Carpinteria, CA

Carpinteria is a small town located in Santa Barbara County, California. The population was 10,811 at the 2010 census. Carpinteria is known for its natural beauty and its many wineries. The town's real estate market is strong, with homes averaging over $1 million.

The Carpinteria Valley was first inhabited by the Chumash people about 10,000 years ago. In 1769, Gaspar de Portolà led an expedition up the coast from San Diego and camped near present-day Carpinteria on August 2nd. He named the valley " Carpinteria" after a Spanish military engineer who helped build the fortifications of Cartagena de Indias. In 1821, Jose Maria Verdugo built a mill near what is now downtown Carpinteria. The mill operated until 1882 when it burned down; it was rebuilt and continued to operate until 1957.

In 1884, Drury Hot Springs opened as a health resort for visitors to the area; it remains open today as a luxury hotel under the name "The Spa at Drury." In 1901, Jules Bachelet built a winery in what is now downtown Carpinteria; it still operates today as Bachelet Vineyards & Winery. In 1906, Henry Eppley built an inn on State Street (now part of Highway 101) which he called "Eppley's Inn." It became known as "The Castle" and remained in operation until 1973; it has since been demolished and replaced by apartments.

In 1915, Jules Fournier established Fournier Vineyards in what is now Oak Park; it still operates today as Fournier Vineyards & Winery. In 1926, Arthur Loomis purchased land south of Eppley's Inn and began planting grapes; he later renamed his property Loomis Ranch and established Loomis Cellars which still operates today under that name.

In 1941, Walter Paine purchased land east of Loomis Ranch and began planting grapes; he later renamed his property Paine Estate Wines which still operates today under that name (the original winery building has been converted into an event center). In 1961, Don Miguel Ruiz purchased land north of Paine Estate Wines and began planting grapes; he later renamed his property Mission Hills Winery which still operates today under that name (the original winery building has been converted into an event center).

In 1966-67 , developers Bob Hope & Bing Crosby bought several hundred acres of undeveloped land east of Mission Hills Winery intending to build homes for their movie stars friends ; however , they were unable to get financing so they sold the land instead . Today , this undeveloped land forms part of Carpinteria's wine country .

In 1978-79 , developers Tom Perkins & Jerry Perenchio bought several hundred acres of undeveloped land west of Mission Hills Winery intending to build homes for their movie stars friends ; however , they were unable to get financing so they sold the land instead . Today , this undeveloped land forms part of Carpinteria's wine country .