Our photo journal continues this week with many wineries, including Longoria and Dierberg, sharing their harvest updates. The multi-year drought conditions continue pushing picking dates earlier for many producers than previous years, though not for all. There is a lot of variability being reported from vineyard site to vineyard site with producers forecasting a high quality vintage with smaller yields than 2014. Elsewhere in Santa Barbara Wine Country, Fess Parker Winery & Vineyards on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail recently renovated their outdoor patio, and is a beautiful spot to share a freshly prepared wine country picnic. (Remember to pack your picnics when traveling throughout the region as county regulations don't allow for wineries to operate on-site restaurants.) Many wineries and tasting rooms have designated picnic areas, though we suggest calling ahead to confirm availability.
Longoria Wines was established in 1982 by Rick and Diana Longoria. Rick is one of the pioneers of the Santa Barbara County wine region, having been involved with local wine production since 1976. In 1998 Rick planted his first estate vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, a 10-acre site named Fe Ciega which is planted to 9 acres of Pinot Noir and 1 acre of Chardonnay. Also that year he moved his wine production facility to the city of Lompoc, becoming the first commercial winery there. Rick and Diana also established their tasting room in downtown Los Olivos in 1998. In addition to the Tasting Room in Los Olivos, you are also invited to visit the Longoria Winery in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto. The production of Longoria Wines remains very small with an average of 3,000 cases annually. This small production allows Rick to personally handcraft every wine to a very high standard year after year. Learn more about Longoria Wines.
Associate winemaker foot stomping some whole cluster bins of Pinot Noir at @dierberg_starlane. Photo credit @connick56.
Comprised of two brands Dierberg Vineyard and Star Lane Vineyard; our wines showcase the different micro-climates and terroir of Santa Barbara County. The Dierberg label focuses on the more delicate and elegant Burgundy varieties; whereas Star Lane focuses on the more robust and powerful Bordeaux varieties. Owners, Jim and Mary Dierberg, began this project in 1996 by purchasing the three properties throughout Santa Barbara County in order to accomplish their goal of producing ultra-premium wines. Their dedication to producing the highest quality wines can be seen from the vineyard selections, through the wine making process, to the wine in your glass. Learn more about Dierberg and Star Lane.
Wine & food writer @wendythiessell enjoyed a fresh heirloom tomato & burrata salad at @fessparkerwinery, celebrating their new patio.
The Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard grew out of Fess' vision for the promise of Santa Barbara County as a premier viticultural region. Established in 1989, the family immediately began planting some of the country's most renowned vineyards. Outstanding fruit sources coupled with skilled winemaking - in the past decade both Eli Parker and later Blair Fox, were named Winemaker of the Year by the San Francisco International Wine Competition - are at the core of delivering wines of the highest quality to our consumer. The winery is located on the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail. It is surrounded by pastureland and vineyard with views from the tasting room that take in the majestic San Rafael mountain range. The vibe in the tasting room is casual and friendly and the grounds are a wonderful place to relax and enjoy our world class wines in one of the prettiest spots in Santa Barbara wine country. Learn more about Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard.