My mission is to inspire you to make wine a part of your daily life.  To accomplish this I want to expose you to new wines and deconstruct the complexity of wine.  I hope you learn something new along the way.







 


 A New Year

With resolutions at the top of the list for a new year, I thought it would be appropriate to make a resolution with wine. My resolution, try something NEW. A new wine varietal, a new wine region. With this in mind, I headed to my new place in Southern California called the Lompoc Wine Ghetto, located in northern Santa Barbara County. 

Having heard of this place from several wineries, I decided the beginning of 2014 was a good time to give this a try. Lompoc is a small town near the Pacific Ocean and known for its production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wine ghetto as it is called is located in an industrial complex and has tasting rooms for 20 local wineries; some who have been in the business for quite a while and others who are newer. 

 It might be an effort to keep costs down but still provided a satisfying wine tasting experience. If you are looking for lunch, I would suggest packing a picnic and if you are looking for dinner, I would suggest a 20 minute ride to Solvang or Los Olivos. I stopped at three tasting rooms and have my notes for you below. I also have a video of the Lompoc Wine Ghetto so you check it out.

Stolpman:

Hilltops Syrah 2011

This winery has had the same wine maker since 2001 and has been in this area for even longer.  

There is a large area for wine tasting and knowledgeable staff.  

I purchased the Hilltops Syrah 2011

Tasting fee $10.00

 La Vie Vineyards:

Pinot Noir 2009

This is a small winery run by a husband and wife team.  Music was part of this winery and they allowed us pick out our own selections of music to play.  They grow their grapes locally and do also source grapes as well.  

I purchased the Pinot Noir Black Mountain Vineyard 2009

Tasting fee waived

Tasting Room of St Rita Hill's:

Moretti Syrah 2011

This is a tasting room that features several of the smaller wineries
from the local area. They did a tasting of each varietal with a
cheese \ pairing. We especially enjoyed the Black Truffle Cheese and
purchased more of this. I purchased the Moretti Syrah, Santa Barbara
County 2011
Tasting fee $10.00

 






Everyday Wine Picks:

Clancy's 2010 Shiraz

 




 

Clancy's 2010 Shiraz

Merlot, and Cabernet Blend
90 Points Wine Spectator
$14.99

Still excellent values, that I have mentioned previously:
Shoofly Shiraz 2010
90 Points Wine Spectator
$13.99

Norton Cabernet Sauvingon Barrel Select 2010
#24 out of 100 Best Wine Buys, Wine Enthusiast
$9.99