Syrah-Grenache-Cinsault Red Blend 2023, Habit Wine Company

In the glass, this Syrah-forward blend opens with aromas of black plum, violet, cracked pepper, and sun-warmed raspberry, layered over hints of smoked herbs and cocoa dust. A subtle streak of graphite and dried lavender brings the aromatics into focus—classic Syrah swagger lifted by Grenache’s warmth and Cinsault’s graceful red-fruit brightness.

On the palate, it’s silky and medium-bodied, starting with juicy dark berries before widening into notes of cherry skin, mulberry, and spiced earth. Fine tannins glide alongside a lively, natural acidity, giving the wine both poise and drinkability. The finish lingers with savory spice, wild herbs, and a whisper of black tea—smooth, balanced, and endlessly inviting.

About the Winery

Founded by winemaker Jeff Fischer in 2007, Habit Wine Company has become one of Santa Barbara County’s most quietly influential small producers—an artisanal project rooted in precision farming, thoughtful sourcing, and an almost obsessive attention to detail. Fischer’s path to wine began humbly in the cellar as an intern and harvest hand, long before Habit was born, and that hands-on, vineyard-first focus still defines the winery today.

Fischer also maintains a rather unusual “day job”: he’s a veteran voice actor, best known for playing a character named—fittingly—Jeff Fischer on American Dad. But while his on-screen counterpart is known for chaos, the real Jeff channels his creativity into a far more grounded craft. Habit’s wines reflect this dual artistry: expressive, character-driven, and always delivered with finesse.

Habit works primarily with Rhône and Loire varieties—Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc—sourced from standout vineyards across Santa Ynez, Santa Maria, and Happy Canyon. Fischer partners closely with sustainable growers, selecting parcels that deliver freshness, tension, and site transparency.

Winemaking is minimalist but meticulous: native fermentations, neutral oak, gentle extraction, and an uncompromising respect for fruit purity. The resulting wines are vibrant, textural, and quietly elegant, showcasing the Central Coast through a lens of nuance and energy.

Even the label aesthetic—a clean, geometric stripe—echoes the philosophy: modern, intentional, and instantly recognizable. Habit remains a small, creative, deeply personal project from a winemaker who brings equal parts curiosity and craft to every bottle.