New business in Buellton brings new dimension to Valley tourism

Move over wine; bourbon and other spirits are now being produced in the Santa Ynez Valley. Ascendant Spirits Distillery has opened their doors in Buellton.

They produce bourbon and vodka now but will soon be making moonshine and gin. The owner says his distillery is 1 of 450 in the country.

He decided on Buellton because of the wine industry and the tourism it brings. “I think it’s a great, you know, offering of something different than wine tasting or some of the existing breweries that are here, to mix things up for people,” said owner Stephen Gertman.

The climate in the Valley is also perfect for aging whiskey.

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