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Seagrape Cellars
~ A Journey from Tech to Terroir ~
How we came to be Seagrape Wine Company. In 2001, Karen Steinwachs decided to take a bold leap. Trading in her high-tech gadgets for a pair of work boots, she began her journey in the wine industry as a “cellar rat.” Karen began shoveling grape stems, scrubbing fermenters, and lifting barrels. Fast forward to 2007, and Karen had climbed the ranks to become the winemaker at Buttonwood Farm Winery. Their supportive team encouraged her to create Seagrape Wine Company wines.
Meanwhile, Dave had his own epiphany. In 2005, tired of the endless freeway congestion, he moved his business to Lompoc, where he provided logistical and e-commerce solutions to local wineries through Vintegrated Solutions. Both Karen and Dave became beloved figures in the tight-knit Santa Barbara wine community.
Though Dave tragically passed away in 2014, his legacy lives on in every bottle of Seagrape Wine. Karen honors his memory with “Dave’s Cuvée,” a luscious Pinot Noir crafted from the grapes of the Sta. Rita Hills, Dave’s favorite region. This wine is more than just a tribute; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the passion they shared.
Sta. Rita Hills
Today, Seagrape Wine Company thrives, free from the hustle of city life and the constraints of corporate culture. Here, the mornings begin with the cool marine fog rolling in from the Pacific, gently kissing the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley vineyards. This unique climate, with its daily dance of sun and sea breeze, allows our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes to ripen slowly. This preserves their natural acidity and creating wines of exceptional character.
Our grapes come from the best vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills, run by friends who share our passion for quality. Some vineyards supply exclusively to us, while others provide fruit to several wineries, making for delightful comparisons. At Seagrape, we’re not just making wine—we’re living the dream that started on those peaceful, bucolic country roads years ago.
Karen Steinwachs – winemaker