Written By A Local Tourist

The latest installment of the Somm movie series has just released, and we are delighted to share that one of our Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noirs is prominently featured!

Somm 3 Trailer:

Sta. Rita Hills AVA extends from the western border of Buellton to the eastern border of Lompoc, in a stretch of scenic drive approximately 16 miles long. The region is best known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varietals, and is home to some of the most prestigious vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

The collection of vineyards that made their big screen debut with Somm 3 is known as Domaine de la Cote, and the Pinot Noir is from their Bloom’s Field block. We knew you’d be curious about how to visit this incredible vineyard and winery, so we went ahead and scheduled a visit ourselves so we could share with you all about it!

The tasting room for Domaine de la Cote and Sandhi Wines is open by appointment only, and is located in the bustling wine area known lovingly as the Wine Ghetto in Lompoc. There are different tasting and tours options available, and the one we recommend includes a tour by car of the vineyards just outside of town.

The Vineyards:

Located just a short, gorgeous drive away from the tasting room. During the drive, our host educated us on the different types of earth, clay and soil that their varietals thrive in; and what makes Sta. Rita Hills so special for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Then we got to the Memorious and Bloom Field vineyards and my jaw literally dropped. They were unlike any vineyard I’ve seen in this region before.

The short vines and narrow rows, coupled with steep elevations completely humbled me at the thought of the labor of love that goes in to each bottle. We explored three other vineyards on the property, each more steep and oddly impressive than the last. Then we returned to the wine production facility to taste.

The Tasting Room:

We started with the reds, and while I didn’t say anything I thought at the time; “Interesting, I wonder why?” The Pinots were delightful and the Syrahs were delicious – and then we moved to Chardonnay. Oh. My. Goodness. The 2016 Sandhi Chardonnay is literally the most unique and exquisite Chardonnay I have ever tasted.

But don’t take our word for it, plan a visit yourself the next time you are in the area and experience this truly unique and delightful approach to old world Bordeaux wines. A must visit for true oenophiles!