Tasting Location

 Santa Barbara County has some of the most versatile winemakers, who simply by passion and perseverance have enabled themselves to flex their own wine styles to the public. Those small producers typically don’t have the capital to enjoy a lavish chateau or ultra mod tasting room and actually focus on the basics of wine. Among these wineries is Flying Goat Cellars whose modest tasting room is located within a group of industrial warehouses known as the “Wine Ghetto”, in the city of Lompoc. This simple space is just that- straightforward and basic, with concrete floors, a few pictures on the walls, and planks of wood atop old barrels making up the pouring station; nothing fancy, nothing staged.

Winemaker and owner Norm Yoast plays host, pouring the wines for you himself and talking you through his methodology and philosophy of winemaking. His approach for over 25 years, has been to let the grapes become wine to be enjoyed; not criticized. His incredibly casual demeanor and humble attitude may be slightly misleading considering his wines are undoubtedly admirable.

His passion wine varietal is Pinot Noir. This finicky grape is tamed by this grandmaster and shines its light red, strawberry haze through the glass as you enjoy its markedly distinct flavors. Those who seek something of rarity might be inclined to try his “Pink Bubbles” wine, a sparkling California treat. This is Norm’s most laborious winemaking obsession and if the sound of sparkling wine perks your fixation senses up, you may want to call and see if you can get on the list for the next release of it because this, hard to come by treat, usually sells out just as the last bottle is being corked (Instock here). All of Norm’s wines are in line with the Flying Goat doctrine: craft passionately and price modestly.

Best time to taste: anytime, just as long as you have made an appointment.