I still remember when our Santa Barbara Wine Country travels took us to Lompoc, with The Hilt Estate at the top of our list. We came because this winery is known for producing exceptional cool climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Their estate vineyards are located in the southwest corner of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. When The Hilt acquired the historic 3,600-acre Rancho Salsipuedes in 2014, it became the home of The Hilt Estate, and its highly acclaimed vineyards Bentrock, Radian and Puerta del Mar. The estate's three vineyards distinct characteristics are defined by the Bentock and Radian ridges. These ridges have an extensive range of altitudes, microclimates, sunshine, and soil types. We were excited to discover The Hilt Estate and its other winery connections.
The Hilt, Jonata and Screaming Eagle Connection
The Hilt Estate owners, the Kroenkes (Stan and his wife Ann) are not new to the wine world. Kroenke, a billionaire sports and property mogul, also owns the Jonata Estate, Ballard Canyon AVA, Santa Barbara County, and Screaming Eagle, Napa Valley. Kroenke became sole proprietor of Screaming Eagle in 2009. Given the small quantities produced and high prices commanded, Screaming Eagle wines are considered cult wines. Jonata Estate, the sister winery to Screaming Eagle, produces wine from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, and other grape varieties. Its Ballard Canyon's highly sandy soils are also planted with Syrah, Sangiovese and Bordeaux varieties. Both Screaming Eagle and Jonata have fascinating stories behind their developmen, as does The Hilt. Part of Jonata's story includes Matt Dees, who was hired in June 2004 as winemaker for an ambitious vineyard project, known simply as Jonata (ho∙na∙ta), a Chumash word for live oak. The Hilt Estate founded in 2008, to focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, was launched as a sister label for Jonata. Dees has been the winemaker of both Santa Barbara wineries since their inception.
Hilt Estate Visit
The Hilt Estate wines include Estate, Single Vineyards, The Guards, and The Limited (experimental wines produced in limited quantities from grape varieties new to The Hilt Estate). Prior to our visit we had arranged for a wine tasting. Before sharing the wines tasted it is important to note that Hilt wines focus on capturing the different vineyards (Bentock, Radian, and Puerta del Mar) characteristics. I still remember that wine tasting, and so here are a few notes.
The Hilt Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Wines
We began with Bentrock Chardonnay 2019 and Vanguard Pinot Noir 2017. Both were so delightful.
The introduction was followed by 2019 Chardonnay from the Radian Vineyard, and 2015 Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
The Hilt, Radian Vineyard Chardonnay, 2019
This single vineyard 2019 Chardonnay from Radian Vineyard gets great reviews.
The Hilt, Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, 2015
2015 The Hilt Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills gets great reviews. The grapes were sourced for the Bentrock, Radian and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards.
Jonata produces a number of red blends. We began with a 2016 Fenix, Bordeaux-style blend of predominately Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc.
Jonata, Todas, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley 2016 © Spaswinefood
2016 Jonata Todas, a red blend (50% Syrah, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Sangiovese, 2% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Viognier, 1% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Sémillon) was next.
Jonata, La Sangre, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley 2016
We concluded with a 2016 La Sanger de Jonata, a blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier.
I was obviously pleased with this wine tasting. How could one not enjoy these Hilt Estate wines, and the 2016 Jonata wines?
I was prompted to write this post because recently we enjoyed three Santa Barbara wines (Alma Rosa, El Jabali Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills 2020; Twomey, Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido, Santa Ynez Valley 2015;and Jonata, Fenix, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley 2016). These wines immediately transported me back to Santa Barbara Wine Country where the micro-climates and varying terrains allow for diverse grape growing areas. Indeed, these three wines, quickly brought back memories of earlier Santa Barbara County wine travels.
Wine Travels in Santa Barbara Wine Country
Reviewing my notes on our earlier visit to the The Hilt, was a quick reminder of the rich diversity of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Given the diversity of micro-climates and varying terrains, Santa Barbara County is home to seven American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): Santa Maria Valley, California’s second oldest AVA is the most northerly. Santa Ynez Valley AVA has four sub-AVAs (West to East) - Sta. Rita Hills, Ballard Canyon, Los Olivos District, and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara. Alisos Canyon is the youngest AVA. The Burgundian grapes, pinot noir and chardonnay, thrive in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley; Rhone grapes like syrah and grenache in Ballard Canyon; and Bordeaux's cabernet sauvignon and merlot in Happy Canyon. You will also find Italian and Spanish varieties, and late harvest and bubbly wines too. We always enjoy exploring Santa Barbara County's wineries at Lompoc, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Los Olivos, Ballard Canyon, and of course Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Wine Country is where you are bound to discover your favorites.
Hilt Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines were indeed a perfect way to kick-off Santa Barbara Wine Country travels.
When in Lompoc do not forget to visit Lompoc's Wine Ghetto. After visiting The Hilt we stopped at Fiddlehead for a wine tasting.
Sanford, pioneer winegrower, and Vineyard Hall of Fame inductee, founded Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards in 2005. Alma Rosa focuses on cool-climate varietals, best suited to the Santa Rita Hills AVA (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris). During our last visit we also dropped by Alma Rosa's tasting room in Solvang. 
Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe © Spaswinefood
They are well stocked with wines so you will always find some wine to try.
Qupé, Syrah, Bien Nacido Hillside Estate, Santa Maria Valley © Spaswinefood
Of course let's not forget the tasting room and wineries in and around Los Olivos, and Ballard Canyon, which nestled between Los Olivos and Solvang.
Los Olivos © Spaswinefood
In addition to The Hilt Estate, other options for wine enthusiasts can be found at Lompoc, Foxen Canyon Wine Trail, Los Olivos, Ballard Canyon, and of course on Santa Barbara's urban wine trail. Moreover, Santa Barbara County offers top destinations for wine and food. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Santa Barbara County and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to sharing more on my vine-filled explorations in California's Santa Barbara Wine country.
Remebering Santa Barbara County Wine Travels
The Hilt Estate, Santa Barbara County © Spaswinefood
I invite you to join me in my travels in Santa Barbara Wine Country and elsewhere in search of the best.
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