lystn

Santa Barbara is a cool climate wine region in CA's Central Coast. At 34˚ latitude, it doesn't seem like Pinot a Chardonnay would thrive here, but weird geology, geography, a a big ocean make the area one of CA's best a most unique cool climate hubs. First we cover the basics on Santa Barbara: 5 hours north of LA It's separated from the rest of the United States by the San Andreas Fault, giving it different geology from much of inland California – soils here are more marine Shallow soils are well suited to viticulture, stress in the vines, low vigor, excellent concentration of flavor. 34˚N Latitude – should be almost too hot for grapegrowing but valleys are transverse -- they run east-west rather than north-south Geologic oddity, the ocean breezes sweep eastward and are funneled in, helped by the hills and mountains that ring the region. East into foothills: warm during the day, cool during the night, West valley - ocean enjoy a mild and moderate climate. Main grapes – Pinot, Chard, Syrah The area took off in the 1970s and 1980s, but it's real tipping point was in 2004:  the movie Sideways was set and filmed in the AVA  Then we discuss the American Viticultural Areas:  Santa Maria Valley Sta Rita Hills Santa Ynez Valley Ballard Canyon Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara Potential new ones coming: Los Alamos region The Los Olivos District The Santa Maria Bench  If you haven't dipped a toe in to Santa Barbara's wines and you have access to them (especially those from the sub-AVAs) this podcast should get you motivated to do it!