Paradise Springs Making Itself at Home on the West Coast

It’s been a decade since Kirk Wiles launched Paradise Springs Winery in Clifton, Va.

His latest gift to himself: a swanky new tasting room -- with a view of the ocean.

Wiles put down roots in California a few years back, exporting the family business to Santa Barbara. Three vintages later, Wiles is celebrating the westward expansion with the unveiling of a modern space designed to showcase the chardonnay, syrah, Bordeaux blend and single vineyard pinot noir he’s cultivated along California’s central coast.

“We wanted to engage a local audience in a different region,” Wiles said of his attraction to Santa Barbara.

The new tasting room, which Wiles expects to open by late spring or early summer, is scheduled to replace a smaller venue in downtown Santa Barbara previously operated by Kalyra Winery. Per Wiles, Paradise Springs will transform that locale, along with an adjoining one, into a multi-purpose facility featuring an outdoor patio (with propane-fueled fire pit and tempered glass garage doors), a wine bar and a private tasting room/event space.

Those craving a sample of his California wines now can sip the sauvignon blanc and pinot noir currently flowing at the flagship tasting room in Fairfax County.

Conversely, Wiles is looking forward to sharing the award-winning fruits of his labors here over there.

“I’m excited about taking Virginia wines out there,” he said.