Dick Doré and Bill Wathen have been making wine together since 1985, when they founded FOXEN 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 of elegance and balance using a minimalist approach to winemaking. FOXEN is named in memory of Captain William Benjamin Foxen, an English sea captain, Santa Barbara pioneer and Dick’s great-great grandfather. Captain Foxen came to Santa Barbara in the early 1800’s and purchased the historic Rancho Tinaquaic in 1837, where the winery and tasting room remains today. Captain Foxen adopted the distinctive anchor as his ranch cattle brand, which became the the winery's trademark in 1985.
In the last 35 years, FOXEN has remained one of the Santa Barbara's most highly acclaimed wineries and best known for their single-vineyard Pinot Noirs. "The wines move from strength to strength, always with exceptional purity, tons of transparency to site and impeccable class." Antonio Galloni, Vinous