Wine Legend Pierre Lafond Dies

Pierre Lafond, the Montreal-born entrepreneur who ushered in the region’s modern era of commercial winemaking by founding Santa Barbara Winery 60 years ago, died on Sunday morning. He was 92 years old.

“Pierre had a strong appetite for steady and true work,” said a statement released by his family on Tuesday, noting his role in Wendy Foster Clothing Stores, Pierre Lafond Montecito Market & Deli, and Montecito Wine Bistro as well as the Santa Barbara and Lafond wineries. “He invested whole-heartedly in his current ventures as well as creating ongoing opportunities. He was attentive, consistent, and caring, working right alongside his many employees throughout his entire career and was a leader to the very end. Pierre was a staple in our community, ever present at our many locations, where his steadfast presence will be sorely missed. With gratitude in our hearts for his influence and dedication, we look forward to carrying on his legacy and honoring his commitment to family, hard work, and service.”

Lafond moved to Santa Barbara in 1957 at the request of his father, who was running a liquor store on the Mesa. But when his father died soon after his arrival, Lafond, who’d been trained as an architect, dove into the retail business with a focus on wine, opening a new shop in downtown’s El Paseo complex in 1962. He eventually opened a number of bistros in Montecito and Santa Barbara alongside his wife, Wendy Foster, who’s also launched a number of clothing stores.