Free, but please reserve your tasting slot. Thank you!

When billionaire (and Screaming Eagle owner) Stan Kroenke finished up a day touring the not-yet-planted Ballard Canyon property with superstar consulting winemaker Michel Rolland, he asked Rolland what they should plant. “Asparagus,” he replied. “I think you should plant asparagus.” Fortunately for us, Kroenke didn’t listen!

Instead he and his team capitalized on the sandy soils of Ballard Canyon, just inland from Santa Ynez, to create magnificent vineyards of Syrah, Bordeaux varietals and even a little Sangiovese. And closer to the ocean in the Sta. Rita Hills, found benchmark sites for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well. And from that fruit, winemaker Matt Dees crafts some of the most highly rated and sought-after wines of the entire Central Coast.

Matt McKeown from the wineries will be on hand to share more of the story and a great set of wines, including:

• The Hilt Estate Chardonnay 2020
• The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir 2021
• Jonata Todos 2018 (multi-grape blend)
• Jonata Fenix 2019 (Bordeaux blend)
• Jonata El Desefio Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 (expensive, but worthy of the 97 point ratings!)

These are some of the most exciting wines made on California’s Central Coast – heck, in the USA! You won’t want to miss the chance to hear the story and enjoy the super-premium line-up. As usual there’s no charge for our Producer Spotlight tastings held upstairs around the tasting table, but we do ask that you reserve one of the five 30 minute sessions from 5pm to 7:30pm so we can make sure everyone has plenty of time to enjoy and appreciate the wines.