Three fascinating clusters of vineyards are found on the other side of Route 246. Dierberg, Melville, Babcock, Turner, Clos Pepe, Kessler-Haak, Machado and Zotovich all yield wines of pedigree, as does Hilliard Bruce, just to the west. Rita Hills, while Rhone varieties are planted just outside of the boundary. Pinot is planted within the part of the vineyard that is in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, starting with John Sebastiano, one of the most singular vineyards in the area. Turning right on Route 246 and heading north lie the Sta. When visiting our neighborhood you will enjoy relaxed hospitality, world class wines and world class personalities. Inspired by the incredible potential offered within this wine region, a diverse group of talented growers and winemakers are producing some of California’s most exciting wines. The mission of the Alliance is to support the viticulture and enological business interests of its 47 Members, as they relate to grapes and wine from our AVA.

Rita Hills AVA status was granted in 2001 by the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Regulation Division. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance was formed in 1997 to unify growers and winemakers in the Western Santa Ynez Valley for the purpose of developing their own American Viticulture Area and to promote this unique wine growing region. The Pacific Ocean’s marine layer and afternoon ocean breezes traverse the coastal valley corridors between the Purisima Hills and the Santa Rosa Hills, creating the perfect environment for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other cool climate wine grape varieties. Rita Hills American Viticulture Appellation is located on California’s Central Coast in Santa Barbara County. We look forward to sharing our estate Syrah soon, in the meantime, we hope you enjoy these lovely offerings.The Sta. While we patiently wait for the grapes to come online, we source our Syrah from our neighbors in Santa Barbara County. Our Syrah block is still a bit young and maturing beautifully.

With the notable terroir of the Sta Rita Hills as its backbone, our Pinot Noir shines with bright acidity and silky tannins. Our Sta Rita Hills Pinot Noirs are aged in both new and neutral French oak barrels and allowed to mature in bottle before release. Partial aging in neutral oak helps the wine develop subtle yet sophisticated aromas of blossoms, nuts and honey, polished off with a fresh, mineral-laden finish. With a nod to Chablis, France, our California Chardonnay wine reveals delicate notes of citrus, green apple, silex stone and acacia. Extra time to develop these complexities allows us to produce three different sparkling wines-Cuvee, Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs. Starting with exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, we employ the traditional French methods, Méthode Champenoise, to ensure our sparkling wine meets the highest of standards.Īllowing the wine to age on the lees for at least three years, our sparkling wines develop complex, toasted nut characteristics that can only be described as elegant. The finest Champagne or “Sparkling Wine” as it is referred to here in California, is made from primarily two varietals – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We encourage you to open a bottle and join in the everyday celebration of life. Wines to be enjoyed amongst family and friends, during special occasions or for no occasion at all. Our vision is to craft world class Sparkling wines and extraordinary still wines that truly reflect the outstanding and distinctive terroir of our region. Strange Family Vineyards produces exceptional Sparkling Wine ,Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, from our estate, in the famed Sta Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County.

St rita hills