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32 reviews for Longoria Wines
32 reviews in English
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Review from Paul F.
Lakewood, CA
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Another great tasting room in Los Olivos. The tasting room itsel is a bit narrow, but they have a small garden area outside to the right as you walk in where they also do tastings.
I have to say that I did not have the negative experience with the employees that a few others have mentioned. Our host was attentive and answered all of our questions.
This was probably my second favorite tasting in Los Olivos. They seem to be known for their Pinot Noirs, and they did not disappoint. We ended up with a bottle of Pinot Noir from their Fe Ciega vineyard, another from their Rancho Santa Rosa vineyard, along with a bottle of their Tempranillo and finally a small bottle of their Syrah Vino Dulce a Port like dessert wine.
This is another tasting room that we will be visiting again.Listed in: Pseudo-Sideways
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Review from Nikki M.
1/16/2012
Longoria closes a bit earlier than other tasting rooms in the area - at 4:30. When we saw this on Yelp, my parents, boyfriend, and I rushed over so that we'd make in time. My parents wanted to visit Longoria because they'd had a positive experience a few years ago.
The place was empty except for us and one other tasting group. Our pourer did explain every wine to us, but she hovered over us for the entire duration of the tasting. This makes it difficult to really talk about the wines - all of which I found to be average in comparison to many of the wines we tasted at other wineries during our trip.
I did appreciate that the they have a collection of Spanish varietals - this is not something you see too often in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez region. But, I did not taste a single wine that made me go "wow!"
For a $12 tasting, I did not feel that Longoria's wines were worth it.Listed in: Santa Ynez Wine Region
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Review from J G.
Los Angeles, CA
2/4/2012
Another great tasting room, with some of the best wines in the area. In fact many people, including wine critics say these are among the best in the region. For those of you not in the know, Richard Longoria, the name sake of these wines, is one of the founding fathers of wine making in this region. In fact, he ran many of the popular bigger vineyards like Gainey back in the day. One of the great things about Longoria is they are one of the few local wineries that really puts attention on Spanish varietals such as Tempranillo and Albarino. Longoria's Tempranillo is considered amongst the best Californian versions of this wine.
Just a warning.... The tasting room can get cramped inside. As this room is in the middle of the street, many people stumble in on their way up or down the street and arrive drunk as they have already hit a number of the other rooms and have had plenty to drink when they arrive. This can make for a noisy atmosphere, however during warmer weather, they have tastings in the garden area next to the room so this can be a bit of a relief. I can't tell you how many times I have been in there only to find loud and rude groups of customers.
Don't believe what the other reviewers have said about rudeness. The team who run the tastings are great, and they hold a smile even when dealing with these said obnoxious drunks. If you ask them questions, they are more than happy to answer. My friends and I have become regulars here and we always feel welcomed like we're part of the family. I recommend this room to everyone, and those who have gone based on my recommendation not only rave about the wines, but said they had a great time there and the staff was friendly. My friend visiting from Australia even had cases shipped back home, that's how much she loved it, and her family owns a vineyard.
Please ignore the negative comments. You'll miss out on some of the best wines in the area if you skip this place. I can't recommend Longoria enough. -
Review from Julia B.
San Diego, CA
1/1/2012 1 Check-in Here
So fun to taste wine in their garden. We did buy any wines here but the staff were all very friendly.
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Review from Lois M.
6/6/2011
Note: This is for the tasting experience - not the wine.
Okay, just want to start off by stating that the wines are 5-star. We are club members, and enjoy the product. The library wines are especially excellent and should be treated like gold. Good job Rick.
Now, two weekends ago, we visited "our" winery, and the two young ladies manning the shop were vapid, totally not interested in explaining the wines, and plain didn't know the product. Everything was "good" and we could read about the wines on the hand-out. No, they didn't know if and when something would become available, or whether or not any of the library wines were available. What a horrible impression they made to first-time visitors. Longoria lost some sales that day! -
Review from Lisa A.
Simi Valley, CA
8/7/2011
Great wine. Great location. Personable staff.
You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Karen V.
Valencia, CA
4/25/2011
Tasting on Saturday, April 23rd
Typical wine tasting room. We were directed to go to the beautiful garden for tasting the first few wines. The day was nice and cool and the host and hostess were so nice and friendly. We really enjoyed our quick visit.
