The approximately 30,720 acres (48 sq mi) area was established on May 31, 2001 by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Department of the Treasury after reviewing the petition submitted by J. Richard Sanford (Sanford Winery) and drafted by Wesley D. Hagen (Vineyard Manager of Clos Pepe Vineyards), on behalf of viticulturists and vintners working in Santa Barbara County.

[2][4] In 2016, The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) expanded the approximately 33,380 acres (52 sq mi) “Sta.

The wine region is exposed to fog and coastal breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean.

The region is best known for Chardonnay, Pinot noir, and cool climate Syrah varietal wines.

Rita Hills Wine Alliance celebrating the anniversary of the movie's filming in the Santa Ynez Valley.