Standing Sun Wines

Stopped by on the way home from a camping trip with the guys. Picked up some outstanding wine.

Delicious vino and great service. We’ll definitely come back to check out the live music.

Standing Sun is awesome. The vino is delicious, particularly the GSM, so much so that it’s the only winery where I’m a member. The owner/​operator, John, is a very cool guy. He’s always down to chat, and his winery is permeated with his chill attitude. The winery is tucked away off the Avenue of the Flags in Buellton, and is stylish decorated. John brings in bands from all over the country, offering reasonably priced tickets for extremely fun shows. The venue is well designed for the purpose. We saw the Peculiar Pretzlemen at the spot and it was absolutely fabulous. And did I mention the wine is delicious?
Standing Sun is a great spot. In the plethora of wine spots in the valley proper, it is a stand out.

I love Standing Sun. This review is 3 years overdue, but you’ll see why if you keep reading…
My boyfriend at the time and I first met John, the owner and winemaker, when he was with his dad serving wine at a local event in Buellton. We immediately connected with him, and he shared with us his vision for bringing more music to the area by creating a venue for bands traveling between LA and SF. We began going to shows after he launched his series «Live at the Winery» and we were quickly hooked (traveling about an hour each way, from the Pismo Beach /​Five Cities area).
I moved here after spending years in Chicago and New York, and this is the first place I found where the quality of musicians compared to what I was used to, and the experience overall was amazing (low-​key, casual but special, family-​friendly, and so much fun!). The caterers he gets are always cooking up something delicious, so we never eat before we go to a show. His wines have only gotten better every year – I love the LIVE Blanc for a nice, easy drinking cold white on a warm day. The Syrah Rose is the perfect «um, I’m not sure if I’m feeling white or red today…” – easy to drink, but not so light that you forget it’s wine. And the GSM, wow. That’s the perfect full body red to me. His prices are so reasonable for the quality of the wine it’s hard to believe.
We’ve been going down somewhat regularly for so long now that we’ve met a number of local «regulars» and always have a great time.
But wait! There’s more! …
We loved going here so much over the past 3 years, that when we got married last month (yep, same guy from the beginning of the story), we had our wedding here! (see for yourself:
) After looking at some of the more typical venues, I am so glad we chose Standing Sun. We had a blast. Our guests told us how different and FUN our wedding was. And working with John and the Standing Sun crew was just amazing. They’re the nicest, most accommodating, easiest group of people. We hired The Steven Roth Band who we first discovered at a Standing Sun show years ago, and Valle Fresh Catering (a frequent vendor for the concert series). It was the most meaningful, memorable, wonderful day of our lives. And extra special because of the long standing relationship we’ve built here. Thank you, John & Standing Sun Family!

You really can’t beat Standings Sun. I will never forget the first time I walked into the place and tried John’s S&M (Syrah/​Mourvèdre) I was totally hooked. Since then, I frequent SSW for the amazing wine and equally great music. It’s the prefect spot in the valley to bring friends and family because it really showcases what the area has to offer. Couldn’t recommend it more!

Standing Sun LIVE is an amazing music venue right in the winery owned by winemaker John Wright. The wine is of course fabulous but the venue is also amazing! John’s devoted and enthusiastic efforts bring some of the most incredible talent right here to the Valley. You can sit in the winery, beautifully lit, enjoy delicious wine, gourmet catered food, and experience first class musical talent right in front of you. Truly some of our now favorite bands we learned of and experienced first at Standing Sun. The Revivalists, Hollis Brown, the Silent Comedy, Travis Meadows… I could go on and on. Meet the owner John and you will see why the wine and the music experience is so authentic and special. It’s like being invited to someone’s lovely home for a special evening. Meet his parents, connect with the local regulars, you will see why it’s one of the best opportunities in the Valley.

