Vineyard

Stolpman Vineyard is planted to 150 acres of Rhone varietals in Santa Barbara's Ballard Canyon. Originally planted in 1992, the Stolpman Vineyard grapes were sold to many Central Coast wineries. They now have an estate wine program that produces many popular warm climate varietals, and the still contract fruit on a limited basis to preferred winemakers.

It can get hot in Ballard Canyon, however morning fog and even 25 miles from the coast, the marine influence coming in from the Pacific makes for cool evenings and helps extend the growing season,. The rolling hillsides and south facing exposure of the Stolpman Vineyard ensures complete ripeness and produces an amazing concentration, robust dark color and equally rich flavors.

Stolpman is most widely known for their Syrah while Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Sauvignon Blanc, Roussanne, Grenache, Cinsault, and Merlot all excel at the property. Many local wine makers still source fruit from Stolpman, they include; Tensly Wines, Carina Cellars, Beckmen Vineyards, Kenneth-Crawford Wines, and others. 
 

The now 17 year old vines are now reaching deeper into the limestone soils on the property, giving the grapes a minerality that proprietor Tom Stolpman describes as “elegant”. The Stolpmans are currently experimenting with lower fruit wires on some of the Syrah vines. These wires will help newly trained shoots to hang closer to the ground which will keep them warmer while not exposing them to more sunlight.

The farming is very carefully orchestrated by a highly motivated year-round vineyard crew. This crew is given a small plot of the vineyard every year to self manage as a group. They get to make decisions on when to water, prune, and even harvest their small piece of the vineyard. Once picked, the winemakers assist with making a wine that the vineyard crew shares amongst its members. This is like a wine-business profit share, and the practice encourages the crew members to learn about and appreciate the work that the put in every day.

The Stolpman Label produces great blends. La Croce is a blend of Syrah and Sangiovese. L’Avion is a blend of 98% Roussanne and 2% Viognier. This Hilltops Syrah is one of our favorites of all the county. It is a Syrah made with grapes from vines laying on ridge lines and steep sections. These vines produce only produce a few clusters each, giving the grapes supreme depth and character.

Click here for a block map of the Stolpman Vineyard.