Tyler Winery

Founded in 2005 by Santa Barbara native Justin Tyler Willett, Tyler Winery is dedicated to crafting wines of precision, purity, and poise. From its earliest days—a few barrels tucked in the corner of a shared cellar—Tyler has grown into one of the most respected producers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills. Justin’s winemaking is defined by restraint and structure, with an emphasis on expressing the individuality of each vineyard site through minimal intervention and meticulous farming.

A champion of old vines and historic sites, Willett works with some of the most iconic vineyards in Santa Barbara County, including Sanford & Benedict, La Rinconada, and La Encantada. In 2015, he and his wife Amanda established Mae Estate, a 28-acre vineyard planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills. The estate’s marine sediment soils and coastal climate reflect the region’s distinctive terroir—marked by a long, cool growing season, and a dynamic interplay of fog, wind, and sunshine.

Justin’s cellar practices are rooted in classic technique with a modern sensitivity. Grapes are farmed organically and picked at night for optimal freshness. Native yeast fermentations are the norm, and oak is used judiciously, never dominating the wine’s character. Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and aged on lees, often undergoing full malolactic fermentation, while Pinot Noir sees a varying degree of whole cluster, gentle extraction, and long élevage. Wines are typically bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tyler’s exploration also extends beyond the coast to the Happy Canyon AVA, where Willett produces small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from dramatic hillside vineyards. The warm inland climate, combined with significant diurnal temperature swings and marine soils, produces Bordeaux varietals of elegance and vitality.

With each vintage, Tyler Winery continues its pursuit of honest, site-driven wines—balancing structure and nuance while celebrating the diversity of Santa Barbara County’s unique geography.