Mosby Winery and Vineyards

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Bill and Jeri Mosby cruising their Sangiovese vineyards.

The Mosby winery, estate and vineyards, are located at Highway 101 and Santa Rosa Road 1/4 mile south of Buellton, California—one of the earliest wineries in Santa Barbara County. The land is part of the old Rancho de la Vega, which derives its name from the Spanish "river bottom or meadow." Hence, Bill Mosby's first commercial wines were labeled "Vega." As Mosby's wines grew in popularity and his knowledge and winemaking skill became known, his family urged him to change the label to reflect the Mosby name. Finally, in the mid-1980s Vega Winery and Vineyards became Mosby Winery and Vineyards.

The old de la Cuesta Adobe at Mosby's Winery and Vineyards was built in 1853 by Dr. Roman de la Cuesta for his bride, Micaela Cota. All of the lumber used in the construction of the house was carried by oxen and mule pack over the rough trails of Gaviota Pass.

Because of its location, the de la Cuesta ranch home was a favorite place for travelers to rest before facing the long trip by horseback through the Santa Ynez Mountains since there was no hotel between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara.

The gracious de la Cuesta hospitality was known throughout California and the adobe ranch house was a favorite stopping place for travelers in the sparsely settled state of more than 100 years ago.

The house was built with 13 rooms around an open court. The old adobe remained with the de la Cuesta family until the 1950s when the two remaining de la Cuesta sisters sold the property.

Dr. and Mrs. Bill Mosby purchased the property in 1976 to become one of the early wine pioneers in Santa Barbara County. Mosbys’ first wine grapes to be planted on the estate were Gewürztraminer, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo.

The Mosby Winery Tasting Room is located in the restored de la Cuesta Carriage House near the old Adobe, which is home to the Mosby Winemaker Dinners. In keeping with the de la Cuesta property’s tradition of hospitality, visitors today regularly stop by the Mosby Tasting Room, which is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. For more information, call 805/688-2415. The Mosby tasting room is located in the estate's old carriage house. Destroyed by storms in the 1970s, the carriage house was restored to reflect its original charm.

The old carriage house in the vineyard is home to the Mosby Winery tasting room. (Photograph by Kirk Irwin)

Visitors can taste select Mosby wines for only $7.00 per person in the Tasting Room. The tasting includes a souvenir Mosby crystal wine glass.

The Mosby family tradition of winemaking extends from Bill Mosby's winery and vineyards in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County to son Mike, with vineyards in Monterey County. Mike Mosby grows magnificent grapes such as Syrah and Mourvedre. The diverse terroir available to the Mosbys is but one reason for their continued success in the industry.

When you visit the winery and tasting room you will likely see Bill tending his vines and wife Jeri dashing between the old adobe and one or another of the offices. When you see them, please don't hesitate to say hello. Hope to see you soon!