Santa Barbara wine country travels: The Hilt Estate is a must

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 Estate, Lompoc © Spaswinefood

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 Vineyard © Spaswinefood

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

The Hilt, Bentrock Chardonnay 2019 and Vanguard Pinot Noir 2017 © Spaswinefood

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  

The Hilt, Radian Vineyard Chardonnay, 2019  © Spaswinefood

This single vineyard  2019 Chardonnay from Radian Vineyard gets great reviews.

The Hilt, Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, 2015

The Hilt, Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, 2015 © Spaswinefood

2015 The Hilt Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills gets great reviews. The grapes were sourced for the Bentrock, Radian and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards.

Next, three 2016 Jonata wines were shared. 

Jonata, Fenix, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley 2016 

Jonata, Fenix, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley 2016 © Spaswinefood 

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 

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 

Jonata, La Sangre, Ballard Canyon, Santa Ynez Valley 2016 © Spaswinefood

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.

Hilt Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Goats, The Hilt Estate © Spaswinefood

Goats are part of the sustainability practices at The Hilt Estate.

The Hilt Estate © Spaswinefood

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.

From the Vineyard to the Table, Hilt Estate © Spaswinefood

Hilt Estate, Lompoc, Santa Barbara County © Spaswinefood

Hilt Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines were indeed a perfect way to kick-off Santa Barbara Wine Country travels.

Tasting Hilt Estate Wines © Spaswinefood

Of course, taking in the views of the Hilt Estate vineyards are awesome.

Spring Time, Hilt Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Hilt Estate Vineyard © Spaswinefood

When in Lompoc do not forget to visit Lompoc's Wine Ghetto. After visiting The Hilt we stopped at Fiddlehead for a wine tasting.

Fiddlehead Tasting Room, Lompoc's Wine Ghetto © Spaswinefood

Of course along the way to Lompoc do not forget to stop at Sanford & Benedict Vineyards on Santa Rosa Road. The iconic Sanford Winery was founded in 1971 by Richard Sanford. Terlato Wines International assumed ownership in 2005. Sanford Winery at Rancho La Rinconada is also within the Santa Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA), founded in 2001. 

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard © Spaswinefood

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.

 Alma Rosa Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Travelers along Santa Barbara County's Foxen Canyon Wine Trail often stop in Los Olivos for lunch, or dinner. We have many times. Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe is a favorite.

Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe © Spaswinefood

Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe © Spaswinefood

They are well stocked with wines so you will always find some wine to try.

Wine Time, Los Olivos Wine Merchant Cafe © Spaswinefood

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

Los Olivos Tasting Rooms © 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. 

CHEERS!

Sharon
Remebering Santa Barbara County Wine Travels

California

© Spaswinefood

The Hilt Estate, Santa Barbara County © Spaswinefood

Sideways, Bulleton is one of our favorite places to stay.

Sideways, Bulleton © Spaswinefood

Sideways, Bulleton © Spaswinefood

I invite you to join me in my travels in Santa Barbara Wine Country and elsewhere in search of the best.

Bulleton, Santa Barbara County © Spaswinefood

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Let the magic of Anderson Valley wine country unfold: Husch Vineyards

Anderson Valley's Husch Vineyards, a small family owned winery, was founded in 1971. Husch Vineyards, the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley, is managed by 3rd generation family members of the Oswald family. Spending time at this historical winery was just a perfect way to let the magic of Anderson Valley wine country unfold.

 Husch Vineyards, Anderson Valley © Spaswinefood

Welcome to Husch Vineyards

Husch Vineyards located across from Roederer Estate vineyards, has a line of redwood trees bordering the entrance to the property. On our way into the winery and tasting room we passed by the vineyards. Their vineyards include some of the earliest varietals planted in the valley. In 1967 Tony and Gretchen Husch bought the 60-acre Nunn Ranch on Highway 128, about 10 miles northwest of Boonville. The land had been known for growing apples and grains. They later planted eight acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gewurztraminer grapes on the property. Their first official crush was in the fall of 1971.

Welcome to Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

 Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

The story began in 1979, when Hugo Oswald Jr. bought 6,000 cases of wines from the Husch family. The Oswald family had been growing pears in the Santa Clara Valley, but when the area began expanding they sold their land, and headed for southern Mendocino County. Today Husch Vineyards is owned and operated by the 3rd Generation of the Oswald family (Zac Robinson and Amanda Robinson Holstine). Amanda and her brother Zac Robinson, along with their parents and spouses, are in charge of Husch today. Winemaking is under the direction of Brad Holstine (Amanda's husband). Al White, who has been with Husch since 1974, manages all the viticulture operations. While over the years Husch has modernized and expanded, but it has never lost its initial rustic charm, nor its reputation for great wines.

