(October 17, 2023; Lompoc, Calif.)—This fall, The Barn at The Hilt Estate, home to two of Santa Barbara County’s premier wine estates, JONATA and The Hilt Estate, has launched a new series of tasting experiences. Located just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean in the southwestern corner of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA winegrowing region, the venue, which opened in 2021, has quickly become a must-visit destination for both day trippers hailing from Southern California and international wine collectors seeking the region’s highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Of the recent vintage made by long-time winemaker Matt Dees, critic Antonio Galloni of Vinous says the wines “…offer the combination of vibrancy, fruit purity and structure that are the calling cards of this superb Santa Barbara vintage.” The Barn at The Hilt Estate was designed by renowned architect Howard J. Backen of the firm Backen & Backen Architects and Silvia Nobili of Nobili Marqués Arquitectura, with interiors by Amber Lewis of Amber Interiors Design Studio and serves as a gorgeous backdrop for wine lovers to taste one of the region’s most diverse lineups of wine in an indoor-outdoor space that overflows with sophisticated yet unassuming California farmhouse elegance.
Tasting opportunities include:
- The ESTATES ($40): This is the foundation of both JONATA and The Hilt Estate. Hosted in a more communal setting, the Estates features a shorter flight of core wines from The Hilt and JONATA, highlighting the spirit of both properties.
- The POINT ($50): Drawing inspiration from nearby Point Conception, The Point features six wines from The Hilt that pay tribute to the profound impact of the Pacific Ocean on The Hilt’s wind-whipped estate.
- The JALAMAS ($85): Derived from a Chumash word meaning “bundle,” the Jalama flight captures an elevated collection of seven wines from both JONATA and The Hilt estates.
- La POESIA “The Poetry” ($125): Featuring exquisite library selections from JONATA & The Hilt Estate, this completely private experience weaves together the rich history of our Estates and vineyards while highlighting our extraordinary winemaking journey.
Prices are per person and advanced reservations are required, either online via Tock or by calling (805) 564-8581.
In addition to the four foundational tasting options, The Barn at The Hilt Estate team is pleased to offer a limited “Happy Hour at the Hilt Estate” tasting series on Fridays during the month of November. Hosted from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM on November 3, 10 and 17, the Happy Hour tastings will feature select library wines from the JONATA and The Hilt portfolios, served alongside light bites. This is an amazing opportunity to experience the beauty of The Hilt Estate at dusk in a casual and communal setting. Reservations are highly encouraged, and the price is $40/person.
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About The Hilt Estate
In 2014, The Hilt acquired the historic 3,600-acre Rancho Salsipuedes, setting the stage for the ultimate home of The Hilt Estate. Located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in northwestern Santa Barbara County, California, the property is home to three distinct vineyards: Radian and Bentrock, on the original Rancho Salsipuedes, once known as Rancho Cañada de Salsipuedes, and Puerta del Mar, which surrounds the winery. To best appreciate the wines made by The Hilt Estate, ideally one would visit these dramatic and even extreme vineyards where the grapes are farmed. Just as all great wines tell the story of their place of origin, The Hilt’s pinot noirs and chardonnays are the bold expressions of the unique estate. By employing innovative viticultural practices, selecting clones strategically, and making the most of the coastal influence, winds, and soils, Winemaker Matt Dees is pushing the vineyards to the hilt of their potential and creating wines that are lively, fresh, and well-structured.
For more information on The Hilt Estate, please visit www.thehiltestate.com
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About JONATA Estate
Born in 1998 out of a desire to explore and expand world-class winegrowing in Santa Barbara County, JONATA is an estate like no other. Set amongst the rolling hills in the moderate climate of the Ballard Canyon appellation in Santa Ynez Valley, the 600-acre site is home to 84 acres of vines and over 12 grape varieties planted in Careaga sand. More than just a vineyard, most of the property is comprised of ancient oak trees, gardens, fruit orchards and diverse variety of animal life. Through years of farming the estate at the highest standards, the winery team, led by long-time winemaker Matt Dees, has tirelessly forged its own path. JONATA has gained recognition from collectors and critics alike for making captivating wines that authentically express the estate’s vines, climate and unique soils.
For more information on JONATA Estate, please visit www.jonata.com
