History
As one of Santa Maria Valley’s first wineries, we’ve been part of this place from the beginning.
TEPUSQUET: A DEFINING BEGINNING
A portion of our estate—the Tepusquet Vineyard—helped define what this region could become. First planted in 1971, it gathered the attention of winemakers with its vibrant and versatile Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Timeline of Events
The story of Cambria is one of vision, evolution, and enduring quality. These key moments mark the path that continues to guide our winemaking today.
1971
The historic Tepusquet Vineyard is planted as one of the very first vineyards in the Santa Maria Valley, inspiring a new wave of regional winemaking.
1986
Founders Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson purchase the Tepusquet Vineyard and officially establish Cambria Estate Winery.
1999
Denise Shurtleff joins the team as head winemaker, kicking off a transformative era for Cambria that eventually leads to her current role as General Manager.
2006
The 2006 Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir earns the ultimate recognition by securing the number one spot on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wines List for 2009.
2010
Our winery and vineyards earn accreditation from the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) program.
2011
Cambria winery and vineyards are SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice), committing to the three principles essential to an enduring vineyard.
2017
Jill Russell joins Cambria as head winemaker, immediately making her mark when her first vintage of Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay earns a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list.
2019
Barbara Banke and Katherine Jackson partner with Spain's Familia Torres to co-found the International Wineries for Climate Action.
2020
Cambria is named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine, celebrating decades of dedicated teamwork and legacy.
2024
Wine Spectator names Jill Russell as one of 10 outstanding Chardonnay winemakers.
CARE THAT CARRIES FORWARD
Barbara Banke and Jess Jackson recognized that promise of the Tepusquet Vineyard early on. In 1986, they acquired the vineyard and established Cambria. Their view of stewarding the land with the utmost responsibility carries through our work today.
Our winery and vineyards have been Certified California Sustainable through Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW) since 2010 and SIP-certified through Sustainability in Practice (SIP) since 2011—rigorous standards that we uphold annually in the vineyard and cellar. We believe this land is something to be tended with intention and passed forward in stronger condition.
A NEW CHAPTER, GROUNDED IN PURPOSE
In 2017, Jill Russell joined Cambria as head winemaker, bringing a perspective influenced by time on the Central Coast and beyond. Her first vintage, the 2017 Katherine’s Vineyard Chardonnay, was recognized among Wine Spectator’s Top 100. In 2024, Wine Spectator named Jill one of 10 outstanding Chardonnay winemakers.
Our spirit of stewardship extends beyond our home. In 2019, Katherine Jackson helped found International Wineries for Climate Action alongside Familia Torres, uniting wineries in a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions through collective action.
Recognition for Cambria has followed along the way, including being named a Top 100 Winery by Wine & Spirits Magazine. But what endures is simpler. It’s the steady work of caring for this place—season after season, vintage after vintage—and allowing it to speak through every bottle.
JOIN US FOR A TASTING
Our tasting room is in Los Olivos, 30 miles northwest of downtown Santa Barbara.
