Wine lovers gathered at numerous places throughout the larger Lompoc Valley to immerse themselves in a world of high quality wine, pleasant dialog, and camaraderie in opposition to the breathtaking backdrop of Sta. Rita Hills AVA’s vineyards, on the annual Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Hearth celebration held August 17-20.
On Thursday evening, the “Barn Social gathering” at Kessler-Haak Wines kicked off the weekend festivities among the many vineyards and ripening grape bunches. No precise barn was current, and it’s a superb factor, as a result of the merriment positively couldn’t be contained. Visitors reveled in wines poured by almost 30 winemakers from Sta. Rita Hills, and partied to reside music by The Down Yonders. Whereas we indulged in a tasty BBQ dinner, I spoke with company Dwayne and Ginny Kroening of Saratoga, CA, and so they marveled within the evolution of Sta. Rita Hills. “Since 1982, we’ve been attending the Santa Rita Wine & Hearth occasion, and bear in mind when it was really within the Sanford & Benedict Barn, within the early days.” They continued, “We now have solely missed the occasion as soon as.” Their devotion mirrors the expansion of the area, and so they treasured early recollections of being poured pinot noir by none apart from Richard Sanford.
Is there something higher than beginning the day with bubbles? I feel not. Friday morning’s Glowing Wine seminar featured an hour-long dialogue with winemakers, adopted by a desk tasting on the gorgeous grounds of Montemar Vineyard.
This 12 months’s occasion was a tribute to the mastery of wines and winemakers who’ve carved a reputation for themselves on this revered area. Friday evening’s festivities honored Vintner of the 12 months Ken Brown, beginning with a Glowing Wine Reception, adopted by a BBQ feast supplied by Excessive on the Hog, in a La Paulée Burgundian-style dinner.
Saturday, a enjoyable Velocity Tasting with the winemakers included tales of winemaking and tales of the area, getting a non-public one-on-one with every participant for 10 minutes. Suppose speed-dating, however all of the love language was that of the grape.
Saturday evening was the pièce de résistance, the Grand Tasting, with roughly 350 attendees. Because the solar set over the historic La Purisima Mission, it was not merely a celebration of wines; it was an ode to the collective spirit of winemakers, the expansion of a area, and the eagerness that programs by means of each bottle. With greater than 40 of Sta. Rita Hills’ best wineries in attendance, every vineyard painted a novel tapestry of flavors and tales. Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars, recognized for her progressive winemaking strategy, shared her ardour for crafting her “Lollapalooza” wine. She gushed, “That is my pinnacle creation, a mix of my finest wines,” including, “It’s a masterpiece that’s achieved by means of a blind tasting journey. I’m searching for intriguing wine profiles that captivate the senses.” Joseph and winemakers all through the occasion supplied enlightening insights, underscoring the influence of terroir on wine character. Conversations surrounding winemaking methods and expressions deepened attendees’ appreciation for the artistry behind every bottle.
On the Hilt Property desk, sipping their chardonnay, I met Richard Brockmeyer, whose function entails serving to set up vineyards. From Napa, he returned to the occasion with a way of pleasure and nostalgia. Brockmeyer mentioned, “I’m so pleased to be again on the Grand Tasting Occasion after an eight-year hiatus.” He was thrilled to revisit wines from the Hilt and Jonata, as his connection to the Sta. Rita Hills runs deep. The occasion’s transformation through the years was evident to him, and he marveled at its evolution.
With so many wonderful wines to select from, I sipped Mail Street Wines pinot noir from Mt. Caramel Winery that danced on my palate with pink fruit nuances, whereas Barden’s chardonnay revealed textured layers of citrus and minerality. I additionally appreciated the variety of Holus Bolus & The Pleasure Incredible wines, and talking with their winemaker Peter Hunken, who supplied an interesting exploration of the area’s terroir and craftsmanship. Because the solar started to set, mild rays illuminated the wine glasses, and attendees have been handled to a symphony of sounds by native musician Kaitlyn Chui. Whereas a “silent public sale” befell within the background, this spotlight of the Grand Tasting Occasion supplied attendees the chance to bid on 40 totally different giant format and library wines, with funds going to learn the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance.
Because the solar dipped under the horizon, casting a heat glow over the vineyards and the Mission, it was a second of reflection and gratitude. The Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Hearth occasion had as soon as once more confirmed to be an unmissable event, an annual celebration that united wine lovers, winemakers, and the fantastic thing about the area in an beautiful mix of flavors and experiences. The transformation from the pageant early days to its present stature attested to its significance and influence.
Be sure you mark your calendars for subsequent 12 months. Cheers to the Sta. Rita Hills and the wines that encourage us!
