Bill Wathen and Dick Doré have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded Foxen Winery & Vineyard at the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in Northern Santa Barbara County. Since that time their dedication has remained the same: the creation of small production, sustainably-farmed, vineyard-focused wines using a straightforward and minimalist approach to winemaking.

The winery is named in memory of William Benjamin Foxen, and English sea captain and Dick’s great-great grandfather. Benjamin Foxen came to Santa Barbara in the early 1800’s and purchased the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in 1837 with a Mexican Land Grant that totaled nearly 9000 acres, that comprised most of what is now known as Foxen Canyon. Captain Foxen adopted the distinctive anchor as his ranch cattle brand, which became the trademark of the Foxen Vineyard & Winery. We are proud that we have made our home on the now 2000-acre Rancho Tinaquaic, which remains in family hands.

In 2009 we completed our new solar-powered winery and tasting room, and our beloved historic "Shack" was renamed foxen 7200, and focuses on our Bordeaux and Italian-style wines under a newly designed label. Our Burgundy and Rhône-style wines are showcased at our new location just up the road.

2014 marks the 30th harvest for the Foxen Boys.