Press Love & Wine Scores.
WINE SCORES ~
WINE SCORES ~
Steve Clifton has been making wine for over 30 years. Here are our current vintages he’s produced.
He said these are his best wines yet….
A quote from Robert Parker, the most influential wine critic in the world:
"As I have written in the past, no one in California (and probably in the New World) is doing what Steve Clifton has managed to do working with Italian varietals in selected micro-climates in the Santa Barbara area. From the get-go, his dry, crisp, light to medium-bodied whites were a revelation for California, and he continues to dial up the quality of the Italian varietal reds, even managing to come close to conquering the hardest varietal of all for anyone outside Northern Italy – Nebbiolo.
At present, 'Clifton' is the only reference point for what can be achieved in California with Italian varietals. Hats off to Steve Clifton!"
93 pts
Vega Vineyard & Farm 2023 Barbera
Los Olivos District, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California
Red wine from United States
Drinking window: 2024 - 2031
The 2023 Barbera is seriously delicious. Vibrant red/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and rose petal are front and center, framed by bright acids that convey tons of varietal character. This is such a attractive wine. Impressive. Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2024 © 2023 Vinous Media
93 Points
Vega Vineyard and Farm 2021 Barbera (Santa Ynez Valley)
Bright red fruit, spicy cinnamon, red flowers and a hint of wood show on the nose of this bottling by veteran winemaker Steve Clifton. The palate is juicy, spicy and energetic, offering rounded fruit with a tart bite, more red spice and a peppery acidity.
— Matt Kettmann. Published 9/1/2023 WINE ENTHUSIAST
93 Points
Vega Vineyard and Farm 2021 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
Fresh and vivid aromas of raspberry jam, shaved cinnamon and sumac pick up a pinch of white pepper on the nose of this bold Pinot Noir. The palate is juicy in red fruits and wrapped in a warm pastry flavor, with a persistent hard spice element that keeps the finish energized.
— Matt Kettmann Published 9/1/2023 WINE ENTHUSIAST
92 pts
Vega Vineyard & Farm 2023 Pinot Grigio
Los Olivos District, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California
White wine from United States
Drinking window: 2024 - 2028
The 2023 Pinot Grigio is another terrific wine in this range from Steve Clifton. Slow pressing gives the Pinot Grigio an extra bit of textural richness without fully veering into the realm of skin-contact wines. Pear, apple, white flowers, mint and pretty tropical overtones build nicely in the glass.
Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2024 © 2023 Vinous Media
92 pts
Vega Vineyard & Farm 2023 Malvasia Bianca
Los Olivos District, Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California
White wine from United States
Drinking window: 2024 - 2028
The 2023 Malvasia Bianca is a gorgeous white with tons of varietal character. White flowers, mint, pear and exotic spice notes all grace this open-knit, super-expressive white. This is an especially creamy style of Malvasia Bianca.
Antonio Galloni. Tasting date: July 2024 © 2023 Vinous Media
90 Points
Vega Vineyard and Farm 2021 Albariño (Santa Maria Valley)
Coconut, plumeria and apple blossom aromas align into a pleasant nose on this bottling. The palate tightens up a bit, focusing on tangerine pith and apple peel flavors.
— Matt Kettmann. Published 9/1/2023 WINE ENTHUSIAST
90 Points
Vega Vineyard and Farm 2021 Pinot Grigio (Santa Barbara County)
Crisp aromas of melon and cut apples meet with dusty earth on the nose of this bottling. The palate mixes dried apple and fresh lime sorbet on the pleasant and easygoing palate.
— Matt Kettmann. Published 9/1/2023 WINE ENTHUSIAST
New Scores come out Sepember 30th! And we are so excited.
10/22/24: Horses, vineyards and a charming petrol museum: 13 reasons why Buellton is worth a stop - Los Angeles Times. By Elisa Parhad
L A Times travel/list/things-to-do-trip-to-buellton— View Article
10/16/24: Winemakers set to pour out their creations for the 40th annual Vintners Festival. By News Crew KEYT & John Palminteri - View News Reel
8/16/24 : Drew Wakefield 805 Show - ~ Listen Here
8/16/24 : Drew Wakefield 805 Show - ~ Listen Here
3/31/2022 : A Pair of Pioneers Translate Northern Italy into Santa Barbara. By Robert Camuto
Italian Grapes in California, Part 4: A generation apart, Louis Lucas and Steve Clifton were both drawn to Nebbiolo in the 1990s — View Article
9/6/22 : Local restaurateurs Karen, Jimmy Loizides acquire Mosby Winery in Buellton By: Lisa Andre
Mosby Winery & Vineyard in Buellton was recently sold to local restaurateurs Karen and Jimmy Loizides who are set to partially reopen the refreshed property they've renamed Vega Vineyard & Farm. — ViewArticle
9/22/22 : Vega Vineyard and Farm will opening October with Italian wines and Mediterranean fare fresh from the fields By Camillia Lanham
The thing Clifton loves most about Italian varieties is that “they’re meant to be at the table.” They’re made for food and memories.
12/22/22 : Vega Vineyard Returns to Form in Buellton By: Matt Kettmann
Restaurateur Jimmy Loizides & Winemaker Steve Clifton Focus on Both Wine & Food
6/28/23 : FARM TO BOTTLE By: Ellie Koleen
For a family-friendly experience that combines the artistry of farm-to-table cuisine with winemaking in the serene beauty of nature, Vega Vineyard & Farm is the answer.
3/17/24 : A Special Buellton Wine Tasting at Vega Vineyard and Farm By Cori Solomon
3/18/23 : Show 517, March 18, 2023: Vega Vineyards & Farm with Proprietor Jimmy Loizides By: Adam Bell
Hospitality entrepreneurs, Karen and Jimmy Loizides, launched late last year the family’s newest Santa Ynez Valley venture, Vega Vineyard & Farm.
12/30/22 : New vineyard opens on historic ranch in Santa Ynez Valley By: Patricia Martellotti
It’s the newest Buellton wine tasting and dining option situated on a historic ranch.
2/4/23 : Vega Vineyard & Farm Team Focuses on Food, Wine and Hospitality By Laurie Jervis
Industry veteran Steve Clifton brings decades of experience with Italian wines
3/23/24 : Santa Barbara Wine Country: The Best Places to Eat, Stay and Sip in the Santa Ynez Valley By: Elycia Rubin
The laid-back wine region is more attractive than ever as its first luxury resort, Auberge’s The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, opens and local restaurants earn Michelin guide distinctions.
8/9/23 : Where to Go Wine Tasting with Kids in Santa Barbara By: Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Uncork Family Memories at These Kid-Friendly Tasting Rooms Throughout the Region
10/17/23 : 39th annual Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival a success
7/31/24: Vega Vineyard Welcomes All Ages to Buellton By: Matt Kettmann
Family Friendly Cabanas Now Open as Food Service Caters to Both Casual and Classy Tastes
8/16/23 : Top Fall Activities and Events in Santa Babara By: santabarbaraca.com
Soak up the sensory delights of fall in The American Riviera®