Santa Ynez Region Wines: Jack Weasel Tastes Blackjack Ranch Winery

By Jack Weasel – Your favorite whiskered wine critic

Santa Ynez Valley… the unsung hero of Santa Barbara County and the place where grapes thrive, breezes flirt with the vines, and humans pretend they know what “terroir” means. Unlike those overrun wine regions where tour buses swarm like ants on a dropped churro, Santa Ynez offers something better: personality, diversity, quality, and a whole lot of charm.

Why Santa Ynez is a Cat's Wine Paradise

The Valley’s secret weapon? A glorious mishmash of microclimates. Cool mornings whispering in from the coast, warm afternoons soaking the hills, and breezes carrying more gossip than your Aunt Linda. This climate chaos lets winemakers grow practically everything — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Rhône blends, Cabernet, and more.

Most wineries here are small, family-run, and obsessed (in the good way) with quality. Many use organic or sustainable practices, which helps you feel responsible even while you’re on your fourth tasting.

I, of course, came for the wines worthy of my refined palate — and Blackjack Ranch did not disappoint.

Santa Ynez Valley

Blackjack Ranch: A Winery Born From Luck and Genius

Roger Wisted created a popular card game called California Blackjack. Then he turned those winnings into a winery. A wise move, because Blackjack Ranch now produces standout Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay — the kind of wines that make cats like me purr.

Jack Weasel's Must-Taste Blackjack Wines

Blackjack Harmonie 2010

The star of the lineup and the reason I strutted into Santa Ynez. Harmonie 2010 pours with deep garnet tones and the kind of aroma that whispers, “I’ve aged gracefully… unlike your fashion choices from 2010.”

Notes:

• Black cherry, cassis, plum

• Cedar, cigar box, leather

• Cocoa, soft herbs with smooth, structured, and endlessly classy.

Pairings: ribeye, lamb chops, aged Gouda — or deep thoughts about how sophisticated you suddenly feel.

Pairing a Steak with a glass of Blackjack Wine

2021 Revelation

A wine that bursts from the glass with ripe blackberry, black cherry, and warm plum, all wrapped in oak-aged confidence.

Pair it with: Bone-in ribeye, short ribs, aged Cheddar — or quiet judgment of your neighbors.

Billy Goat Hill Merlot 2013

A Merlot so charming it could make a goat stand taller.

Deep garnet, velvety fruit, notes of mocha and herbs, and a warm, elegant finish.

Pairings: pork tenderloin, mushroom risotto, aged Manchego — or solitude while basking in your superiority.

Syrah “Maximus” Hillside-Grown Estate 2012

Maximus doesn’t whisper — it roars. Inky, brooding, peppery, meaty, smoky… a full-bodied masterpiece with legs thick enough to demand rent.

Pairings: brisket, lamb shanks, blue-cheese burgers, duck confit — or drink it alone and let it judge you.

Tips for Planning Your Santa Ynez Wine Trip

• Group visits by AVA — Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Happy Canyon.

• Visit smaller, off-the-beaten-path wineries.

• Balance tastings with hikes, horseback rides, or exploring Los Olivo's and Solvang.

Final Sip

Santa Ynez Valley is a treasure chest for wine lovers craving character, charm, and craftsmanship. Whether you prefer delicate Pinots or bold Syrah's, this region delivers stories in every glass.

If you stop by Blackjack Ranch, tell them Jack Weasel sent you. If they look confused… just wink knowingly and ask for a pour.