Standing Sun Wines is an excellent listening venue with a thoughtfully curated rotation of traveling singer/​songwriters and bands who are on their way through California on tour. It is a welcoming atmosphere for musicians and audience alike, with seating for around 100 – 120 and a stage backdropped by stunning visual art from local artist Suzan Hamilton Todd. I have spent many delightful evenings sipping great wine with friends and discovering new, up and coming artists to love. John Wright, the owner and curator, handpicks his musicians on trips to music festivals in Austin, New York and Nashville, where he makes it a point to listen to them in person before asking them to come to Standing Sun. Generally, John has a personal relationship with each artist he brings through, and it definitely shows, as his audience members and community are willing to show up again and again for people they may have never heard of. As one friend put it, Standing Sun Wines is a unique venue on the central coast because of its carefully curated shows and the high quality of the artists it consistently brings. I would highly recommend this venue to any music or wine lover who is visiting the area, as well as any local who wants a great evening out alone or with friends.

I have lived in this valley for almost a year now and standing sun wines, the winery and the people are truly wonderful! John the owner and winemaker is the fire behind it all and has an awesome staff! There is no other place I’d rather be than at the small, intimate concerts that John puts together with an amazing list of songwriters and artists! This is truly a gem and one of the best venues in the valley.
There is someone who has written a bad review that was at a concert last weekend. To you sir you may have been annoyed by a couple that had too much to drink, but you do not have your information right. That woman was NOT johns wife, I think this calls for an apology? I also was annoyed with this couple but I can assure you and everyone else that reads this, this is not the norm for these concerts ! I have been to almost every concert in the 11 months and never has this ever happened!
Standing sun winery has become a place that we as locals hold dear, and John has provided a place to come together, drink his fantastic wine, meet people and enjoy the music! Never have I attended concerts where you get to know the artists, sometimes sit down for a meal with them and enjoy their stories! Here’s to John and standing sun and all of the people that work there!!! Thank you

Jewel of the valley! Don’t miss… we have seen so many amazing talents in such a fun and authentic venue. A big plus, always great wine and food:). Love!

What a unique experience to hear and see LIVE music in a real working winery! John and his staff are overwhelmingly warm and inviting and the talent is top notch! I encourage any music fan, visiting or living near Buellton, to catch a show.

This is an incredible venue in an Industrial area! They totally get the ambiance of a vineyard and music venue! Food and drink is incredible ! This is a very unique setting by some incredible talent from California and beyond! Had one of our most incredible experiences of my Central Coast visit!!!

Standing Sun Winery is a little Gem nestled in the town of Buellton California that makes wonderful wines (especially John’s Grenache). This winery is also an amazing music venue which showcases great musicians in an up close and personal setting. Think acoustic unplugged/​story teller style. They often have food trucks and sometimes wood fired pizza catered by «fire and wine catering» which is amazing! Also, they do a regular event called «Song To Table» where there is a limited seating private dinner before the main show and the headlining act joins the dinner to sing and play music and talk story. A really cool and intimate way to meet the artist and enjoy great food. I highly recommend it! Just ask for John. He’s the Man.

Don’t let a disorderly patron impact your opinion of a great winery and LIVE music program. John Wright works very hard to make incredible wine and bring LIVE music to the Santa Ynez Valley. Come back again, enjoy the wine and the music, we look forward to seeing you.
It takes a village to build and support the awesome program that John Wright has created. His vision and knack for finding talent and showcasing it in a unique venue has made the SYV a richer place. The LIVE in the Winery series is cherished and appreciated by all that it has touched. Take a moment to experience some hometown magic created by John Wright.

A perfect way to end a great day in the valley! Here you’ll be greeted by the owner, John, who’s as authentic as they come. John pours his heart and soul into Standing Sun to create some fantastic wine, and complements it with a fun and memorable music and art experience.
The crowd is usually a mix of locals and a few tourists. The vibe is friendly, welcoming, respectful and upbeat. If you love wine, food, music and art… put this on your must-​do list!
If your a local, stop by. If you’re touring, check the website for upcoming shows, then make Standing Sun your last stop on your Santa Barbara wine country tour. Enjoy wines made on the spot, local food trucks with tasty eats, live music. You never know what great talent will wind up here… You may see the next greatest artists on stage in this quaint and intimate winery venue in Buellton!
But wait — there’s more! Take a quiet moment to check out the adjoined art gallery. Hand-​selected pieces by some incredibly talented artists grace the walls of this small, but well curated collection. With an art history background — I’m difficult to impress, but this little gallery boasts some inspiring work. From sculpture to painting and multi-​media, there are some true gems. Again, you never know what talent you may discover here.
Cheers to Standing Sun!

