OUR BLOCK
BECKMAN VINEYARDS
Awed and inspired by a perfect convergence of soil, microclimate, wind and sun, Tom Beckmen purchased a stunning, unplanted 365-acre hillside property overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley in 1996. This land would soon become Purisima Mountain Vineyard, possessing all of the necessary elements to produce world-class Rhone varietals. With elevations reaching 1250 feet, the initial planting and farming of Purisima Mountain Vineyard represented one of the most ambitious hillside vineyard endeavors in the history of the Santa Ynez Valley. Hillside vineyards are not easy to farm, but for Tom and Steve Beckmen, the rewards that come from the exceptional fruit that they yield are definitely worth it.
HARRISON CLARKE
We are located in Ballard Canyon…. the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. The perfect union of soil, wind and sun in this, our unique microclimate, justify the complexities of our high elevation hillside vineyard planting.
JONATA
Jonata is 600 acres of gorgeous, golden hills; eighty of which were meticulously selected based on their unique microclimates and soil profiles, then divided into more than fifty blocks and sub-blocks – each matched with different rootstocks, clones and planting densities – to provide winemaker Matt Dees with the broadest palette from which to blend the distinctive wines of Jonata.
Jorian Hill Vineyards™ produces exceptional small-lot, estate-grown wines using the meticulous techniques of France’s Rhône Valley and according to the best winemaking traditions of California.Offering premium Rhône varietals including a 2010 Syrah and 2010 BEEspoke (Rhône blend), owners Gary and Jeanne Newman and their family are proud to create wines with the care, the joy and the keen focus on excellence that are the hallmarks of Jorian Hill.
Under the direction of famed vineyard manager Ruben Solórzano (AKA ‘The Grape Whisperer’), Kimsey is densely planted, meticulously farmed, and is quickly proving to be an optimal Syrah growing site.
Larner Vineyard is a small, family-run vineyard located at the heart of the best grape-growing region in Santa Barbara: Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded by Stevan and Christine Larner in 1997, the property is managed today by a second generation of Larners. Michael and his wife Christina Larner live onsite and Monica Larner returns regularly from her adopted home, Italy. The 134-acre ranch is planted to 34 acres of vine, including Rhône varieties Syrah, Grenache. Mourvedre and Viognier. As a small tribute to Italy, the Larners also have one block of Malvasia Bianca.
Established in 2018, Piazza Family Wines is a small family-owned vineyard and winery located in Ballard Canyon. We know that great wines are not made in the cellar but in the vineyard. We intentionally aim to showcase the unique qualities of place with the wines; handcrafting them to represent the soil, climate, and varietal for each vintage. With a focus on the vineyard, we follow organic farming practices. This can ensure that each harvest yields the best possible grapes for that vintage and gives a true representation of their unique Ballard Canyon terroir, all while respecting the land and nourishing it for future generations. In the winery, Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker focuses on minimal intervention and allows for the grapes to speak for themselves. She listens to the clues of harvest and picks the grapes at optimal times for balance and complexity.
Tastings are conducted with the winemaker and are by appointment only. Call or visit piazzafamilywines.com to visit us today!
Rusack handcrafts wines that have become known around the world for their striking elegance, robust yet silky fruit, and seductive finish – reminiscent of the rolling hills of Ballard Canyon at dusk. Established in 1995 by the husband and wife team of Geoffrey Claflin Rusack and Alison Wrigley Rusack, the forty-eight acre Ballard Canyon estate is planted with seventeen acres of grapes. Syrah and Sangiovese, the two varietals that initially drew the world’s attention to Ballard Canyon, make up approximately half of the vines. Interspersed with these are smaller blocks of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Petite Sirah. Additionally, several rows of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot are grown for blending into our renowned “Anacapa”, a Bordeaux-style red blend.
Rancho Boa Vista is a family-run business dedicated to creating handcrafted wines using only the highest quality grapes. Located in the heart of the Ballard Canyon AVA, the unique soils and micro-climate of the canyon create a great environment for producing extraordinary wines with individual characteristics distinctive of Rancho Boa Vista. With an emphasis on quality in every facet of production, we strive to create wines that will enrich life with every sip.
SAARLOOS and sons wines were never meant to be available to the public. We started with a small 17-acre farm in hills of Los Olivos, on the only south facing hill, let alone terraced, on Ballard Canyon. Larry woke one morning to see a cool layer of fog filling the canyon, he felt the midday sun on his neck, he listened to the wind turn the windmill blades each day coming from the same direction, and then he did what every good farmer does. He waited, he watched, he felt, and he listened. Day after day, week after week, year after year. Then like a great farmer, he picked up his shovel and got to work. And get to work he did… Established 1998
Over 20 years ago, our Founding Partner, Thomas Stolpman, discovered what we believe to be one of the greatest viticultural sites on earth. Hidden in the hills of California’s Central Coast, on a rare Limestone outcropping & unobstructed from the Pacific Ocean wind, this unique land is naturally suited to grow Syrah and Roussanne grapes. We are committed to preserving this natural environment for our vines through organic farming, dry farming, & sustainable employment. In the winery, we prefer native fermentation & minimal manipulation. Dedicated to sensible farming & winemaking, we believe that we can create natural, vibrant, site-specific wines, with a focus unique to Ballard Canyon AVA, California.
The signature "thumbprint" at J+K Vineyard is unparalleled within the appellation - a terraced planting pouring down the tallest peak at the vineyard and wrapping the hillsides in steeply planted rows that rise from an elevation under 600' to over 700' at the peak - a planting style as evocative of hillside vineyards in the Côtes du Rhône as the varietals that grace the landscape. Overlooking both the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Mountains and bathed in the storied California air-conditioned sunlight, J+K Vineyard also continues in the legacy of the site’s predecessor, Jorian Hill, using organic and sustainable farming practices.