(Photo: Facebook)

Local winemaker and the man behind Kunin Wines and The Valley Project, Seth Kunin, has passed away.

Kunin's wife confirmed on Facebook he suffered a heart attack and passed in his sleep on Saturday evening.

Numerous people within the wine industry and Santa Barbara locals have begun sharing their memories of the local vintner and his two popular tasting rooms on his Facebook page. Kunin Wines is located at 28 Anacapa Street and The Valley Project at 116 E. Yanonali Street. Both are wine tasting rooms in the Funk Zone of Santa Barbara.

Kunin Wines was started in 1998 with a focus on Syrah, Zinfandel, and Viognier. He then began to expand with Grenache, Mourvedre, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Their wines are now distributed nationally.

He is survived by his wife and business partner Magan and their daughter Phoebe. A memorial service will be announced shortly.