A Sweet Spot in the Santa Ynez Valley
INÉSUEÑO’s boutique one-acre vineyard at 3twos Ranch is more than a plot of land—it’s the heart of a dream born in the Santa Ynez Valley, where the soul of the West meets the finesse of Bordeaux. Nestled within the Santa Ynez Valley AVA, the site expresses the essence of this storied region, shaped by proximity to the Santa Ynez River, the sheltering Santa Ynez Mountains, and the cooling breath of the Pacific. Here, nature and intention converge to craft wines of elegance and depth.
A Microclimate in Harmony
The slope sits close to the Santa Ynez River, a gentle ribbon of water that carves through the Valley, creating a microclimate both cooled and warmed by its presence. In the mornings, fog rolls in from the Pacific, following the river’s path, blanketing the vines in cool air that slows ripening and preserves acidity. By afternoon, the sun burns through, warming the south-facing slope to coax richness and structure from Bordeaux varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. This dance of cool nights and warm days, amplified by the river’s influence, gives the wines balance: bold yet refined, like the Valley itself.
A view from the top of the vineyard showing the river fog along the nearby Santa Ynez River
The Santa Ynez Mountains, with the Pacific just beyond, frame the site, funneling sea breezes that temper summer’s heat. Unlike the cooler western reaches of the Valley such as Sta. Rita Hills where fog lingers longer, or the warmer eastern hills as found in Happy Canyon, where temperatures can climb five degrees hotter on the hottest days, the vineyard sits in a sweet spot. This balance of warmth and coolness, kissed by river and sea, creates ideal conditions for Bordeaux blends—concentrated fruit, silky tannins, and vibrant freshness.
Soil That Speaks
Beneath the vines lies a tapestry of soil, forged by the Valley’s ancient geology. Iron-rich jasper, its red hues streaked with white veins, mingles with waxy green serpentine and smooth river stones—remnants of the Figueroa and Santa Ynez Mountains, carried by the Santa Ynez River. These well-drained soils, laced with minerals, stress the vines just enough to yield small, intense berries. This rocky terrain encourages deep root systems and concentrated flavors, forming the foundation of Oso’s bold structure and Luna’s luminous grace.
Rocks picked from around the vineyard - Jasper, serpentine and river stones beneath our vines
A Slope Shaped by Intention
The south-facing slope at 3twos Ranch, meticulously planted four degrees off true north by expert vineyard manager Juve Buenrostro, stands as a testament to thoughtful design. This precise orientation captures the sun’s arc, bathing the vines in optimal light while allowing airflow from the Pacific to sweep across the rows. The slope’s gentle incline ensures excellent drainage, critical for the rocky soils, and promotes even ripening. Every element, from topography to breeze, nurtures the Bordeaux varietals—Cabernet Sauvignon and its kin—toward their purest expression.
Vineyard looking east
The Valley’s Story, Shared Through Wine
The Santa Ynez Valley AVA, established in 1983, is a land of contrasts, stretching from fog-draped western hills to sun-soaked eastern slopes. With over 7,500 acres of vines and four sub-AVAs, it’s home to the greatest concentration of wineries in Santa Barbara County. The intimate one-acre vineyard at 3twos Ranch embodies the Valley’s spirit: a place where tradition meets innovation, where the land shapes the wine, and where every bottle tells a story. The partnership with expert vineyard manager Juve Buenrostro and extraordinary winemakers Brandon Sparks-Gillis, John Dragonette, and Steve Dragonette of Dragonette Cellars reflects a shared reverence for this terroir.
With INÉSUEÑO, the focus isn’t just on growing grapes—it’s about tending a dream. As lovers of the world’s wines, there’s a deep honor in contributing a small part to the Santa Ynez Valley’s story. Oso and Luna invite a taste of this place as it’s known: a land of endless skies, rugged beauty, and shared moments.
“Together, the heart of the Valley can be…sipped.”
—Julio and Colleen Estrada