We had the good fortune of connecting with Bingo Wathen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bingo, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Nature. Winemaking is all about working with what nature gives you. Sunlight, temperature, rain, wind, fog, soil. All of these elements go into growing grapes and can (and should) impact your final product: the bottle of wine made from those grapes.

What should our readers know about your business?
I grew up in the wine industry and in 2017 launched my own brand, Barieau Wines. It began as a learn-by-doing sort of venture, as I felt like I still had much to learn, and over the years has grown into healthy little business and creative outlet for me. It was not easy. I took all aspects of the business on myself, and truly had to learn by doing. It was hard, but I’m in a much better place now having learned all sides of the business rather than hiring others to do it for me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: After a hearty country breakfast at The Longhorn in Santa Ynez, we’d go for a little hike on Figueroa Mountain. Then down the mountain to Los Olivos for lunch at Bar Le Côte. Finish the day wine tasting in Los Olivos and head to Nella for dinner.

Day 2: Head to Jalama Beach early before the wind hits. Grab a Jalama burger for lunch. Wine tasting in the Sta. Rita Hills on the way home: The Hilt, Melville, Babcock. Head back to Santa Ynez for dinner at S.Y. Kitchen. Get a nightcap down the street at The Maverick Saloon.

Day 3: Head to Los Alamos for the day. Grab coffee and pastries at Bob’s Well Bread, then rose antique shops until lunch at Bell’s down the street. In the afternoon, drive down Alisos Canyon road to Foxen Canyon and taste wines at Zaca Mesa and Foxen wineries. Back to Los Alamos for dinner at Full of Life Flatbread.

Day 4: Feeling wined out, head to Gaviota peak for a 7 mile round trip hike, with views up and down the coast. Afterwards, jump in the ocean at nearby Gaviota Beach. Dinner at Nana Thai in Buellton.

Day 5: Sleep in. Head to Solvang for some gift shopping and people watching. Grab some late lunch at Ramen Kotori before heading home.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To the old guard that came before me and introduced me this craft and this way of life: My father, Bill Wathen. My Burgundian mentor, Olivier Merlin. The late Jim Clendenen.

Website: https://www.barieauwines.com

Instagram: @barieauwines

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