STA. RITA HILLS
The quest for exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay brought us to the Sta. Rita Hills, our most southern growing region along the Pacific Coast. This appellation’s unique East-West hillsides funnel ocean air directly to the vineyards, creating one of the world’s premier cool-climate viticulture areas where soils naturally limit vine vigor to produce wines with remarkable acidity and firm structure.
About The APPELLATION
Sta. Rita Hills
The Sta. Rita Hills is located between the towns of Buellton and Lompoc in Santa Barbara County. A critical component for this region’s success is its cool climate and the purely East/West mountain range, whose maritime mouth funnels coastal fog and wind to the vines. This unique orientation, coupled with exceptional Botella clay and limestone soils, produces wines that are as focused and bright as they are alluring.
Before you hit the Sta. Rita Hills, stretch your legs and explore the various hotels, restaurants, parks, and shops of the quaint town of Buellton. Now famous after making its silver screen debut in the movie Sideways, you can relive the film by visiting one of the many charming eateries and must-go spots when in the area.
FACTS OF NOTE
YEAR AVA ESTABLISHED: 2001
TOTAL VINEYARD ACRES: 2,700
KEY VARIETALS: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir
CLIMATE: The Pacific Ocean acts as a cooling influence through the fog, wind, and moderating summer heat
The Vineyards
Rita’s Crown Vineyard
Among Pinot aficionados, Rita’s Crown is quickly gaining acclaim as one of the most impressive vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills. Planted in 2007 and recognized as the highest vineyard site of the appellation, Rita’s Crown is predominantly south-facing and boasts intensely high elevation and slope, allowing the vines to receive a tremendous amount of sunshine and coastal wind. Additionally, the steep hillside vineyard was planted using high-density spacing and is organically farmed. This, combined with the region’s typical diatomaceous earth, adds distinct intensity to the fruit.
Facts of Note
Vineyard Established: 2007
Total Vineyard Acres: 256
Key Varietals: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
First Vintage: 2019
Mt. Carmel
Established in 1989, Mt. Carmel is located in the acclaimed Sta. Rita Hills appellation. An extremely cool and windy site, Mt. Carmel is primarily dry-farmed, which ensures the roots of the vines dig deep into the site’s exceptional diatomaceous earth soils, producing a wine that is both energetic and intricate.
Facts of Note
Vineyard Established: 1989
Total Vineyard Acres: 24
Key Varietals: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay
First Vintage: 2018
