Santa Barbara County has a range of climates within its three American Viticulture Areas (AVAs). Santa Ynez Valley AVA is the largest and farthest from the cool influences of the Pacific Ocean. West of the Santa Rita Hills is cooler because of its proximity to the ocean. The Santa Maria Valley AVA is also cool and often foggy. The region averages 14 inches of rain in the valleys and up to twice that amount in the mountains. Summertime highs can be very warm reaching over 95 degrees in the interior. Santa Barbara county wineries can be busy during the summer months.