Their wines were excellent too! This is a must visit when you are in Los Olivos or Solvang. -
Review from Andrea F.
Manhattan, NY
7/31/2011
Great wines!
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Review from Jennifer E.
Tucson, AZ
We returned to Longoria to see if they had any thing new. We were greeted by this great guy who was down to earth which was a welcome change from the last time. He was knowledgeable without being over the top or snobby. We purchased some wine and left happy.
Good time.Listed in: Santa Barbara, I love you!, Wine, Los Olivos - The place for…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/29/2009
Good wine, I will give them that. Snotty and pretentious service, wtf? We can't all be wine… Read more »
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Review from Hannah L.
2/11/2010 1 photo
This is what I was waiting for....
Although my tasting excursion in Los Olivos and environs was far too brief, this was the spot I made time for. On a recommendation from our pourer at Kalyra, who deemed Longoria the #1 spot in Los Olivos (always go with those in the know!), we stopped in. The room is tiny, long, and opens up onto a little garden. Tucked in the back corner is an old wine-press, and the feel is welcoming, relaxed, and graceful.
The wines at Longoria were simply lovely, and my only two regrets are that I could not taste everything they offered, and that I could not buy everything they offered. The Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley AVAs provide a fantastic nesting spot for one of my favorite varietals, Pinot Noir. Longoria has not two or three but about ten different releases, sourced from various vineyards in those areas. Each showed the typical earthy, deep notes of a Pinot, yet incorporated those distinct individual touches of terroir that make wine worth living for.
The Syrahs and the red blends were also excellent, and the surprise on the list was an Albarino, something I haven't seen in California before. If you're tasting around Los Olivos, you must stop here to absorb the thoughtful, knowledgeable, and very professional service from your pourers, and make sure to buy at least four bottles so you can take home your own Longoria wine bag for future trips to a favorite wine shop (or to Longoria itself for a 5% discount on your future bottles).
Too bad this tasting room is so far away.... -
Review from Joe B.
3/8/2008
Sorry, I don't do $12 tastings, no matter how cute the server is! Jessica p.noir and my best friend for life were doing wine tastings here, and it just seemed overpriced. Maybe if I had come in through the back patio I would have been swayed.
This is one of the reasons to go to the actual wineries - it seems like tasting room fees are jacked up to discourage students who presumably won't make the effort to go far afield to the actual vineyard. -
Review from Matthew S.
San Francisco, CA
10/24/2007 3 photos
This is without a doubt, one of my very favorite wineries in the Santa Ynez valley. The tasting room that Longoria Wines runs in downtown Los Olivios is one of the nicest in the area. They have a small front room, but the really nice part is the outside garden area, where they also pour wines during the nice summer weekends. It's absolutely beautiful out back, and the little fountain is cute too. Richard's wife, whose name is I can not think of right now...is so nice, she always remembers me when I come in, even when it is months apart.
Now for the wines...
Spectacular! As I mentioned above, I come here a lot, and it is always a stop when I go wine tasting in Santa Ynez Valley. I love their Pinot Noir, and several of the other Rhone varietals that they have. Some of the less expensive wine, like the Hoo Doo Red, or the Blues (with super sweet labels) are also extremely, awesomely good. Sadly, like most other tasting rooms in the valley, they raised their price after the stinky Sideways movie, but it is still an excellent deal for an excellent wine! -
Review from Sandy T.
7/30/2009
"Groups of 8 or more are not allowed in the tasting room"
HA! Okay, there were just two of us and early on a Friday afternoon, so it was no big deal for us. There wasn't another soul in the place yet. I knew they had a Pinot from the Sta Rita Hills area and since the bf LOVES Pinots from that area, I suggested we hit this tasting room.
You can tell they might be on the pretentious side of wine living. There is something to be said about it though. The Blues Cuvee, Pinot Noir and even their Tempranillo are good. Worth the hefty tasting fee? Ehn, maybe.
I understand why they don't like big groups, it takes away from potential wine sales and the intimacy that might come from a smaller interaction. So they raise the tasting fee to detract from being a stop on the Sideways tour. Right now they are offering, buy 3 bottles get the tasting free, but their wines are not cheap. Worth a stop if you like Pinot Noir from the region. You can always share a tasting if the $12 is too hefty. -
Review from M P.
