If you understand Santa Barbara County wine historical past, then you understand the legend of Richard Longoria, who was one of many area’s first business winemakers and constructed his personal eponymous model over the previous 40 years, with the assistance of his spouse, Diana Longoria. However in case you’re younger, or just lately moved to city, or in any other case merely new to Santa Barbara’s wine scene, you could not know their names, largely as a result of Rick and Diana are a humble couple, now principally content material with being grandparents.
Upon shopping for the model from the Longorias in February 2022, Brooke and Lindsey Christian sought to alter that. Along with the prevailing tasting room subsequent to the vineyard in Lompoc, the Christians opened a tasting room on State Avenue within the coronary heart of downtown Santa Barbara this previous January.
“That is about publicity to the model,” Brooke defined of the “Longoria on State” location. “That is a wholly totally different market, and it’s principally individuals who reside inside a 15-minute stroll from right here.”
The comfy, trendy lounge, positioned within the former Wine Remedy spot, features a lengthy wood bar, loads of pillowy seats, and a patio out again — all of which will be rented out for personal occasions. There are cheese and charcuterie plates accessible, and pizzas will be ordered from the close by Cali-Forno Pizzeria.
The star stays the wine, after all. Whereas the founder stays as an lively advisor, winemaking is now dealt with by Eric Wilson, a Lompoc native who began his profession in 2009 working for Rusack, Pali, after which, in 2014, a harvest for Longoria. “Rick’s been a pal and mentor ever since,” Wilson stated.
Wilson made his personal model referred to as 3 Jokers till 2018, when he moved to Colorado to make wine in Boulder. When he was again in Lompoc exhibiting off his child daughter to family members, he stopped by the vineyard, realized that they have been in escrow, and put his hat within the ring. Per week later, Brooke referred to as Eric to inquire about being their new winemaker.
“Whereas Rick is a big affect on my winemaking type, it’s not similar,” stated Wilson, who’s bringing a recent perspective to Longoria’s basic methods. “A great instance is our new Matinee Rosé, which has a enjoyable, recent, new label and has a distinct tasting profile than previous rosés, however nonetheless has the hallmarks of high quality and craftsmanship which might be synonymous with Longoria.” He’s additionally excited concerning the Spanish varieties that Longoria pioneered in Santa Barbara County, together with their just lately launched mencía, one of many first ever bottled within the area.
After opening the State Avenue tasting room, the Christians turned their consideration to the Lompoc tasting room and an expanded exterior space. They’ll be unveiling that refreshed have a look at a Purple, White, and Blues celebration on July 8, and celebrating all issues Longoria with an end-of-summer celebration on the Carousel Home in Chase Palm Park on August 25.
732 State St.; (805) 736-9700; longoriawine.com