A generation ago, Los Angeles lawyer Thomas Stolpman and his wife Marilyn discovered one of the great viticultural sites in California—Ballard Canyon AVA. Hidden in the hills of coastal Santa Barbara County, directly inland from the Santa Rita Hills, on a rare limestone outcropping and unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is ideally suited to grow Syrah and other Rhône varietals. Stolpman is committed to preserving this special environment for the vines through natural farming, dry farming, and sustainability.
Dedicated to sensible farming and winemaking, Pete and Jessica Stolpman (who took over in 2009) and his team, led by vineyard managers since 1994 Ruben and Maria Solorzano, fashion natural, vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA. In the winery, they work with native fermentation and minimal manipulation to allow the most transparent and authentic expression of the vineyards.
