Chanin
Summary
Chanin Wine Company is a small, independently owned winery founded by Gavin Chanin in 2007, specializing in single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate coastal vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including the prestigious Bien Nacido and Sanford & Benedict sites. Reflecting his mentorship under Jim Clendenen and Bob Lindquist, Chanin employs minimal-intervention techniques including earlier harvesting, native yeast fermentations, and judicious oak use to craft wines of restraint and pronounced terroir expression.
Heritage & Leadership
Chanin Wine Company was founded by Gavin Chanin in 2007, establishing itself as a focused producer of single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County. Chanin's winemaking journey began with formative internships at two influential Santa Barbara wineries—Au Bon Climat and Qupé—where he worked under respected vintners Jim Clendenen and Bob Lindquist, respectively. These experiences provided the foundation for his winemaking philosophy and technical approach.
Since its inception, Chanin Wine Company has remained independently owned and operated by Gavin Chanin, who continues to serve as both proprietor and winemaker. The winery has maintained its boutique status, focusing on small-production wines that express the distinctive characteristics of Santa Barbara County's premier vineyard sites. Gavin Chanin's contributions to the wine industry were recognized when Forbes named him to their '30 under 30' list in the food and wine category.
Vineyards & Wines
Chanin Wine Company sources fruit exclusively for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay production, working with select vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County. The winery's portfolio centers on single-vineyard designate wines that highlight the distinctive characteristics of each site. Primary vineyard sources include renowned sites in the Santa Maria Valley and Sta. Rita Hills AVAs, with Bien Nacido Vineyard and Sanford & Benedict Vineyard serving as cornerstone sources for the winery's production.
These coastal vineyards share cool-climate conditions with significant marine influence, providing the extended growing seasons and balanced ripening essential to Chanin's winemaking approach. The Los Alamos Valley also serves as a source region for some of the winery's offerings. Each vineyard selection contributes to a collection of wines that showcase the diverse expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay possible within Santa Barbara County's varied microclimates.
Philosophy & Practice
Chanin's winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention techniques designed to highlight vineyard expression rather than winemaking manipulation. The wines are characterized by their restraint, lower alcohol levels, and focus on terroir expression—a style often described as Burgundian-inspired while remaining true to California's distinctive growing conditions.
The production process begins with careful harvest timing, with grapes picked at lower sugar levels to maintain natural acidity and freshness. Fermentations utilize native yeasts, and some Pinot Noir lots incorporate whole cluster fermentation. Aging takes place in French oak barrels, with a measured approach to new oak, typically ranging from 20-30% of the barrel program.
This disciplined approach to winemaking has earned Chanin recognition from major wine publications including Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Vinous. The winery's commitment to site-specific expression and balanced winemaking also aligned with the principles of the "In Pursuit of Balance" movement, which advocated for more restrained winemaking styles in California.