Intention
is everything.

We have focused on what we believe are special sites where we have created meaningful relationships with growers to make great wine. We aim to grow wine through thoughtful decisions in the vineyard that respect the land, promoting a healthy relationship between the vines and their surrounding flora and fauna. Organic vineyard practices are core to our beliefs, and we follow SIP certification standards (Learn more about SIP Certified).

We focus on three sub-climates within the greater Santa Barbara County wine region:

Lompoc, CA /
Sta Rita Hills AVA

A sub-AVA of the greater Santa Ynez Valley appellation, located in the cooler climates to the west. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean results in fog-laden mornings followed by mid-morning sunshine. Almost like clockwork, ocean breezes pick up again in the early afternoon, moderating daily temperatures. This maritime influence, combined with sedimentary soils with patches of diatomaceous earth and limestone, provides an ideal place to grow the appellation’s hallmark Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

More info here.

Vineyards

Yellow Fox Trot II: Located in Cebada Canyon just minutes outside our home in Lompoc. This canyon has an East West orientation with soils of alluvial loam and raised beach sand. Wild flowers and oaks, sage and chaparral cover the hills. Grapes sourced Grenacha Tinta. SIP certified.

Robert Rea Ranch: This 118-acre ranch located at the Eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA was once part of the old Rancho Santa Rosa used for cattle grazing and owned by the Hollister Holdings. Since then John and Nikki Patterson have been inspired to maintain a polyculture of plantings including wine grapes, olive trees, an orchard of a variety of fruit trees, chestnuts tress and 200 lavender plants that they produce their own lavender oil from. Helping the Patterson’s achieve their vision is Chris King of Coscha Farming(Learn more). The vines are sitting at about 800 ft elevation in soils of weathered sandstone from the Vaquero formation  with a North facing slope which leaves the plants exposed to the coastal fog and maritime winds. Check out The Patterson’s animal sanctuary "Martha's Animal Society" (More info). . Here, we lease a 0.73-acre block of Syrah clone Estrelle. Certified Organic farming

Los Alamos, CA /
Alisos Canyon AVA

The ingress of cooling marine winds and fog along the San Antonio Creek Valley helps define the climate of Alisos Canyon AVA (Winkler Climate Zone 2). Soils are based on weathered sandstone and shale, with a rare limestone streak along the corridor of the AVA. High calcium content from siliceous shale pebbles and marly limestone impacts grape-skin thickening, increasing extraction, color, and tannins in red varietal winegrapes.

More info here.

Vineyards

Nolan Vineyard: A newer vineyard known for the quality of its grapes and thoughtful farming. Typical soils are sandy shallow top soils with limestone outcroppings. SIP certified. Grapes sourced: Gamay, Mencia, and Mourvedre.

A broad alluvial terrace between the Purisima Hills above Solvang and the western flank of Happy Canyon. Los Olivos has a consistency rarely found in Santa Barbara County, distinguished by its uniform topography, geology, and soil profile. The terrain slopes gently, with a moderate climate marked by warm days, occasional morning fog, and cool nights.

More info here.

Vineyards

La Presa Vineyard: Just down the road from the Old Mission Santa Ynez, "La Presa Vineyard" sits on a gentle slope overlooking the Santa Ynez River. Owned by Wendy Caldwell-Altman’s family since 1972, the land has evolved from seasonal cattle grazing to nourishing nine grape varieties. We love the white varietals grown here. Grapes sourced: Sauvignon Blanc (Nielson clone) and Chardonnay (Hyde clone).

Santa Ynez Valley AVA

Santa Ynez Valley AVA is a long, east-west corridor with very cool temperatures on the coast that become progressively warmer inland. Consequently, several varietals do well, from Pinot Noir in the west to Cabernet and Merlot in the east. Several Rhône and Italian grape varietals have also gained acclaim in this versatile Santa Barbara County AVA. The largest concentration of wineries is in the Santa Ynez Valley appellation.

Vineyards

Two Wolves: Located just outside of Happy Canyon AVA in Santa Ynez Valley and features dense shaley clay loam soil. Certified organic farming. Grapes sourced: Grenache.