2024 Wineries

Vega Vineyard and Farm

9496 Santa Rosa Road, Santa Ynez, CA
www.vegavineyardandfarm.com

Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County

Owner: Jimmy Loizides

Winemaker: Steve Clifton

About: Beautiful winery and world-class restaurant nestled in the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley with amazing experiences around every corner.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Sagrantino

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? It’s been too long to remember.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? Variety! And greater pairings with food.

Vented Fermentation

1220 Bennett Way, Spc 13, Templeton, CA 93465
www.ventedfermentation.com

Region: Paso Robles

Owner/Winemaker: Mitch McMinn

About: Vented Fermentation is made in Paso Robles, CA and was based on the idea that when filling or emptying a tank, the tank must be “vented” to prevent an explosion or implosion— similar to a juicebox. It also calls out the idea that one should be calm and collected in a cellar, while also remaining creatively open to new ideas.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Picpoul Blanc

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? Gewurztraminer was the first forgotten grape I tried, made by one of my favorite wineries, Union Sacre. I first experienced this grape varietal at Sans Liege under Xavier Arnaudin during my first harvest.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? I really enjoy experiencing new and different flavor profiles of forgotten grapes.

Verdad Wine Cellars

4665 Santa Maria Mesa Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
verdadandlindquistfamilywines.com

Region: Santa Maria Valley

Owner/Winemaker: Louisa Sawyer Lindquist

About: Specializing in the forgotten Iberian grapes Albariño, Tempranillo, Godello, and Graciano.

What is your favorite forgotten grape? Tempranillo

What was your first experience with a forgotten grape? First memories include a Pinot Auxerois from an Alsatian producer and Picpoul while I worked at Amagansett Wines & Spirits in 1989. There was an Alicante Bouschet Rosé at Joseph Swan winery in 1992-ish. And in 2008 or 2009, I tried some Loureiro and Louiero blends in Northern Portugal, while visiting wineries near the Galicia border.

What do you love most about the forgotten grapes? They make great wines too…they are not forgotten in Spain!