party!