Michael Larner

“As we sat sipping his estate syrah, I could taste the minerality and smell the earthiness, which expressed the essence of his estate and the Ballard Canyon appellation, as if the grapes were geological time capsules.”

-Bion Rice, host and co-creator of “Two Glasses In”

About Michael Larner

Winemakers love talking about dirt, especially Michael Larner of Larner Vineyards and Winery, who can break down the minerals and soil types in his vineyard by strata and epoch. Michael’s foundation into the world of wine began early on (and without even knowing it) as he earned a Master’s Degree in Viticulture & Enology at the University of California, Davis, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geology from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

After college, Michael’s formal training in wine began by working harvest with Santa Ynez-based wineries Babcock Winery and Rusack Vineyards, which eventually led to cellar apprenticeships at Marchesi Antinori’s Tenuta Guado al Tasso in Bolgheri, Tuscany and E. Guigal’s Château d’Ampuis in Rhône Valley, France. Since 1999, Michael has been making wine in Santa Barbara’s wine country. 

While it could be easy to feel intimidated discussing viticulture and geology with someone whose friends like to call “The Professor,” sitting and sipping with Michael Larner is rather entertaining and engaging, so much so that you can feel his warm demeanor. In Episode 5 of “Two Glasses In,” dive into Michael’s journey, the challenges of his family business and where he’s at now, which amounts to an enthralling, true American success story in Santa Barbara Wine Country.

What We’re Drinking

Follow along and drink what we’re drinking. Episode 5 of “Two Glasses In” features Larner’s 2016 Estate Syrah and 2017 Elemental Estate GSM Blend. Both wines can be purchased here.

Plan Your Visit

Larner Vineyards and Winery
955 Ballard Canyon Road, Solvang, CA 93463
By Appointment Only

Larner Tasting Room
2900 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441
Open Daily: 11 AM to 5 PM

Follow Along

Faceboook: @LarnerWine
Instagram: @LarnerWine
Twitter: @LarnerWine
Blog: larnerwine.com/Blog