tercero wines
Unique Wines for Unique Palates
Welcome to tercero wines, the passion project of winemaker and owner Larry Schaffer. With a path as unconventional as the wines he crafts, Larry brings a refreshingly approachable perspective to winemaking—and to the way wine is shared and understood.
After a successful career outside the wine world, Larry returned to school later in life, ultimately earning his Master’s in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He made his way to Santa Barbara County in 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery before founding tercero wines—where his vision and voice could shine.
Today, Larry produces small-lot, handcrafted wines from some of the best vineyards in Santa Barbara County, sourcing grapes from nearly every AVA in the region. While he specializes in Rhône varieties, his curiosity leads him to work with Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and other intriguing grapes that reflect the diversity of this exceptional wine region.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just getting started, Larry’s down-to-earth style and deep knowledge make learning about wine fun, accessible, and personal. Visit the tercero wines tasting room or follow along on social media for a behind-the-scenes look at the winemaking process—and some great conversation, too.
tercero wines—where curiosity is bottled and shared, one small lot at a time.