 Husch Vineyards Winery and Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Upon arrival in the parking lot visitors immediately see Husch Vineyards historic tasting room, which dates back to the late 1800s. It resembles the original dwellings of homesteaders who first settled this region. It was once used as a pony barn and a granary for storing animal feed.

 Historic Tasting Room, Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

 Picnic Tables, Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

There is also space outside the tasting room for wine tasting and picnics.

 Tasting Room, Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

After exploring the property a little we headed into the tasting room. Husch produces 22 different wines, with six being distributed nationally. They also produce small lots of special wines that are available exclusively at their tasting room. 

 Husch Vineyards Wines © Spaswinefood

We so enjoyed wine tasting at this historic winery.

 Wine Tasting, Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

When we visited they had a special on buying a case. We had no problem deciding on buying a case of wine.

Anderson Valley, Mendocino County

Husch Vineyards, Anderson Valley wine country is located just north of Sonoma County, about a two-and-a-half hour drive from San Francisco or Napa, and roughly 30-45 minutes from Healdsburg. The Mendocino wine region is part of the larger North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA), one of the largest and diverse wine regions in California. In 2004 Mendocino County voted to become the first county in the United States to become GMO free. This effort was supported by the wineries in the region. It is also important to note that 25% of Mendocino County's wine production is organic, making the county the largest producer of organic wine in California. With the addition of the Anderson Valley AVA in 2017, Mendocino County is now home to 12 AVAs. 

The Anderson Valley is known for its (1) organic and sustainable wineries, and (2) world class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Alsatian-style varietal wines. Anderson Valley’s four most widely planted grape varietals are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling. Besides learning about Husch Vineyards history it is interesting to note that grape growing on this property has been certified Fish Friendly. They use no-till farming, sometimes called regenerative farming, which has numerous sustainability benefits.

Fish Friendly Certified Property © Spaswinefood

After stopping at the historical Husch Vineyards you may want to drop across the highway to Roederer Estate, owned by Louis Roederer, a French Champagne company. 

Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley © Spaswinefood

Roederer has three wineries in Anderson Valley. Domaine Anderson specializes in still wines, making it distinct from Roederer’s other Anderson Valley wineries (Roederer Estate and Scharffenberger Cellars), which are sparkling wine producers. Beyond finding a special sense of peacefulness in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley, Roederer has obviously discovered something unique here for producing Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Given Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay do so well here, the Anderson Valley is an ideal place to explore California sparkling wines.

It is because of the uniqueness of the Anderson Valley that the French Champagne house Louis Roederer has established three wineries here.

Roederer Estate

Roederer Estate © Spaswinefood

Scharffenberger Cellars

Scharffenberger Cellars © Spaswinefood

Domaine Anderson

Domaine Anderson, Anderson Valley © Spaswinefood

More on Anderson Valley

It is good to see local restaurants offering a good selection of Anderson Valley wines. For example in Mendocino, over diner at the Trillium Restaurant, we enjoyed a glass of Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, I had a glass of Roederer Estate Brut. 

Trillium Restaurant, Mendocino © Spaswinefood

With the arrival of wineries with a connection to a French Champagne house, the Anderson Valley wine country has come into its own. 

Mendocino County © Spaswinefood

After visiting Husch Vineyards, perhaps a visit to one of the Roederer owned sparkling wine wineries would make your day in wine country complete. Roederer farms about half of all the valley’s vineyard acreage for sparkling wine. For further ideas on Anderson Valley wineries to visit see Wine Country Getaways.

Toulouse Vineyards & Winery, Anderson Valley © Spaswinefood

As you travel along Highway 128 these days you will discover world class wineries on the route. Anderson Valley has become known for its world class Pinot Noir and Alsace-style varietal wines. I still remember those earlier days driving through the laid back town of Boonville however, in recent years with the the arrival of tasting rooms and restaurants the pace has picked up. Still the pace of life in Anderson Valley is amazingly peaceful. 

Boonville, Mendocino County © Spaswinefood

For a most relaxing California wine country visit then the Anderson Valley AVA, one Mendocino County's 12 AVAs, is an absolute must. For the most delightful wine tasting at an historical Anderson Valley winery then put Husch Vineyards on your list. You might also decide to enjoy a picnic lunch at this wonderful winery. It has the perfect setting for a picnic. I invite you to join me in my California wine country explorations at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and  Facebook.

CHEERS!

Sharon

September 2024

Anderson Valley

Mendocino County, California

© Spaswinefood

Husch Vineyards Winery © Spaswinefood

STOP here at Husch Vineyards © Spaswinefood

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