Lompoc's Industrial Wine Ghetto Thrives

Winemakers find community and cost savings in Lompoc's unconventional wine hub

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Lompoc Wine Ghetto, an industrial park in Lompoc, California, has become a hub for small and independent winemakers who have set up shop in the no-frills facilities to take advantage of lower costs and a collaborative community of like-minded producers.

Why it matters

The Lompoc Wine Ghetto represents an unconventional model for winemaking that prioritizes pragmatism and cost-savings over traditional wine country aesthetics. By banding together in this industrial setting, small producers are able to make high-quality wines without the overhead of expensive vineyard land and elaborate tasting rooms.

The details

The Lompoc Wine Ghetto began taking shape in the late 1990s when Longoria Wines became the first winery to set up operations in the Sobhani Industrial Park. Other small producers soon followed, drawn by the lower rents and ability to share equipment and resources. Today, the Ghetto houses over 20 wineries, many of which source grapes from elsewhere but make their wines in the industrial facilities. The casual, collaborative atmosphere allows winemakers to learn from each other, especially during the busy harvest season.

  • The Lompoc Wine Ghetto began taking shape in the late 1990s.
  • Longoria Wines was the first winery to set up operations in the Sobhani Industrial Park.

The players

Rick Longoria

The founder of Longoria Wines, who was the first winemaker to base his operations at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.

Peter Hunken

A winemaker who produces wines under the labels Black Sheep Finds, Holus Bolus, and Piedrasassi, and formerly worked at Stolpman Vineyards. He appreciates the collaborative atmosphere and "blue-collar" vibe of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.

Lompoc Wine Ghetto

An industrial park in Lompoc, California that has become a hub for small and independent winemakers who have set up shop in the no-frills facilities to take advantage of lower costs and a collaborative community of like-minded producers.

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What they’re saying

“Especially at harvest time, when you're at the facility late at night or all night, it's good to have some people doing the same thing. It's nice to have someone to talk to.”

— Peter Hunken, Winemaker (nowandzin.com)

“Lompoc is more business-friendly than the unincorporated areas of the county where a lot of the winemakers live. If I had the choice of some nice vineyard land and Lompoc, which would win out? Well, I'd love to have a vineyard, but the big, fancy winery isn't a necessity for me. I'm happy making wine here, and I relate to the blue-collar atmosphere in Lompoc. Besides, I'm a surfer and I enjoy being this close to the ocean.”

— Peter Hunken, Winemaker (nowandzin.com)

The takeaway

The Lompoc Wine Ghetto demonstrates that high-quality, mission-driven winemaking can thrive in an unconventional setting that prioritizes pragmatism and community over traditional wine country aesthetics. This model allows small producers to focus on the craft of winemaking without the overhead of expensive vineyard land and elaborate tasting rooms.