Over the past decade, Lompoc’s affectionately termed “Wine Ghetto” has become a production center for some of the finest wines in the country, many featuring the new Sta. Rita Hills wine appellation. In less than five years the number of Lompoc’s premium artisanal wines has grown from five to 30 labels, produced in 14 wineries across town. Winemaker camaraderie spawns innovation and winery incubators launch new wine labels.

As these boutique wineries grow, they move into larger facilities and hire more employees. This past year, Brewer-Clifton moved into a new 12,000 square foot production facility; Loring Winery and Pali Winery constructed a 30,000 square foot wine processing facility with operational offices, case good storage, barrel rooms and fermentation rooms. Several other wine facilities in the works will create more growth opportunities with more available production space.