February 13th – Santa Barbara, CA – Central Coast-based winemaker, Alisa Jacobson, and Coastal Care Vineyard Associates, have established “Milestone,” a winery in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. Formerly occupied by Bridlewood Estate Winery, the new home of Jacobson’s Turning Tide and “AJ’ wines, among other brands, is located near the township of Los Olivos. Once an equestrian center, the estate unfolds along the Roblar corridor of the Santa Ynez Valley appellation.
Additionally, Jacobson has launched a new “Made with Organic Grapes” line of wines under the Turning Tide umbrella. The first bottlings feature a Sauvignon Blanc (90 points, Wine Enthusiast) and Cabernet Sauvignon (92 points, Wine Enthusiast). Produced with CCOF Certified Organic Grapes from California’s Central Coast, Jacobson says that “Making quality organic wines at a value-driven price is how we can shift the conversation from grapes to farming. If we can get the consumer to think about making a purchase based on better farming practices, I think we are making great progress.”
Thanks to the support of Katie Wallace Gallagher, Principal Category Merchant for Domestic Wine at Whole Foods Market, the line is now distributed in Whole Foods Market stores where wine is sold. “Whole Foods Market is passionate about sourcing the highest quality products for our customers – including in our wine department,” says Wallace. “We are so excited about our relationship with AJ. With her winemaking experience and excellent grower relationships, AJ is able to make really delicious and approachable wines that we think our customers are going to love.”
Jacobson, along with Ben Merz, Mike Testa and Ruben Solorzano, of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, have assumed a long-term lease agreement with winery owner Scott Ehrlich. Under Ehrlich’s ownership, the estate and its surrounding vineyards have become CCOF certified. The winery building also adheres to CCOF certification protocols—making the production of “Made with Organic Grapes” for retailers and restaurants that share the desire of responsible and organic farming. The winery project has been named “Milestone” for its commitment to organic farming.
In addition to overseeing winemaking for her own brands, Jacobson will lend her winemaking talents to future enological collaborations with the CVCA partners. “I have worked with the Coastal Vineyard Care team for many years. They hold themselves to high standards when it comes to mindful farming. It feels like a natural evolution to join forces with them. I’m looking forward to working alongside them on new projects that reflect the diversity of not only Santa Barbara County, but winegrowing across California’s Central Coast.”
Merz, who has been with CVCA since 2001, adds, “We are excited about this partnership for numerous reasons, not the least of which is Alisa’s commitment to organic farming and organic winemaking. She represents the future of the wine business, as she was addressing consumer needs regarding transparency of ingredients and farming methods before it became fashionable to do so. She cares about the customer, and about the integrity of the product.” The partnership is underway for the 2022 vintage, with Jacobson overseeing winemaking not only for her own brands, but also for forthcoming brands, working in close tandem with several clients on custom crush and brand winemaking.
Coastal Vineyard Care Associates, founded in 1983 by Jeff Newton, is a leading vineyard management company in the Central Coast. Headquartered in Buellton, they serve the Santa Barbara County appellations of Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Maria Valley, Happy Canyon, and Los Olivos.
