Lompoc, CA (June 18, 2024) – Wine Enthusiast rated Flying Goat Cellars 94 points and Editor’s Choice on their new release 2020 Pinot Noir Allan Hancock College Vineyard. Winemaker Norm Yost is proud to bring this high accolade to the relatively new college vineyard. Yost has a long history with Allan Hancock College Viticulture and Enology Program, first as an instructor of winemaking and later as an advisory committee member. In 2020, Yost was given access to the premium fruit because the program was not making wine that year due to COVID-19.
Flying Goat invites you on an adventure that is their first release of Pinot Noir from Allan
Hancock College Vineyard. Wine Enthusiast thinks it is stellar and so do Wine Club members! Meander down a deciduous Northwestern rainforest trail in the summer to awaken your first sensory appreciation of this earthy wine. The gorgeous medium garnet color and enticing dusty cherry aromatics will lure you into the profound flavors on the palate. Enjoy dark cherry and plum soaked in toasted oak with a hint of cranberry. Pair with Santa Maria tri-tip and salsa, Queso Manchego, Cypress Grove Midnight Moon or cayenne brownie.
Yost was impressed when the urban vineyard was planted over 10 years ago as part of a hands-on work experience. The 4-acre Allan Hancock College Vineyard is located on the west side of Highway 101, on College Avenue in the heart of Santa Maria. It’s the only commercial urban vineyard that is operating in the city of Santa Maria; located in a unique setting with housing on two sides to the north of the girls’ softball field. The vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Torrontés. Grapes are used by students to make wine at the campus winery or sold to local wineries. Students have already produced award-winning wines from the vineyard.
AHC also launched an annual West Coast College & University Wine Festival last year. The 2024 event, held on June 8 from 1-4pm at the college campus, sold out! Other colleges included Cal Poly State University, SLO, Fresno State University, Linfield University, Mira Costa College, Napa Valley College, Washington State University and Yavapai College. Besides Flying Goat, wineries included Amplify Wines, Brander Winery & Vineyard, Casa Dumetz Wines, Cambria Estate Winery, El Dinero, Foxen Vineyard & Winery, Hitching Post Wines, Larner Vineyard & Winery, Rocket Red Wine and Turiya Wines. Local restaurant participation included Chef Ricks, Hapy Bistro, Maya Mexican Restaurant, Testa’s Catering, Spencer’s Fresh Markets, The Century Room at the Historic Santa Maria Inn and The Salty Brigade Kitchen.
