Located in the southern part of California's Central Coast, Santa Barbara County is an oasis of rolling hills, ancient oak trees and cattle ranches. Santa Barbara County has a long history of wine making and grape growing. Today there are almost 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County, located mainly in the Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley and Sta Rita Hills appellations. Most of the wineries are small businesses, run by individuals or families.  Santa Barbara is famous for ripe, yet elegant, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but Rhone varietals including Syrah and Viognier are on the rise.   Santa Barbara wine grapes are some of the most expensive in the state, and with due cause.