Women Shaping the Central Coast
Taking a moment to appreciate the women who make wine special.
This week begins Women’s History Month and with a higher percentage of female winemakers here on the central coast than most wine regions of the world, it is easy to showcase a handful of talented women winemakers in this weeks issue.
Don’t sleep on the event section this week…there’s a lot to look forward to over the next couple weeks as the season turns to spring and the days get longer.
The Matriarchs of Winemaking along the Central Coast
We’re celebrating International Women’s Day (Friday, March 8th) by featuring just a few of the many women who have had a massive impact on the wine industry of the central coast. Some may be familiar others new but all the women along the coast deserve some recognition this week. Introducing some bad ass chicks from Santa Barbara up to Monterey…
Lane Tanner of Lumen Wines
A chemist by trade, Lane fell into a job in the lab at Konocti Winery by accident which eventually led her to Firestone. From the mid to late 80’s she was one of the first ever independent female winemaker in Santa Barbara County.
Today she’s partnered with Will Henry crafting Lumen wines which is primarily known for low alcohol old world style wines. She built her reputation early on by focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir. But, more recently she’s been experimenting with a new label that adds ginger to wines to experiment with the flavor profile.
Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars
We often like to highlight the many paths that individuals walk into wine and Kathy Joseph of Fiddlehead Cellars is no different. Originally Chicago born and raised she moved to California leaving a path of pre-med after discovering her passion for wine. She was one of the earliest wine makers in Santa Barbara County to discover the potential the Sta. Rita Hills held having begun to produce Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc in 1989.
Today she’s begun experimenting with less “traditional” varietals that Santa Barbara is known for like Grüner Veltliner (and we’re personally big fans of). She was also the early owner of the now famed Fiddlestix vineyard that consistently produces high quality Pinot Noir.
Signe Zoller - Paso Robles
Signe started making wine in the 80’s and was at the beginnings of Kendall Jackson when the winemaking team was still less than 10. Throughout her career she’s worked in nearly every wine region California has to offer. In addition, both the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and the Central Coast Winegrowers Association have named her “Winemaker of the Year.” Wanting to spread her love for winemaking to the next generation, Signe now primarily acts as a wine making consultant among many wine brands.
Marta Kraftzeck in Monterey
Marta has a background in botany but it was a trip to France in her 20’s that helped spark her interest in winemaking and viticulture. Starting int he 80’s she served as assistant winemaker at Monterey Peninsula Winery and later at Chateau Julien in Carmel Valley she became winemaker where she would stay for 20 years. During that time she was the only female winemaker in all of Monterey. Today she’s a renowned wine educator and winemaker at Scheid.
While these women were some of the original trailblazers, there are a plethora of women that are currently leading the modern winemaking scene! Learn who some of them are here and here.
Uncorked
Alma Rosa El Jabali Chardonnay
Keeping with the theme, this 2021 Chardonnay was produced by female winemaker, Samra Morris. She was born in Bosnia, as a child of war, and eventually made her way to Napa before landing in Santa Rita Hills. She is a bad ass winemaker! This whole cluster Chardonnay was aged in 46% new French oak.
Nose: honey, white flowers
Palette: coconut, green apple, slight minerality
Pairs well with: clam chowder, your favorite sushi roll
Available at: Alma Rosa tasting room in Solvang
What’s Happening
“at her table” Festival: From Friday, March 1st to Sunday, March 10th, the “at her table” festival will be putting on over 40 events between San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles to celebrate Women’s History Month! Check out the link for tickets, food and wine specials, and vacation packages.
Women Winemakers and Culinarians Celebration: “The four-day celebration [March 6th-March 10th] will bring together a varied sampling of the County’s female winemakers in a show of support for each other, and other working women, world-wide;” There will be brunch, bubbles, tastings, and dinners across Santa Barbara County, so find an event that appeals to you!
Winemaker Happy Hour with High Camp: Join High Camp winemakers Megan Mouren & Spencer Rawles on Wednesday, March 6th to taste through a flight of 3 wines and a snack. Hosted at Region in San Luis Obispo from 5-7 PM for$25/ticket.
Women in Wine at Bodega: Head over to Bodega Los Alamos on Thursday, March 7th from 5-8PM to taste through wines made by local women winemakers including Amevive, A Tribute to Grace, and our recently featured Eislynn Wines, among others. Plus, it’s free to attend!
Block Party with Midtown Wines: Midtown Wines will be pouring at this block party style event featuring art, music, food and more on Thursday, March 7th from 5-8 PM in downtown Santa Barbara.
Pizza, Wine, & Metal at Revolver Pizza: A local SB metal band, Petrakor, is playing Sunday, March 10th at Revolver Pizza with Yata Eagle Wines at 7 PM. Wine starts flowing at 4 PM.
Chardonnay Workshop at Center of Effort: “Our winemaker team will guide you through an in depth and hands on experience into our Chardonnay processing. Taste through the v.2023 Chardonnay straight from the barrel and learn about cellar techniques, blending and wine growing. Following the barrel tasting, enjoy a family style lunch on the patio paired with current release Chardonnay. $95 per person”
Buellton Wine and Chili Festival: “We are “Bringing the Heat to St. Paddy’s Day” on Sunday, March 17th! We will have over 35 wineries, craft breweries, seltzers, ciders and spirit companies on site at Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground from 12 - 4:30 p.m.” $65/ticket online, $75/ticket at the door
Cheers!