Sta. Rita Hills

Overview

The Sta. Rita Hills AVA occupies the western portion of the Santa Ynez Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. The east-west orientation of the valley funnels cold marine air and fog deep into the hills, creating one of the coolest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay growing areas in California. The soils are predominantly marine sedimentary, with diatomaceous earth and limestone contributing minerality.

Pinot Noir is the dominant variety, producing wines of bright red fruit, earth, spice, and firm acidity. Chardonnay follows closely, often made in a lean, mineral style. Syrah, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc are also grown on warmer, more exposed sites. The AVA has become a benchmark for restrained, site-expressive California Pinot Noir.

Key Varietals

• Pinot NoirThe star grape, yielding vivid cherry, raspberry, earth, and spice with bright acidity.
• ChardonnayA cool-climate white with citrus, green apple, and chalky mineral character.
• SyrahA Rhone red producing peppery, savory wines from the AVA's warmer hillside pockets.
• GrenacheA red variety adding raspberry, spice, and supple texture to Sta. Rita Hills blends.