Tag Archives: Sta. Rita Hills AVA

Show 470, April 16, 2022: Samra Morris, Winemaker, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, Solvang, CA Part One

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Samra Morris of Alma Rosa Winery
https://almarosawinery.com/about/our-people/

“Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County. The wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, and they reflect the special terroir of the Sta.Rita Hills, which benefits from cool Pacific Ocean breezes funneled inland through the unique transverse mountain range of the region.”

“Alma Rosa wines — most produced in small batches of less than 400 cases — represent the best of the Sta. Rita Hills. Guests are invited to try their selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, as well as some of their Rhone varietals, including Syrah and Grenache in their new Solvang Tasting Room.” There are also guest experiences available at the Alma Rosa Ranch.

“The Winery produces 5,000 hand-crafted cases per year focused on Estate and Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards located on a four mile stretch along Santa Rosa Road. Sta. Rita Hills has a large reputation for extraordinary Pinot Noir yet this small area is 6 per cent the size of Napa Valley vineyards and 8 per cent the size of Paso Robles.”

“Founder and Winery Ambassador Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir in the region in 1971. He provides invaluable experience in guiding Alma Rosa’s focus on excellence and balance in all Alma Rosa does. Winemaker Samra Morris (born and raised in Bosnia) brings sensitivity and technique inspired by great winemakers in California and Burgundy to wine growing and wine-making.” Samra had been the Assistant Winemaker at Alma Rosa and when the former Winemaker abruptly departed right before the 2019 harvest was promoted with confidence by Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich and General Manager Debra Eagle.

Winemaker Samra Morris joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards.

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Show 470, April 16, 2022: Samra Morris, Winemaker, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, Solvang, CA Part Two

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Samra Morris of Alma Rosa Winery
https://almarosawinery.com/about/our-people/

“Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County. The wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, and they reflect the special terroir of the Sta.Rita Hills, which benefits from cool Pacific Ocean breezes funneled inland through the unique transverse mountain range of the region.”

“Alma Rosa wines — most produced in small batches of less than 400 cases — represent the best of the Sta. Rita Hills. Guests are invited to try their selection of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, as well as some of their Rhone varietals, including Syrah and Grenache in their new Solvang Tasting Room.” There are also guest experiences available at the Alma Rosa Ranch.

“The Winery produces 5,000 hand-crafted cases per year focused on Estate and Single Vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from vineyards located on a four mile stretch along Santa Rosa Road. Sta. Rita Hills has a large reputation for extraordinary Pinot Noir yet this small area is 6 per cent the size of Napa Valley vineyards and 8 per cent the size of Paso Robles.”

“Founder and Winery Ambassador Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir in the region in 1971. He provides invaluable experience in guiding Alma Rosa’s focus on excellence and balance in all Alma Rosa does. Winemaker Samra Morris (born and raised in Bosnia) brings sensitivity and technique inspired by great winemakers in California and Burgundy to wine growing and wine-making.” Samra had been the Assistant Winemaker at Alma Rosa and when the former Winemaker abruptly departed right before the 2019 harvest was promoted with confidence by Proprietors Bob and Barb Zorich and General Manager Debra Eagle.

Winemaker Samra Morris continues with us pouring a glass of Alma Rosa Estate Pinot Noir, El Jabali Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills.

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Show 446, October 9, 2021: Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara County Part One

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Chris King of Star Lane Vineyard

“Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard were founded in 1996. Owners Jim and Mary Dierberg started this project with the intent of creating World-Class wines from three different AVA’s in Santa Barbara County. They began by planting vineyards in both Santa Maria Valley and at the beautiful Star Lane Ranch in Happy Canyon. Finally, with the addition of the Drum Canyon Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Jim and Mary were able to accomplish their goal of crafting unique, terroir-driven wines that capture the best of these three distinctive sites.”

“Under the Dierberg label, the focus is on the delicate and elegant Burgundian varietals; whereas, at Star Lane, the focus is on the more robust and powerful Bordeaux varieties. Their dedication to producing the highest quality wines can be seen from the care in the vineyards, through the winemaking process, to the wine in your glass!”

“Winemaker Tyler Thomas started with Dierberg and Star Lane Vineyards in the Summer of 2013. His affinity with the Central Coast started early, with his first full-time harvest job, at Fiddlehead Cellars. Though his career later steered him up to Sonoma, his return has been welcomed. “The entire valley made its imprint on me back then as I sampled vineyards in both Happy Canyon and Sta. Rita Hills.””

“Thomas is responsible for the day-to-day details of winemaking, from harvest to the final blending of the wines. He completed his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Botany at Colorado State University, and received a masters in Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis.”

