Edhat Staff
Carr Winery, a cornerstone of the Santa Barbara wine scene, is thrilled to announce a grand celebration marking its 25th anniversary. The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at their Santa Barbara location, located at 414 Salsipuedes Street.
Established in 1999, Carr Vineyards & Winery specializes in limited production wines from Santa Barbara County. Owner and Winemaker Ryan Carr oversees the management of over 100 acres of vineyards, allowing him to handcraft each vintage from grapes grown to his specification including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Franc.
In 1998, Ryan entered the winemaking industry, driven by a passion for agriculture and the aftermath of moving to Santa Barbara post-Northridge earthquake in 1994. His journey began with a successful batch of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999, using grapes from a vineyard he started working at earlier that year, solidifying his ambition to grow his brand.
A key friendship with Andy Kahn, winemaker for Kahn Winery, further propelled Carr Winery into prominence, as they worked together in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto before Ryan ventured into Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone with Christian Garvin in 2005 to open Cellar 205, a cooperative winemaking facility. This move into the Funk Zone allowed Ryan to enhance his wine quality and reputation, especially with Pinot Noirs, leading to the brand’s continuous expansion.
By 2007, Carr Winery had outgrown its initial location at Cellar 205, prompting a move to a World War II Quonset Hut on Salsipuedes Street in Santa Barbara, where it has been for the last 17 years.
This significant step was made possible with the support of Ryan’s wife Jessica, who transitioned from her role at the Bacara resort to become the winery’s general manager. Her expertise in event coordination proved invaluable for hosting events at the new location. With the help of his foreman, Salvador “Chava” Quintero, Ryan oversees Carr Vineyards, managing several vineyards and agave farms, aiming to produce top-quality grapes and wines.
Despite not having financial backing from a trust fund or tech sale, Ryan has built his winery from the ground up through sheer effort and reinvestment of earnings. Carr Winery has weathered many challenges over the years, including economic downturns, wildfires, floods, and a global pandemic, thanks to resilience, adaptability, and support from its community and wine club members.
Throughout this time Ryan never lost sight of how he got to where he is. “From the dirt to your dinner table,” he says, still feeling that 90% of the winemaking is done in the vineyard and that’s where you’ll find him most often.
Carr Winery has been filling wine glasses and sharing the joy of winemaking with enthusiasts and newcomers alike. In commemoration of this milestone, the winery is extending an open invitation to wine lovers to join in the festivities.
Attendees can look forward to sampling a diverse range of Carr wines, including exclusive selections from Winemaker Ryan Carr’s personal cellar. These exceptional pours will be perfectly complemented by an assortment of gourmet bites provided by local culinary favorites such as Opal Restaurant & Bar, Intermezzo by Wine Cask, Alcazar Tapas, Santa Barbara Fish Market, and Slate Catering.
Adding to the ambiance, the Cantillon Brothers will take the stage in the barrel room, filling the air with their dynamic renditions of classic rock, modern pop hits, and everything in between. This live performance promises to create an unforgettable backdrop for the evening’s celebrations.
In the spirit of the 25th anniversary, Carr Winery is delighted to offer attendees an exclusive discount: 25% off on Carr wines for all guests, with members enjoying up to 50% savings. This special promotion is available on Saturday, September 14th, and Sunday, September 15th, allowing everyone to take home a piece of the fun. Please note the discount excludes library wines, large format bottles, and wine growlers.
Carr Winery’s 25th anniversary celebration is not just a reflection on the past but also a toast to the future. With free admission for guests 21 and over, it’s an event that promises to encapsulate the spirit of camaraderie, exceptional winemaking, and the vibrant community that has supported the winery over the years.
As Carr Winery looks back on 25 years of history, defined by dedication to crafting fine wines and a commitment to the community, this anniversary event stands as a testament to the winery’s enduring legacy and bright future ahead.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to celebrate 25 years of winemaking excellence at Carr Winery. For more details about the event and Carr Winery’s storied history, visit carrwinery.com.
Good wines and good people. Congrats to the Carrs on 25 years and cheers to 25 more!