Winemaker
Doug Margerum
- Discipline
- Winemaker
- Based in
- Santa Barbara, California, United States
i. Biography
Doug Margerum has spent a career building Santa Barbara’s wine identity from the inside out—first in hospitality, then in winemaking, and always through ownership, founding, and standards that hold after the glass is empty. As owner/director of winemaking at Margerum Wine Company in Santa Barbara, Doug Margerum has been widely regarded as one of the pioneers promoting the uniqueness and quality of Santa Barbara food and wine, helping position the region as a destination with its own clear voice.
The Path
Doug Margerum began his career as owner at Wine Cask in Santa Barbara (1981–2007), a long stretch that established the discipline and palate that would later define his winemaking. Hospitality and wine both ask for patience, precision, and the ability to read a room, a table, and a bottle with equal seriousness; that early work set the frame for what came next. In 2001, he founded Margerum Wine Company and took on the role of founder and owner/director of winemaking, keeping direct responsibility for the label that carries his name. The work has extended beyond one title or one site. Today he also serves as winemaker/consultant of Happy Canyon Vineyards and winemaker/consultant of Paradise Springs of Santa Barbara, roles that show both continuity and reach. Across these chapters, Doug Margerum’s career has been built around ownership and winery founding, with a clear preference for making the structure rather than merely operating inside it.
The Work Today
He continues as owner/director of winemaking at Margerum Wine Company, where the role remains central to the estate’s identity and direction. The work is an extension of the same rigor that marked the earlier years: attentive, hands-on, and grounded in place. For Doug Margerum, winemaking is a daily practice shaped by long memory, direct decisions, and the belief that Santa Barbara should be tasted on its own terms.
Signature
Doug's signature wines include M5 Red, M5 wines, ÜBER, SYBARITE Sauvignon Blanc, and RIVIERA Rosé. Taken together, they show the range of his style, moving from depth and structure to brightness and lift. The common thread is control of the blend and confidence in the finished glass, with each bottle serving as a marker of the Margerum approach.
Acclaim
Doug's honors include Wine Spectator Grand Award. The recognition points to the standing of his work and the regard it has earned over time, reflecting a career spent helping shape Santa Barbara’s rise rather than simply moving alongside it.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Doug
What is Doug Margerum's current role?
As of 2026, Doug Margerum is Owner/Director of Winemaking.
Where did Doug Margerum work before?
Doug Margerum's earlier career included Wine Cask.
What recognition has Doug Margerum received?
Wine Spectator Grand Award (1994).
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