Dierberg Estate Vineyard’s and Star Lane Vineyard’s Hospitality Director, Chris King, joins us to uncork all that is Star Lane Vineyard and Dierberg Estate Vineyard.

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Show 446, October 9, 2021: Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard, Santa Barbara County Part Two

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Chris King of Star Lane Vineyard

“Dierberg Estate Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard were founded in 1996. Owners Jim and Mary Dierberg started this project with the intent of creating World-Class wines from three different AVA’s in Santa Barbara County. They began by planting vineyards in both Santa Maria Valley and at the beautiful Star Lane Ranch in Happy Canyon. Finally, with the addition of the Drum Canyon Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills, Jim and Mary were able to accomplish their goal of crafting unique, terroir-driven wines that capture the best of these three distinctive sites.”

“Under the Dierberg label, the focus is on the delicate and elegant Burgundian varietals; whereas, at Star Lane, the focus is on the more robust and powerful Bordeaux varieties. Their dedication to producing the highest quality wines can be seen from the care in the vineyards, through the winemaking process, to the wine in your glass!”

“The Dierberg’s and Star Lane Vineyards’ Tasting Room (by Appointment only) is located on their Sta. Rita Hills property, Drum Canyon Vineyard. Set towards the back of the property on Drum Canyon Road, the Tasting Room offers a flight of 5 wines featuring Dierberg • Star Lane wines for $25.”

“This tasting showcases the incredible diversity of their three estate vineyards located in Santa Barbara County. The unique climates of each of the three vineyards allows Dierberg & Star Lane to produce: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah.”

“Star Lane Vineyard itself is a Private Estate and is available for privately hosted tours and tastings by appointment only. The curated Estate Tour and Tasting Experience showcases the splendor of the Santa Ynez Valley and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the magic and beauty of the Star Lane Vineyard, Winery & Caves. The 120-minute signature journey begins with a tour of Dierberg’s expansive wine-making facility where guests will experience awe-inspiring views of one of Santa Barbara County’s most historic private ranches.”

Dierberg Estate Vineyard’s and Star Lane Vineyard’s Hospitality Director, Chris King, continues with us to uncork all that is Star Lane Vineyard and Dierberg Estate Vineyard.

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Show 426, May 22, 2021: Winemaker Mark Cargasacchi, Jalama Wines, Lompoc

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Mark Cargasacchi of Jalama Wines

“The Jalama Wines Tasting Room located in the historic La Plaza building in downtown Palm Springs offers a truly authentic tasting opportunity where guests experience the casual and inviting atmosphere of California’s Central Coast wine country. The Jalama Wines vineyards are located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County.”

“Jalama Wines’ artisan winery produces less than 1,000 cases of wine yearly, including estate Pinot Noir, sourced Syrah, Grenache, and Petite Sirah, and several Rhone blends.” The two estate vineyards are Cargasacchi Vineyard – Sta. Rita Hills and Jalama Vineyard – Santa Barbara County.

“The Palm Springs Tasting Room is the first and only one of its kind in the area. It’s a welcoming spot for anyone who enjoys exceptional wine. You’re likely to meet winemaker Mark Cargasacchi there and get a chance to learn what makes Jalama Wines so special.” The Tasting Room is open Friday through Sunday from 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m.

Winemaker Mark Cargasacchi joins us to pull the cork on Jalama Wines.

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Show 396, October 24, 2020: Dan Kessler, Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines, Lompoc Part One

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Dan Kessler of Kessler-Hawk Vineyard and WinesThe Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines vineyard is located on Hwy 246, 11 miles west of Buellton in the cooler northwestern section of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Fog graces the vineyard most mornings; followed by cool Pacific ocean breezes and bright sunny afternoons. These conditions nurture gentle ripening of Kessler-Haak’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at lower sugars with crisp acidity and the higher levels of spice commonly seen in cool climate viticulture. There is also a sparkling wine program.

At Kessler-Haak the approach is that “great wine is produced in the vineyard.” Consequently, they feel “the best winemaking approach is a minimalistic one, relying on traditional methods and techniques.”

“The quality of the fruit directly impacts the quality of the wine produced from it. At Kessler-Haak, they believe winemaking begins in the vineyard and that they are wine growers first and foremost and winemakers second. Winegrower & Winemaker Dan and Owner/Partner Ellen Haak-Kessler live on and work in the vineyard. Coaxing the best fruit from each vine requires an integral involvement with the grape growing process; being there each day, touching the vines and soil and being hands-on in all aspects of the farming.”

The welcoming Lompoc Tasting Room is open Thursday through Sunday. No appointment needed. Check Website for hours.

Grower and Winemaker Dan Kessler pulls the cork on Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines for us.

