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      • Pinkie's page
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        • FiddleFest 2.0 Pictures
        • Drink 728 on 7/28 2018
        • Drink 728 on 7/28 Virtual Celebration
      • harvest >
        • harvest
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What Makes the Sta. Rita Hills Unique?

7/31/2014

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Read on for the juicy details & fun facts, as well as a celebration coming in August!
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18 years ago I purchased a flower farm and have since turned it into my own slice of Pinot Paradise.  I decided to make this area the home of my vineyard, Fiddlestix, because I wanted to invest in the future of what is now the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in hopes that I could be a part of it becoming a noteworthy place…

I created Fiddlehead (my Winery) to focus on Pinot Noir and the place it is grown is essential to the personality of the brand. Fiddlehead is all about sense of place.  So after my early vineyard source - Sierra Madre - sold in the mid 90’s, and there was little Pinot Noir to be had from Santa Barbara County (and even less that was the top quality that I demanded for Fiddlehead), I knew the only way I could progress my commitment to Pinot Noir was to invest in the development of bare ground.
I tasted my way through a myriad of Pinot Noir districts and was impressed by just how delicious some of those old Sanford and Benedict wines tasted.  I was challenged to invest in a little known, cool-climate district and my search for land turned to what was then known as “the western, cool climate district of the Santa Ynez Valley”, and more specifically the Santa Rosa Road corridor, where clay-based soils make their home.  
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In 1996 I purchased the land for Fiddlestix.  The first blocks were planted in 1998 with dormant grafted vines, and the first tiny crop of Lollapalooza was produced in 2000!  In 2001, a group of us local winemakers successfully earned the Sta. Rita Hills AVA designation.  

In my time here, I have come to admire what makes the Sta. Rita Hills special.  Here are a few reasons which I believe make the Sta. Rita Hills area so unique:

1. Geography
It is the only wine valley on the West Coast that has an east/west transverse orientation, meaning the valley between the mountains where we are located runs perpendicular to the Pacific Ocean.  This means that the Santa Rita Hills are uniquely susceptible to the ocean's cooling influence; enabling diurnal ocean breezes direct access to the coastal valleys between the Purisima Hills and the Santa Rosa Hills.  It is this unique characteristic that makes the climate ideal for growing Pinot noir grapes.
2. Soil
I cherish the clay-loam, botella series soils for their influece in imparting spicey layered qualities to the aromatics and palate. These marine based soils are loaded with Chert and Monterey shale; they are well drained and not overly fertile.  All of these details lend themselves to a most complex and enticing wine. 
3. Diversity
The Sta. Rita Hills region is also repected for its agricultural diversity.  Not only is it known for its specialty, high end Pinot noir and Chardonnay producers, but it is also the home to crops such as lettuces, tomatoes, beans, walnuts, hops, just to name a few.
4. Sustainability.
We’re dedicated to sustainable farming practices.  Fiddlestix is proud of its SIP (Sustainable in Practice) Certification.  This distinction recognizes our commitment to responsible farming, to protection of the land, to education of our labor force, all of which lend themselves to making fabulous wine.
Sta. Rita Hills AVA at a Glance
More fun facts…

√    Sta. Rita Hills AVA is in Northern Santa Barbara County, California, USA. 

√    Sta. Rita Hills AVA lies between Buellton and Lompoc CA. 

√    100 square acres of hillside land, one of the smallest AVA's in California. 

√    99% of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA lies within the existing Santa Ynez Valley AVA, on the far western end.  Although         independent, Sta. Rita Hills AVA can be considered the Western sub-appellation of Santa Ynez Valley. 

√    Boundaries were established by winemakers and winegrowers in the area, marking maps on foot and in 
       4x4 trucks.  The boundaries were chosen specifically for viticultural viability and for the highest quality 
       Pinot Noir winegrape production. 

√    Approximately 2877 acres planted, mostly Pinot Noir with Chardonnay, small amounts of Syrah, Pinot Blanc, 
      Pinot Gris, Gewurtztraminer, Riesling and other varietals. 

√    Petition to establish Sta. Rita Hills was drafted and submitted in 1997, approved in 2001. 
       Fiddlehead purchased the land for Fiddlestix in 1996. 

