Barbera's roots date back to the 13th century in Italy’s Piemonte region. Italian immigrants brought the grape with them when they arrived in the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries. Barbera shows better in cooler climates producing wines that are both approachable in their youth yet can also age well in the cellar.

The Palmina family shares in the enthusiasm and vision of the vineyard's original owners, Don & Shirley Walker. Hollywood transplants from the music industry, the Walkers pursued their dream of planting, farming and making wine in the Santa Ynez Valley. We're proudly carrying on the Walker's dream in this special vineyard also known as "Old School."

Located in the newly designated Los Olivos District AVA on Alamo Pintado Road, the vineyard lies on an ancient creek with alluvial rock and sandy loam soils. Days begin with cool, coastal fog from the Pacific Ocean hovering over the vineyard, chased away midmorning by warm winds drifting over the San Rafael Mountains to the east. Sunny, warm days provide the necessary temperature to fully ripen the grapes, and the cold, clear nights of the region retain the lively food-friendly acidity for which Barbera is known for.