winery

Foxen Vineyard & Winery

Santa Barbara County, United States

Philosophy

Minimalist philosophy with minimal intervention, focusing on single-vineyard designations and Old World winemaking techniques learned under French practitioners. Solar-powered winery completed 2009; honors terroir through straightforward, honest approach without heavy manipulation.

Reputation

Named in memory of William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain and co-founder Dick Doré's great-great-grandfather who arrived in Santa Barbara in the early 1800s, Foxen Vineyard occupies the historic 2,000-acre Rancho Tinaquaic, a Mexican land grant purchased in 1837. The winery itself was founded in 1985 by lifelong friends Bill Wathen and Dick Doré, who first met while working at Tepusquet Mesa Vineyard.

AllocationProducer operates under two distinct brand names from two tasting locations: FOXEN (solar-powered winery, 7600 Foxen Canyon Rd) showcases Burgundy, Rhône, and Loire varieties; foxen 7200 (historic blacksmith 'Shack', 7200 Foxen Canyon Rd) features Bordeaux and Italian varieties. SIP Certified vineyards confirmed across portfolio; Williamson-Doré Vineyard noted as Certified Biodynamic. Distribution statement indicates 'many states and a few countries' but specific importer names not listed on producer website trade page. Production volume and total hectares not disclosed in public sources. No UK or Japan-specific importer information found; direct-to-consumer sales emphasized. Foxen remains in family hands across four generations (Doré/Wathen families).

No benchmark products catalogued for this producer yet.