San Diego, CA
4/7/2010
I like how they tell you where in the valley the grapes come from. Makes me imagine a beautiful vineyard as I'm sipping.
That's nice. As were the people and wine. -
Review from Shoshana D.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2009
These were the best wines I tasted in Los Olivos. If you go to sample the town's tasting rooms, you have to go here. The room was so packed when we got there, we almost turned back around and left. But they handled the situation graciously, and actually came out from behind the counter to ensure we got service as well while we stood behind the group of people at the bar.
Every other winery and restaurant we went to spoke highly of Longoria as well. It says a lot when your neighbors want to refer their customers to you as well. -
Review from Paul W.
Pasadena, CA
3/28/2010
Our group enjoyed tasting here. There is a backyard to taste in after stopping by the front store to check in and pay. The final tasting is in the front store, and you can make your purchases there.
We enjoyed the tastings in the back garden with our South African hostess, Ziana, made some purchases, and were ready for the next winery on our list.
Good experience. -
Review from Liz M.
Los Angeles, CA
3/25/2011
Longoria is a must see if you are going to Los Olivos. Not only is their staff delightful (Diana - Mrs. Longoria - did our tasting, and was lovely and chatty), but their wine is just about the best you will find in California.
I go up to Los Olivos and around the Santa Barbara wine country pretty frequently, and many of the vineyards are hit or miss. Like all emerging wine markets, some of the offerings are very good and some have not quite gotten there yet. Longoria clearly has mastered the craft of making excellent wines, and I can't wait to go back to their tasting room in the near future.
In addition to the wines available for tasting, Longoria offers a wine called Hoo Doo, which is basically a mishmash of whatever grapes are left after the vineyard's excellent reds have been produced. As a result, it is not the same grape mix (or taste) from one year to the next. At $16 a bottle, I thought it would be a safe bet to buy (heck, I risk $20 on wines at the grocery store all the time). It was wonderful, and I will definitely go back and buy a case of it next time I am in town.
All in all, this is my favorite tasting room in Los Olivos. If you are going to Santa Barbara for wine, be sure to visit Longoria! -
Review from J J.
Redondo Beach, CA
9/4/2010
What a prententious bunch! Seriously a no go. Mid level wines at established winery prices, no bargain to be found and too much attitude for anyone's palate.
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Review from Duchampagne X.
Los Angeles, CA
12/17/2010
A simple tasting room typical of those in Los Olivos. Longoria makes the most excellent whites. I highly recommend their Albariño.
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Review from Joyce T.
Glendale, CA
8/3/2010
Of the 3 vinyards we visited, I think Longoria had the most consistently tasty wine list that day. Longoria is a cute wine tasting spot on the Los Olivos strip. They've got a small garden with yummy, refreshing flavored water in this gorgeous apothecary drink dispenser. It's also one of the few places you can actually find a chair to park yourselves!!!
The staff were all very mellow, accommodating, and kind. Longoria had a very laid back atmosphere that I enjoyed immensely.
The one drawback is that it can get pretty hot during the afternoon, but that's not anything they can control :) -
Review from R B.
Sherman Oaks, CA
9/26/2010
Great descriptions of the formulas and stats of each wine, above and beyond any other winery I've visited, so that's interesting. Alcohol contents were on average 14%. :)
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Review from Alured P.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2010
Another nice place to taste wine. Lots of good reds, ranging from the inexpensive blends to the more expensive varietals.
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Review from George W.
Long Beach, CA
10/6/2010
We stopped by a year ago, and it had the most consistently good wines without the crazy madness of some of the other spots. We bought a bottle, and shared it with friends a month later. Wonderful Fe Ciega. This year, we were in the neighborhood again, and it called to us again. Once again, it was an amazing experience, with great wine, little of the circus atmosphere, and knowledgeable and warm staff that knows where to be one with the guests without the feeling they are one OF the guests.
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Review from Jessica P.
Emeryville, CA
3/19/2008
I presume these wines are inviting, if you're charging $12 per tasting...but even if you look like Eva Longoria, I'm sorry, I won't pay that unless I get a slap on the ass to boot.
