It's official! The King of Wines reigns in Santa Barbara County!

The 2005 Santa Barbara Commercial Wine Competition revealed some great surprises as judges awarded Double Gold medals to two outstanding Cabernet Sauvignons. The 2001 Bailey's Private Reserve from the McKeon-Phillips Winery, and the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lucas and Lewellen Vineyard. The 2001 Bailey's Private Reserve was also voted Best of Show among all the red wines submitted.

Mr. Lucas of the Lucas and Lewellen Vineyards recently was quoted on "The Wine Show with DeWayne Holmdahl" about some of the changes in viticulture that have led to Santa Barabara County producing such outstanding cabs. "In 1975 I went to Bordeaux and learned about the growing of Cabernet. I brought back what I had learned about what they know about the handling of the Cabernet grape, proper growing temperatures, and sun exposure. Now thirty years later we have established a great Cabernet growing region. Everyone likes to say they have a special micro-climate, but not everyone has a good one, we do!"

McKeon-Phillips wines are of exceptional quality and value. Two of our other wines also took home gold medals in the competition. They are the 2000 Cabernet Franc and 2001 Leonardo which is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 20% Merlot. If you would like to receive more information about the Santa Barbara wine competition, McKeon-Phillips Winery, or sample our award winning Cabernet, please give us a call at (805) 928-3025