Waltzing Bear Wines was started in 2002 by Brad Lowman with much encouragement from the late, great Bob Senn, who introduced him to many of the winemakers and winegrowers in Santa Barbara county, including Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company and the folks from Tantara Winery, Jeff Fink and Bill Cates.

Why name it Waltzing Bear Wines?

Because the waltz is the most elegant dance,
and pinot is the most elegant wine,
and Brad is as clumsy as a bear on the dance floor,
but still enjoys the elegant things in life!
In 2002, Brad made our first vintage with the assistance of Brian Loring, who also generously hosted us and mentored Brad on his style and philosophy of wine making. We will forever be in the debt of Brian, who is not only an amazing winemaker, but an even more incredible human being.
Also in 2002, Brad volunteered time almost daily during harvest up at Tantara Winery as they expanded their operations into a new building. Jeff Fink is Brad's other mentor and also a good friend.
Since 2003, our wines have been made at Tantara Winery, located in the middle of the beautiful Bien Nacido Vineyard east of Santa Maria. Brad spends September and October each year working full time at the winery to produce our wines before returning home to the Los Angeles area to resume work at his "day job".
With the help and assistance of Brad's two best friends, Shane Birdsill and Ben Croy, Waltzing Bear is truly a wine "on the threes".