USA

Santa Barbara

1966
76Grapeyear
good Configuration

Santa Barbara 1966 Vintage Report

Defining the 1966 vintage in Santa Barbara requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.

Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.

Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.

Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 21mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.

**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.

About Santa Barbara

Unique for its transverse mountain ranges, Santa Barbara funnels cool ocean air deep inland. This creates a paradise for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the west, and Syrah and Bordeaux varieties in the warmer east.

Climatic Blueprint

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

1541

Total Rainfall

23 mm

Sunshine Hours

2605 hrs

Diurnal Shift

7.8 °C

Frost Days

0 days

Average Temperature

17 °C

Historical Context (7 Years)

Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.

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