In celebration of this unique region, the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance is hosting their annual Wine and Fire Weekend showcasing the accomplished wines and producers on August 15-17, 2014.

Love the place, but hate the crowds?  That’s alright!  Join us for our “Super Pinot Sunday” open house at our Winery & Tasting Room in the “Lompoc Wine Ghetto” on August 17th.  It’s a rare chance to taste our entire Pinot line-up and a unique opportunity to catch up with me before we’re in the thick of harvest!  For tickets and more information, visit us HERE.
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Find a Local 728 Party!

7/15/2014

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We have friends at wine bars, restaurants and retailers all across the country who are excited for this year's 
Drink '728' on 7/28 National Toast!

If you can't make it to our Lompoc Winery party, we would love for you to toast with the Fiddlehead fans at the following locations...

CALIFORNIA
Hitching Post II, Buellton
Stop by anytime this weekend to celebrate with a glass of '728'...or better yet on Monday, 7/28 to join them for a toast!

Novo Restaurant, San Luis Obispo
Cheers to Justin and the staff at Novo for celebrating a week of '728' beginning on 7/28.  Stop in for your '728' fix!

Wine House, Los Angeles
Looking for '728' in LA?  Stop in at the Wine House and look for the shelf tag with the Fiddlehead Facebook Code.  You can link to our page at the same time you pick up your '728'  for your own celebration!

GEORGIA
Wisteria Restaurant, Atlanta
One of our favorite restaurants in Atlanta is doing a '728' on 7/28 party.  Make your reservation now for a great dinner and some delicious Pinot noir!

HAWAII
The Wine Shop, Koloa
We have been hearing all kinds of rumors of the fun "cheers" photo ideas these guys have in store. Come join them for a '728' toast and don't forget to say 728 for the camera!

ILLINOIS
Binny's Beverage Depot, multiple locations
With 30 locations, Chicago’s biggest wine retailer is celebrating '728' on 7/28!  Stop in to get your Fiddlehead Pinot and have your own celebration! (And mention that you like the '728' hats they’re wearing…)

Niche Restaurant, Geneva
In addition to its cuisine, Niche is know nationwide for its wine list...which includes '728' of course! Come grab a glass and join the toast.

NEVADA
Oil and Vine, Henderson
Thanks to Jennifer at Oil and Vine for making Fiddlehead one of her featured wineries – not just for 7/28, but all year long!  Check out this brand new store in Henderson featuring gourmet Olive Oil and boutique wines.

NORTH CAROLINA
1618 Wine Lounge, Greensboro
The wonderful staff & patrons of 1618 were the first to toast on 7/28 last year with their special '728' cheers at midnight! We can't wait to see what they have in store this year...

Great Grapes, Cary
In preparation for 7/28, Great Grapes is holding a tasting on Sunday, 7/27 from 2-5 and will be featuring special discounts on '728'! 

OHIO
Western Reserve Wines, Solon 
The crew at Western Reserve wines toasted early (with Kathy!) on 7/18, but if you need a bottle of '728' for your own party, they have got you covered! 

Wooster Inn, Wooster
The good people at the Wooster Inn did an early toast with Kathy during her recent Ohio visit. But if your looking for a delicious meal and a glass of '728' on 7/28, come on by and say hello to Ken, the Wooster Inn Proprietor and Resident "Wine Guy".
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    Kathy's Comments

    Hear about Fiddlehead wine from the one who makes it - Kathy Joseph.
     

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FIDDLEHEAD CELLARS, 1597 E. CHESTNUT AVENUE LOMPOC, CA 93436 
Note: We will be moving July 1.
Weekday and Weekend tastings available by advance appointment only.
Call or email to request private tasting appts and to coordinate purchases and pick-ups.
805.735.7728 (weekdays); [email protected]


NOTE: Our tasting room will be closed June 18-June 30.  We apologize for the inconvenience. 
Please call to arrange for wine pick up.


Please note, the buyer is responsible for all charges associated with all returned shipments,
​including those not delivered due to intoxication. Also, wines being held on our
​courtesy "Will Call" shelf are considered a completed sale and cannot be refunded for any reason.
​

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