The land

Sta. Rita Hills is a small AVA in Santa Barbara County, north of Los Angeles. The geographic quirk that defines it: the Santa Ynez Mountains run east-west here (rather than the more typical north-south), creating valleys that open directly to the Pacific. Cold ocean fog rolls in through these valleys daily, producing one of the longest, coolest growing seasons in California — sometimes more than 250 days from bud-break to harvest, compared to 150-180 in warmer California zones. The result is cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with bright acid and serious aging potential.

The history

The AVA was established in 2001 but the region’s potential was recognized in the 1970s by Richard Sanford (Sanford Winery) and a small group of pioneers. The 2004 film Sideways — set largely in Sta. Rita Hills and the broader Santa Barbara wine country — brought international attention to the region. Wine quality has continued to climb since.

Style of the wines

Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir tends to be on the brighter, more acid-driven end of the California Pinot spectrum — closer in style to top Russian River or even cool Burgundian sites than to warmer-climate California Pinot. Red cherry, raspberry, rose petal, sometimes a slightly herbal lift. Chardonnay is similarly bright, often with citrus, white flower, and crushed stone. The longer growing season produces wines with serious complexity and aging potential.

Vintages to know

2019 — outstanding. 2018 — exceptional. 2016 — superb. 2013 — classic. 2010 — legendary.

Producers we know

Sanford Winery (the historical pioneer), Sea Smoke (cult Pinot from the eastern end), Au Bon Climat (Jim Clendenen’s seminal Pinot and Chardonnay project), Brewer-Clifton, Babcock, Domaine de la Côte, The Hilt Estate (a more recent ambitious project), Sandhi (Rajat Parr’s project).