Well I have to say the music was great food great but the owners wife so she says? was a drunk raving idiot. Talked through most of the 2^nd act, a really good singer and guitar player gentleman I might add.
When asked to please keep it down she replied” he’s not even that good «she may not have been owners wife? (hope to god not for him) anyway overall nice. But few drunk loud idiots of course ruin it for us trying to have a good time. Of course my wife being a class act walked away but the drunk broad was still trying to put a sentence together was we left. Total disgrace and ownership I’m sure you know whom I’m talking about. If so she needs to go, a real sloppy drunk. Was going to join and refer few friends but no way in hell.
Net net great place really loved acts, food owner and staff. Seemed like real nice gentleman, the owner I’m referring to. To bad his wife or close friend was such a drunk idiot. I recommend the place and if there is a talker or obnoxious person notify staff I’m sure they will assist.
Ciao all
Peter

Not reviewing the wine — only reviewing service. Called at about 12pm to make sure the tasting room would be open that day, the employee who answered the phone said they were open until 5 with the last tasting at 4:30. Arrived at 3:45 and they were locking up — the attendant said that they close at 4 on Mondays if they haven’t had any tasters in a few hours. She never said that on the phone, and My guess is that she wanted to go home early so she turned us away.

Standing Sun Wines (part of the Summer Pass) was worth a stop. The wine tasting area (with a server who looked 12) is just one cozy part of a spacious warehouse-​type spot that doubles as a slightly bohemian music venue with an adjoining art gallery.

Just pure awesomeness. We were staying at the nearby Flying Flags RV Resort and happened upon this shining diamond of a place. It was a quiet afternoon and the spot was still sleepy after a rocking Sunday night event. Sam Foxen came right out and walked us through some amazing wines. Her presence, knowledge, and honest really came right through and we (my girlfriend and I) had a wonderful, casual, meandering conversation with her. We walked out, two happy campers, with a couple of wines and big smiles on our faces. Hands down, I would recommend this place with no reservations. Can’t wait to come back for an event!

Very impromptu decision, got there and they had a concert with an acoustic guitar player whom had a great voice, nice guitar skills & great relaxed stage manner…
The place had wine VERY nicely priced and had a pizza vendor making them on the spot which was very tasty! Recommended it to our daughter in Sta Barbara!

Our family recently took a road trip along the coast, staying a few days in different little cities, and Buellton, a small city in Santa Barbara county, was one of them. We checked into our hotel and quickly looked online hunting through lots of hotel brochures and local magazines to see what winery options were available. The Standing Sun Wines had a large color ad in the local magazine with horse sculptures, so I just knew that it’d be the perfect place for us to go and enjoy some good wine while our daughter marveled over their horse sculptures and paintings. It’s hard to keep a four-​year-​old entertained while doing wine tastings, so anything that made a winery stand out in a different way surely helped.
Sure enough my daughter was very excited as soon as we drove up seeing their large bronze horse sculpture out front. There seemed to be a little construction going on inside, but that didn’t stop her from excitedly entering this little winery.
My husband and I did the wine tasting and ended up purchasing a couple bottles and some lovely gifts to take home for friends like their homemade lavender soaps, and dark chocolate chili MexiCali Design Tile chocolates. They didn’t have any on display, so I opened up one of our boxes when we got home (just to peek) before giving them away, and was amazed at how intricate and colorful the designs on the chocolate were. Sadly some of them cracked during our travels, but hopefully the recipients still enjoyed the beauty of them. I hope that they tasted as amazing as they were presenting themselves.
The wine pourer was very friendly offering a cookie and some water to our daughter to help keep her entertained then taking her to show off the horse gallery just next door. She also gave us a map and highlighted all the different neat things in the area that she felt we should see before leaving the area. We got a cute small town feel to this place and would definitely return the next time we’re in the area.
#62 /​100
Unilocal 100 Review Challenge 2014