Tercero Wines

Tercero Wines has a tiny tasting room just a block off of the main street in Los Olivos. When you enter the tasting room you can tell this winery is all about the enjoyment of the wine. The ceilings are white plaster and their constantly changing menu is written up on a black chalkboard on the wall behind a wooden dowel bar. There is plenty of stainless steel, including the counter of the bar, and a smattering of scientific glassware decorates the shelves.  This decor is meant to emphasize the chemistry of the wines. They offer over 5 wines at a time, and each one is treated as the product of a special ‘alchemy.’ And what sort of wines are on offer here? How about a best-selling Grenache from the Larner Vineyard in Santa Barbara County? Rated a 91.3, this wine has a medium body that was aged in older oak barrels. There are a couple of Syrahs, Grenache Blancs and an Albarino to round out the taste test.

They offer over 5 wines at a time, and each one is treated as the product of a special ‘alchemy.’ And what sort of wines are on offer here? How about a best-selling Grenache from the Larner Vineyard in Santa Barbara County? Rated a 91.3, this wine has a medium body that was aged in older oak barrels. There are a couple of Syrahs, Grenache Blancs and an Albarino to round out the taste test.

But you won’t get any tasting notes at the Tercero wines tasting room. Larry Schaefer, the winemaker, believes in letting people experience wine without a screen of expert opinion. He came to his passion through a simple curiosity and desire to branch out. He had started in the trade publishing industry, but he accomplished his dreams there and set out looking for a new career. Wine-making was what called to him, and he started studying enology. He now makes wines from the Santa Ynez, Larner, Tierra Alta, Thompson and Watch Hill Vineyards. All these vineyards are local, and take advantage of the warm weather and sandy loam soils to bring out a range of varietals that make the Tercero wines stellar.

So, if you want to try your hand at what Larry calls the ‘alchemy’ of wine, you will want to try out the fruits of Larry’s new challenge. We think you will agree that the world is richer for his choice.

Address: 2445 Alamo Pintado Ave, Suite 104, Los Olivos

Phone: (805) 245-9584