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Review from Erik U.
Benicia, CA
6/18/2008
Since I went to school with his kids I guess this review should be taken with a grain of salt. But one thing I make sure I do when ever I travel to Santa Barbara is to stop by Los Olivos and pick up a bottle of Longoria wines. Sometimes I get to see the family and taste, but sometimes I don't and I have to buy from the store across the street. The variety is always there and I swear the Pinot Grigio I had last summer was the perfect summer wine if ever I've had one.
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Review from Jun W.
Alhambra, CA
8/15/2009
A very pleasant and relaxing experience. We came here just to sit in the beautiful backyard. We had a wonderful time sipping wine. It felt like one of those moments when you're just enjoying the company of good friends in the comfort of your own home. Service was extremely friendly. Our server came out to the yard to pour us the wines, we didn't have to leave the comfort of our seats. A nice place to go near the end of the day when you want to "wine" down from a long day of tasting.
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Review from Steve D.
Santa Ynez Valley, CA
4/11/2010
Longoria is one of my favorite stops with visiting friends.
The wines are great and the quiet garden is an awesome place to enjoy wine and perhaps lunch in the garden.
Tasting is generally not offered in the garden but you can buy a bottle of wine from the tasting room and enjoy it there.
Los Olivos offers a great opportunity to enjoy wines from a number of excellent wineries, some good food and art without lots of driving.
Would add Tensely to the sampling in Los Olivos. -
Review from Tim O.
Portland, OR
11/8/2009
The tasting room is located right downtown in Los Olivos. This is one of the best wineries in the valley.
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Review from Jackie B.
Aliso Viejo, CA
4/5/2008
You know, everyone in town said to go here, and named the winemaker Richard Longoria, instead of the winery. We find out that Rick has long been in the business and knows everyone ... the reason for all the recs. The tasting room was cute and the little patio and grounds on the side were, too, although we didn't really have cause to go there. The vineyard cat and dog also made it a little fun. The wines, however, were not very remarkable, although it was clear they were probably of good quality.
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Review from Holly T.
1/3/2009
I'm not a huge fan of Los Olivos tasting rooms, and this was yet another experience that I found underwhelming. I do like Longoria's pinots most of the time, but I also find them to be a bit uneven (we have a case of Longoria's Bien Nacido pinot at home, and so far 2 out of 3 bottles have been corked). All the wines we had in the tasting room were just OK at best, and a few we dumped. Probably the highlight was the pinot grigio, which I hadn't had before. I would have liked to have tried their albarino, but they weren't pouring it. They are pretty serious about curbing alcohol consumption here (for good reason, I'm sure; I shudder to think about people that spend an entire day making the rounds to all the tasting rooms here), so not only did we get carded, but there are some helpful guidelines posted on the wall correlating number of pours to likely blood alcohol percentage. The tasting room was very small, and even with only a few people it was quite crowded, and I found the service to be rather impersonal and not terribly friendly. Tasting was $10 and included a poor quality, small glass.
Listed in: Central Coast Wine Tasting
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Review from Pace W.
Los Angeles, CA
9/6/2007 2 photos
The guy behind the counter here reminded me of a cross between my very first boyfriend and what my little cousin will look like when he grows up. John has such a warm demeanor and regards the Longoria Family as if it were his own. There is a real sense of community and pride in the quaint town of Los Olivos, CA. I decided to opt for the reserve tasting here- I was intreagued by the tempranillo and Eric, the sommelier from the Beverly Hills Cheese Shop specifically sent me here for the 2005 Pinot Noir from the Fe Ciega Vineyard. It really was all he had promised. The 2005 Chardonnay Cuvee Diana, named after the vitner's wife, was my second favorite. It is slightly effervescent and it is made in a French Oak barrel as opposed to an American Oak barrel. I tend to steer clear of Chardonnay because of the overwhelming oak flavor. French Oak has tighter grains than American Oak, so the flavor is more delicately imparted in a wine that has been aged in French Oak as opposed to American Oak. This is their second year producing the Tempranillo Clover Creek Vineyard and it will probably take a while longer to get it right. The overall feel of this wine matches that of a two year old child- wild and unruly!
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Review from Matt O.
San Diego, CA
7/18/2010
Bad service.
