Santa Rita Hills AVA
Santa Rita Hills is a U.S. viticulture and wine grape growing region in Santa Barbara County, California.
The area was designated an American Viticulture Area (AVA) in 1991, with the proper name being Sta. Rita Hills AVA to distinguish it from Chilean winery Vina Santa Rita. Some of its territory falls underneath the somewhat larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA.
The area encompasses approximately 100 square miles between Buellton, California on the east and Lompoc, California on the west, with the Purisima Hills on the north and the Santa Rosa Hills on the South.
Land, Climate and Viticulture
The hills run east to west, which allows cool ocean breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean to enter the valley created by the hills and create a cool micro-climate. When combined with the rocky nature of the area, the Santa Rita Hills area is well-suited for the growing of Pinot Noir grapes, which tend to do well in cool climates with rocky soil.
Besides Pinot Noir, many wineries in the area also produce Chardonnay.
Wineries
Several wineries are located in and around the Santa Rita Hills, including Babcock Winery, Melville Vineyards & Winery, Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Sea Smoke Vineyards, Brewer-Clifton and Fiddlehead Cellars.
Notable Appearances
The Santa Rita Hills were featured in the 2004 U.S. film Sideways.