 

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Show 396, October 24, 2020: Dan Kessler, Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines, Lompoc Part Two

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Dan Kessler of Kessler-Hawk Vineyard and WinesThe Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines vineyard is located on Hwy 246, 11 miles west of Buellton in the cooler northwestern section of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Fog graces the vineyard most mornings; followed by cool Pacific ocean breezes and bright sunny afternoons. These conditions nurture gentle ripening of Kessler-Haak’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at lower sugars with crisp acidity and the higher levels of spice commonly seen in cool climate viticulture. There is also a sparkling wine program.

At Kessler-Haak the approach is that “great wine is produced in the vineyard.” Consequently, they feel “the best winemaking approach is a minimalistic one, relying on traditional methods and techniques.”

“As winemakers, the goal at Kessler-Haak is to craft great food friendly wines that speak of place and time. The single most important factor influencing this goal is the decision of when to harvest. They base this decision on a combination of factors including: sugar levels, pH, flavors, visual appearance of the fruit and vines, seed ripeness and the style of wine we are striving to create. Ripeness in a given year, which ultimately reflects time and place, is the optimal confluence of these factors.”

The welcoming Lompoc Tasting Room is open Thursday through Sunday. No appointment needed. Check Website for hours.

Grower and Winemaker Dan Kessler of Kessler-Haak Vineyard and Wines in Lompoc continues with us.

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Show 395, October 17, 2020: Doug Margerum of Margerum Wine Company, Santa Barbara Part One

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Douglas Barden Margerum“Doug Margerum (Margerum Wine Company) has been involved in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 35 years. Upon graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1981, his family purchased WINE CASK. In 1994 the WINE CASK became one of 74 restaurants in the world to earn the Wine Spectator Grand Award. Doug sold the WINE CASK in 2007.”

“In 2014, Margerum released BARDEN wines – an exploration of cold climate grapes grown in and around the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. BARDEN is Doug’s middle name and its English meaning is “Lives near the boar’s den”… thusly they have adorned the label with an image of the wild boar that is pervasive in the area’s vineyards.”

“BARDEN Wines Mission Statement: BARDEN is the dream to make the ultimate expression of grapes grown in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Our access to the top vineyards along with the philosophy and knowledge gained over thirty years in the wine business allows us to make world-class wines. BARDEN’s English meaning is “Lives near the boar’s den” … thusly we have adorned the label with an image of the wild boar that is pervasive in the Sta. Rita Hills.”

Doug recently hosted at his handsome Santa Barbara Tasting Room a comprehensive sampling of both Margerum and Barden wines for a small group of wine journalists from the L.A. Wine Writers. Barden Sta. Rita Hills varietals sampled included Barden Viognier, Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, Sta, Rita Hills (2018); Barden Fonte, White Blend, Sta. Rita Hills (2018); and Barden Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills (2017.)

Doug Margerum pours a glass of Barden Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills and continues with us explaining all that is BARDEN wines.

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Show 395, October 17, 2020: Doug Margerum of Margerum Wine Company, Santa Barbara Part Two

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Douglas Barden Margerum“Doug Margerum (Margerum Wine Company) has been involved in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 35 years. Upon graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1981, his family purchased WINE CASK. In 1994 the WINE CASK became one of 74 restaurants in the world to earn the Wine Spectator Grand Award. Doug sold the WINE CASK in 2007.”

“In 2014, Margerum released BARDEN wines – an exploration of cold climate grapes grown in and around the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. BARDEN is Doug’s middle name and its English meaning is “Lives near the boar’s den”… thusly they have adorned the label with an image of the wild boar that is pervasive in the area’s vineyards.”

“BARDEN Wines Mission Statement: BARDEN is the dream to make the ultimate expression of grapes grown in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Our access to the top vineyards along with the philosophy and knowledge gained over thirty years in the wine business allows us to make world-class wines. BARDEN’s English meaning is “Lives near the boar’s den” … thusly we have adorned the label with an image of the wild boar that is pervasive in the Sta. Rita Hills.”

“Barden white wines (Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris) are barrel fermented in our 55 degree winery and battonaged for an average of 3 months. We allow malolactic fermentation to occur naturally in each individual barrel. The wines are aged in mostly new Ermitage and Françoise Frères 225 liter barrels and 600 liter demi-muids for ten months prior to bottling.”

“Our Pinot Noir (BARDEN) is hand sorted and a percentage (depending on the vintage) is whole cluster fermented. We do a 6-10 day cold soak, with natural (wild) fermentation, and use only free-run wine. We use minimal sulfur during maturation on full lees in mostly new Ermitage and François Frères French oak 225 liter barriques and 300 liter barrels. We bottle a very precise selection of the wine un-fined and unfiltered.”

Doug Margerum pours a glass of Barden Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills and continues with us explaining all that is BARDEN wines.

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