May 16, 2017Vineyard Revolution

Heat & Wind

The beginning of May brought with it the first heat-wave of the year, with temperatures on the vineyard climbing above 90 degrees. The warmth and…

April 12, 2017Vineyard Revolution

Winter Rain and its Implications – Drought, Weeds and Sheep

A panelist at Rhone Ranger’s 2016 San Francisco Seminar said it best, “there is only one vintage in California, and that is Napa Cabernet.” One…

March 16, 2017Vineyard Revolution

Flow Theory: One with the Vine

Vineyard Manager Ruben Solorzano returned from his research trip to Burgundy brimming with excitement and new ideas. Ruben identified the major difference in approach between…

February 6, 2017February 6, 2017Tasting Discoveries

‘Love You Bunches’ – A whimsical label for a whimsical wine

The story of our new Carbonic Sangiovese label goes back to August of 2016, when our friends Emily and Patton Penhallegon served the 2015…

January 17, 2017Vineyard Revolution

Simon and Sirch Method: A Revolution in Pruning

Simon & Sirch Pruning Method from Stolpman Vineyards on Vimeo. This January we were honored with a visit from “The Italian Pruning Guys”. The group…

January 9, 2017Tasting Discoveries

2012 The Break Out Vintage

The stars aligned in 2012. After two cold vintages filled with extremes, Mother Nature mellowed and gave us a brilliantly even growing season. Artisans worked…

December 6, 2016Tasting Discoveries

Throwback to 2013

All harvest we obsess over the flavor and texture of the fruit on the vine. In the winery, we become all-consumed with fermentation temperatures and…

October 31, 2016November 1, 2016Refining Winemaking

Defining the “Red Wine Drinker’s White”

In 2016, Roussanne clusters hung on the vine through October. La Cuadrilla waited for the Roussanne to ripen for almost a month after finishing the…

October 5, 2016October 5, 2016Vineyard Revolution

2016: The Tale of Two Vintages

In early September, the 2016 Santa Barbara County vintage appeared to be a moderate one. The grapes picked then will turn into bright, fresh wines…

September 22, 2016Vineyard Revolution

New Fermenting Methodology in 2016

Harvesting Based on TasteWe spend much of our days walking the vineyard rows, constantly tasting grapes. West faces, east faces, hilltops – each side of…