Winery of the Week: Melville Vineyards
Santa Barbara, Sta. Rita Hills
We are so excited to tell you about Melville Vineyards, located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Sta. Rita Hills is a cool climate appellation located between Buellton and Lompoc near the Santa Ynez River and in the county of Santa Barbara. This newer region produces some of California’s most exciting Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhone varieties.
Melville Vineyards
Ron Melville, founder of Melville Vineyards, left his finance career over twenty years ago to pursue his love of viticulture and making great wine. First finding success in Sonoma County growing fruit for such lauded producers as Geyser Peak, Dry Creek, and Chateau St. Jean, Ron now focuses on growing exceptional grapes in and around Lompoc. Ron’s sons, Brent and Chad, together with winemaker Greg Brewer, are contributing to the future success of Melville Winery.
Greg Brewer — French teacher, consultant, musician, winemaker, and modern-day philosopher — was named a Winemaker to Watch by Wine & Spirits Magazine and has been highlighted in Wine Spectator Magazine. When not making great wine, Greg shares his philosophy for making fine wine – “it all begins in the terroir of a vineyard” – by presenting lectures on viticulture and oenology.
“Is he the area’s next cult winemaker? Greg Brewer, winemaker at Melville Winery and for his own label, Brewer-Clifton, has gotten rave reviews for both his Pinot Noir and his Chardonnay.” – Expedia Travels Magazine
Melville Tasting Room
Melville Vineyards tasting room is open daily from 11am-4pm (closed major holidays) and is located at 5185 California 246 Lompoc. They are currently pouring from their Estate Line and Small Lot Collection releases, including 2011 and 2012 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Viognier, and Syrah. And there is a delightful picnic area on the estate, so bring a lunch and relax among the vines. Then check back here and let us know what you think. Cheers!
