Dragonette Cellars produces small-lot wines from Santa Barbara County’s cool-climate vineyards, with a focus on Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. Founded in 2005 by brothers John and Steve Dragonette alongside Brandon Sparks-Gillis, the winery emphasizes vineyard management and minimalist cellar practices to express site-specific character and balanced structure.
History of the Winery
Dragonette Cellars began as a collaborative project between brothers John and Steve Dragonette and close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis. The trio launched the label in 2005 with a shared interest in the specific growing conditions found within Santa Barbara County. They spent their early years working in a local wine shop and cellar, allowing them to study the region’s geography and viticulture closely.
From the beginning, the founders focused on securing fruit from vineyards known for distinct soil compositions and marine-influenced climates. Over the last two decades, the winery has maintained a consistent philosophy of low yields and careful sorting. Their approach relies on direct involvement in the vineyards they lease or own, ensuring that farming practices align with their winemaking goals. The operation remains independently owned and managed by the three original partners.
Winemaker
Brandon Sparks-Gillis handles winemaking as co-owner, working closely with the Dragonette brothers. His method balances active vineyard oversight with restrained cellar techniques, using native yeast fermentations and selective oak to preserve fruit and site traits. The team avoids fining or filtration where possible, aiming for wines with lifted acidity and integrated tannins that highlight soil influences, such as mineral notes from diatomaceous earth or herbal tones from sandy loam.
The Property
Dragonette Cellars operates its production facility in Buellton, but the public face of the brand is their tasting room in downtown Los Olivos. The space is modern and inviting, featuring a blend of indoor bar seating and a relaxed outdoor patio. While they do not own the vineyards they source from, their “property” effectively extends to the specific rows
they farm at renowned sites like Fiddlestix, Radian, Bentrock, and Vogelzang. These vineyards are chosen for their unique soil compositions and exposure to the cooling Pacific maritime influence.
Wine Club
The Dragonette Wine Club offers members guaranteed access to limited-production bottlings, including the highly allocated Black Label wines and single-vineyard Syrahs.
- Levels: Members can choose between 3-bottle, 6-bottle, and 12-bottle tiers, with shipments occurring twice a year (Spring and Fall).
- Benefits: Membership includes complimentary tastings for parties of up to four (depending on the tier), discounts on wine purchases, and invitations to pickup parties.
- Exclusivity: The club is often the only way to secure the MJM Syrah and large-format bottles.
Tasting Options
Visitors to the Los Olivos tasting room can choose from a few distinct experiences:
- Estate Tasting ($30): A flight of current releases, typically featuring their Sauvignon Blanc, a Pinot Noir blend, and a Syrah.
- The Study Experience ($50): A private, seated tasting held in a separate room. This educational session dives deeper into geology and winemaking techniques, featuring single-vineyard and reserve wines.
- Private Winery Tour ($50): Hosted at the Buellton production facility, this appointment-only experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the cellar and barrel room.
Wines We Tasted
2023 Black Label Chardonnay
89 Pts | $105…