Rusack Vineyards in Ballard Canyon

Best Vineyard Deck in Santa Barbara County

Looking for a place to relax with stellar wine and enjoy lovely vineyard views? One of our favorite wineries in Santa Ynez Valley is Rusack Vineyards, a boutique winery and vineyard nestled among the rolling hills of Ballard Canyon just outside Los Olivos.

On this estate, they grow Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Merlot and Petit Verdot. They also source Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards in the neighboring appellations of Sta. Rita Hills (including Mt. Carmel and John Sebastiano) and Santa Maria Valley (including Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills).

But the most special wines are those made from vineyards on Santa Catalina Island, where the Rusacks grow Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. The cool-climate and unique terroir of the island makes some really crisp and earthy wines, with balanced fruit flavor and acidity. These are the only vineyards on Catalina Island, making the wines some of the most exclusive in California. Catalina Wine Mixer, anyone?

There are many wine choices at Rusack; they make great wine at all price points. You can create your own tasting flight of the various wine styles, and the staff will expertly guide you through the selections. Rusack is one of the few wineries open in Ballard Canyon, and the terrace deck, garden and lounge offer sweeping views of the canyon and vineyards. Sip amongst the 4 ancient oak trees in a casual, table service setting, with charcuterie plates and caviar available for purchase (food must be ordered 48 hours in advance).

Rusack Vineyards is about as Santa Barbara County as you can get. They’re the family farm that has been growing grapes for wine in the area since 1969, and they now own over 600 acres of vineyard land! The Rusacks also focus on vineyard sustainability, including using solar and wind power, recycling and composting, as well as growing their own organic grapes.