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Wine Region History
The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail also gives you a glimpse into the area’s history. Named after the seafaring pioneer Benjamin Foxen, the road originated in the mid-1800s to access the coast and the City of Santa Barbara through the mountains by stagecoach. Ricard Dore of the Foxen Vineyard is a direct descendent of the Foxen family and the winery is located next to the original vintage house and barn built by Benjamin Foxen.
When William Benjamin Foxen purchased the Rancho Tinaquaic in 1837, he and his dark-eyed bride, the former Eduarda Osuna, built a small adobe on the property. He was called "Don Julian" by the Indians. The Foxen family lived for many generations on the ranch. One of Foxen’s daughters, Ramona, married the Englishman Frederick Wickenden. Their early adobe still stands. Ramona, whose family had been steadily increasing, longed for a nearby church; the long drive to the Santa Ines Mission with small children proving to be quite a task. The death of her father provided the incentive to build a church with a graveyard, and today at the mouth of Foxen Canyon stands the historic landmark, San Ramon Chapel, built in 1875. It is also known as Foxen Memorial Chapel. It has been dedicated as County Landmark No. 1 and also as State Landmark No. 877.
The Foxen Canyon Wine Trail was formed in 1993 to promote the special attributes and opportunities of the trail as a destination. Special events are scheduled throughout the year including the Vintners’ Festival in May, and Passport Weekend and the Autumn Arts Grapes & Grains Festival which both take place in October. Individual wineries also hold their own events year-round such as winemaker dinners, concerts, open house(s), and harvest parties, so you're sure to find an occasion to celebrate Santa Maria Valley wines any time of the year.
For more information on Santa Maria Valley wineries or winery events contact the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor & Convention Bureau at (800) 331-3779, or to request a winery map, click here .
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