Happy Canyon

Overview

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara is the easternmost and warmest sub-AVA of the Santa Ynez Valley. Sheltered from coastal influence by the Purisima Hills and San Rafael Mountains, the area experiences hot days and cool nights on rolling hills with high slopes. Soils are varied and include high-magnesium formations that some growers believe contribute to the wines' distinctive minerality.

Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot thrive in the warmth, often blended into powerful, structured reds. Syrah and Grenache are also successful, producing ripe, spicy wines. Happy Canyon is the warm-climate counterpoint to the cool western reaches of Santa Barbara County.

Key Varietals

• Cabernet SauvignonThe leading red, producing dark cassis, blackberry, and firm-tannin wines.
• SyrahA Rhone variety giving blackberry, pepper, and smoked-meat character in the warm canyon.
• MerlotA softening red adding plum, cocoa, and mid-palate richness to blends.
• Cabernet FrancA aromatic red contributing red berry, herb, and floral lift to Bordeaux blends.