By Jamie Knee
Santa Barbara Wines and Winemakers Shine at Annual Sta. Rita Hills Celebration
The view at Kessler-Haak Vineyards | Photo: Jamie Knee
A Celebration Among the Vines — Wine & Fire 2025 Begins
Santa Barbara Wine Country enthusiasts gathered at various locations across the greater Lompoc Valley to immerse themselves in a world of fine wine, delightful conversation, and camaraderie against the breathtaking backdrop of Sta. Rita Hills AVA’s vineyards, at the annual Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire celebration held August 17-20.
Barn Party Kickoff — Music, Wine & Vineyard Energy
On Thursday night, the Barn Party at Kessler-Haak Wines officially kicked off the weekend festivities, set among vineyard rows and ripening grape clusters. Although there was no actual barn on site this year, the energy did not need one. In fact, the celebration spilled into the open air, with laughter, music, and glasses raised under the stars.
Throughout the evening, guests tasted wines poured by nearly 30 Sta. Rita Hills winemakers. Meanwhile, The Down Yonders kept the atmosphere lively with a soundtrack that carried across the vines. As we enjoyed a classic BBQ dinner, I chatted with Dwayne and Ginny Kroening of Saratoga, California. Not only were they thrilled to be back, but they were also amazed by how much Sta. Rita Hills has evolved.
In fact, they shared that they have attended the Santa Rita Wine and Fire event since 1982. Back then, it was far smaller, and they vividly remembered when it took place in the original Sanford and Benedict barn during those earliest years. Even more impressively, they told me they have only missed the event once, which says everything about their devotion. Because of that loyalty, their story mirrors the rise of Sta. Rita Hills itself. At the same time, it highlights the close knit community that continues to define the region. Best of all, they still treasure memories of being poured Pinot Noir by Richard Sanford himself.
Sparkling Wine Seminar & La Paulée Dinner — Honoring Tradition and Innovation
Is there anything better than starting the day with bubbles? I think not. Friday morning’s Sparkling Wine seminar featured an hour-long discussion with winemakers, followed by a table tasting on the beautiful grounds of Montemar Winery.
This year’s event was a tribute to the mastery of wines and winemakers who have carved a name for themselves in this revered region. Friday night’s festivities honored Vintner of the Year Ken Brown, starting with a Sparkling Wine Reception, followed by a BBQ feast provided by High on the Hog, in a La Paulée Burgundian-style dinner.
Saturday Speed Tasting & Grand Tasting at La Purisima Mission
Saturday, a fun Speed Tasting with the winemakers included stories of winemaking and tales of the region, getting a private one-on-one with each participant for 10 minutes. Think speed-dating, but all the love language was that of the grape.
Sunset Sips & Silent Auctions
Saturday night was the pièce de résistance, the Grand Tasting, with approximately 350 attendees. As the sun set over the historic La Purisima Mission, it was not merely a celebration of wines; it was an ode to the collective spirit of winemakers, the growth of a region, and the passion that courses through every bottle. With more than 40 of Sta. Rita Hills’ finest wineries in attendance, each winery painted a unique tapestry of flavors and stories.
Crafting a Pinnacle Wine
Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars, known for her innovative winemaking approach, shared her passion for crafting her “Lollapalooza†wine. She gushed, “This is my pinnacle creation, a blend of my best wines,†adding, “It is a masterpiece that’s achieved through a blind tasting journey. I’m looking for intriguing wine profiles that captivate the senses.†Joseph and winemakers throughout the event offered enlightening insights, underscoring the impact of terroir on wine character. Conversations surrounding winemaking techniques and expressions deepened attendees’ appreciation for the artistry behind each bottle.
Author Jamie Knee and Kathy Josephs, Fiddlehead Vineyards
At the Hilt Estate table, sipping their chardonnay, I met Richard Brockmeyer, whose role involves helping establish vineyards. From Napa, he returned to the event with a sense of excitement and nostalgia. Brockmeyer said, “I’m so happy to be back at the Grand Tasting Event after an eight-year hiatus.†He was thrilled to revisit wines from the Hilt and Jonata, as his connection to the Sta. Rita Hills runs deep. The event’s transformation over the years was evident to him, and he marveled at its evolution.
With so many amazing wines to choose from, I sipped Mail Road Wines pinot noir from Mt. Carmel Vineyard that danced on my palate with red fruit nuances, while Barden’s chardonnay revealed textured layers of citrus and minerality. I also appreciated the diversity of Holus Bolus & The Joy Fantastic wines, and speaking with their winemaker Peter Hunken, who provided a fascinating exploration of the region’s terroir and craftsmanship. As the sun began to set, gentle rays illuminated the wine glasses, and attendees were treated to a symphony of sounds by local musician Kaitlyn Chui. While a “silent auction†took place in the background, this highlight of the Grand Tasting Event offered attendees the opportunity to bid on 40 different large format and library wines, with funds going to benefit the Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance.
Why Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire Captivates Every Year
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the vineyards and the Mission, it was a moment of reflection and gratitude. The Sta. Rita Hills Wine & Fire event had once again proven to be an unmissable occasion, an annual celebration that united wine enthusiasts, winemakers, and the beauty of the region in an exquisite blend of flavors and experiences. The transformation from the festival early days to its current stature attested to its significance and impact.
Save the Date for Next Year — Mark Your Calendar. Cheers to the Sta. Rita Hills and the wines that inspire us!
