Brave & Maiden Estate
649 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez
(805) 693-2989
Recent Reviews
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This might be the nicest winery in the valley. The wines are fantastic and the facilities are first class! Thanks to Phil for all of his knowledge and great service!
This winery is absolutely gorgeous! The grounds are spotless, the views are spectacular, and the wine is great. The tastings by appointment only make your experience intimate and memorable. The staff is knowledgeable and warm. Highly recommend adding this to your wine tour.
Never in my life have I felt like i was not wanted in a place. As soon as my husband and I walked in we were basically escorted out. A women approached us and told us they had no walk in appointments for the day. Even though the place was empty. Then she proceeded to ask us how long we will be in town, we said only one day. She said they were booked till Sunday. Lol. Could it be that Im mexican. Just saying. Do not go to this winery!!! Soo unfortunate that in 2026 places like this can still discriminate.
Brave & Maiden is truly something special. I came with a large group of friends, and from start to finish the experience was exceptional. The wine was incredible, the location absolutely breathtaking, and the team went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. 10/10!
Phil and team thoughtfully put together beautiful cheese plates for our group across two stunning tables, which made the whole experience feel so warm, intentional, and elevated. Everything was seamless, relaxed, and joyful. The staff was not only attentive but genuinely kind and sweet—you could feel how much care they put into what they do.
We headed over to SB polo for the afternoon and it was our favorite day of the entire trip. I can’t recommend B&M enough.
Called to book. Unfriendly staff - won’t be visiting. Goodbye
An impromptu stop at the winery was a highlight of our California trip this fall. Phil is a fabulous host and a true asset to Brave & Maiden. We can't say enough good things about this lovey establishment and we'll definitely be back the next time we're in the Santa Barbara area!
Great winery, loved the 2022 Malbec
We visited B&M Estate this past May - and it was a WOW-WOW-WOW experience from the moment we drove through the B&M Estate gates, to the BIG welcome we received from Philip (our host and Asst Tasting Room Mgr) when we arrived! It was an over the top impressive experience from the onset….we scheduled a private tasting for my husband, son and daughter-in-law (and granddaughter) while visiting Santa Barbara for a wedding in May. And we arranged for a beautiful display of artisan cheese from a local cheesemonger, Cailloux, who they partnered with in the area (all arranged by B&M).
The table setting was stunning to start with and personalized wine notes..…but the entire wine tasting area was elegant, very warm, yet industrial. Dark and warm tones with stone and high ceilings. The courtyard was so adorable and had old world charm. We toured the vineyard which was meticulous. And Philip allowed us to glance at the wine barrel and processing areas.
Okay - so the wine! Life long Northern Californians who moved out of state some odd years ago. We were members of some of the best wineries in Napa, Sonoma, Santa Cruz Mountains and Paso Robles, etc. Perhaps we were overtaken by the experience - but the wine we tasted - rich, full bodied with so many wonderful notes! We were all in agreement that their wine could totally give Napa a run for their money (and way more) - I wanted to name names but my husband suggested not to name them. But Phillip knows 😉.
Our host, Phillip Lightstone (saving the best for last) - was MARVELOUS! He’s a great story teller, a great listener plus attentive to the surroundings - very animated which kept our attention and engagement. He brought a little wine glass for our granddaughter and served her grape juice - how cute is that! In all our years we spent time at wineries in Napa (all wineries, really in CA) with our own kids, NEVER has that been presented. Phillip is extremely knowledgeable about the history, the wines, the processing of the wines, the grapes and the architecture. He offered some very special tastings as well…..needless to say, we joined the club and shipped a LOT of wine to our native home state.
YES, yes and yes again - BIG recommendation - treat yourselves and you won’t go home broke like Napa!
Wow! Fantastic wines in a great venue with great service. Wish I had found this place years ago
The wines were truly exceptional, and Summer was an incredibly gracious and knowledgeable host (I wish I could poach her). She went above and beyond, embodying the very essence of hospitality. We are so grateful not only for the opportunity to sample wines beyond the tasting flight but also for the insightful tour of the production and barrel rooms. Your wines, estate, and team exceeded all expectations—everything was a perfect 10/10. We look forward to visiting again soon!
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Come here for the aesthetic and Instagram pics, not the wine. Next time I would definitely opt for a glass reservation instead of the $55 tasting. But WOW it’s STUNNING
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, I felt right at home.
This was an elite wine tasting experience.
Our host Summer greeted us in the parking lot to make sure our visit was a memorable one from beginning to end.
The grounds and property are stunning. Indoor and outdoor seating options.
Make sure and make reservations, preferably on a weekday for a more private experience.
Summer has our wines waiting for us on the table with the most delicious charcuterie board I’ve ever had. It’s hand picked with the best cheeses, meats, fruits, crackers, and nuts from a local shop in Solvang.
All of the wines were excellent. So hard to pick a favorite. She sat with us to explain the details of each wine and also gave us time alone to enjoy them.
Summer poured a couple extra glasses she thought we’d like to really give us that VIP experience.
The ambiance inside is so relaxing, I didn’t want to leave. The location was immaculate.
I highly recommend Brave and Maiden over any other tasting I have ever been to.
Obviously you can look online and find out the property and wine are both amazing. What you may not find is how incredible the team and hospitality are. Phil is the absolute GOAT and we can’t wait to be back. The whole team is warm, inviting and celebratory. Happiest we’ve been at a wine tasting!
Amazing views and atmosphere.
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