Grape to Glass
The design-forward tasting room at Brave & Maiden is home to some of the most advanced Cabernet Sauvignon in the region
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, and Grenache are among the estate-grown wines at Brave & Maiden. Photograph by Heather Daenitz / Craft & Cluster
Written by Caitlin White
Photographs by Heather Daenitz / Craft & Cluster, Jeremy Ball
Known for their visually stunning grounds and world-class winemaking, BRAVE & MAIDEN is a Sustainability In Practice–certified vineyard in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Some practices they’ve implemented include strictly monitoring the irrigation system to ensure minimal water waste, planting cover crops that fertilize the soil and prevent runoff in an eco-friendly way, and following strict guidelines around chemicals and sprays. All the landscaping in and around the winery is native and/or drought-tolerant species, and the mature olive trees were transplanted from a working olive grove in Ballard Canyon.
Brave & Maiden has a portfolio of world-class Bordeaux and Rhône wines.
The property was originally planted to vines in the mid-’90s, with additions and redevelopment since Brave & Maiden took over the property in 2011. Winemaker Victor Robaglia and director of winemaking Josh Klapper have a portfolio of world-class Bordeaux and Rhône varietals. Their estate-grown wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, and Sauvigon Blanc, among others. The tasting room incorporates both rustic and contemporary elements: Soaring ceilings are juxtaposed with Bald Cypress wood paneling sourced from Louisiana, and stunning fireplaces add a cozy vibe.
The tasting room is open by appointment only for groups of up to six people, but larger parties can call to inquire. Tastings generally take between 60 to 90 minutes and happen indoors, although specific seating requests can be made in advance. Guests can choose between a private seated tasting in the main tasting room or a more substantial tour that covers the vineyard and production facility, then ends with a tasting in the Barrel Room.
649 North Refugio Rd., Santa Ynez, braveandmaiden.com
