The Hitching Post: A Sideways-Inspired Guide To The Best Wineries In Santa Barbara County
The Hitching Post: A Sideways-Inspired Guide to the Best Wineries in Santa Barbara County Santa Barbara County is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and of course, the world-renowned wineries. Among these wineries, Hitching Post
The Hitching Post: A Sideways-Inspired Guide to the Best Wineries in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and of course, the world-renowned wineries. Among these wineries, Hitching Post has emerged as a favorite of wine enthusiasts. Inspired by the movie Sideways, Hitching Post offers an authentic winery experience that is as unique as it is enjoyable. In this article, we take a closer look at the Hitching Post and explore why it should be on every wine drinker\’s bucket list.
Background Information
Hitching Post began as a family-run steakhouse in Casmalia, California, in 1952. However, it was the 2004 movie Sideways that put it on the winery map. The movie featured the Hitching Post as a backdrop and helped establish it as a must-visit winery. The Hitching Post Winery started in 1984 as a small winery operation in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto before moving to its current location in Buellton in 2018. The winery is known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in California.
Relevant Data
According to Visit Santa Barbara, there are more than 200 wineries in Santa Barbara County. There are over 50 varietals of wines produced in Santa Barbara County, and it has become one of the best wine regions in the world. In addition to the fantastic wines, visitors can also enjoy delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. Santa Barbara County attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually to its wineries.
Expert Perspectives
Many experts agree that the Hitching Post is a must-visit winery. Matt Kettmann of the Wine Enthusiast says, \”The Hitching Post is as authentic as it gets,\” while Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, calls it an \”anti-Hollywood\” winery. Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery has high praise for the Hitching Post, saying, \”Hitching Post Pinot is one of the essential takes on Pinot Noir in California.\”
Insights and Analysis
Hitching Post\’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to winemaking. The winery\’s owners, Gray and Frank Ostini, focus on creating wines that are true to their varietals and the terroir of the region. They are not influenced by trends or fashion but instead focus on making high-quality wines that are balanced and flavorful. The Hitching Post is famous for its Pinot Noir, but it also offers a range of other varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Hitching Post offers a unique winery experience that is both fun and educational. Visitors can taste wines in the atmospheric tasting room, which features vintage movie posters from the movies shot in the area, including Sideways. The Hitching Post serves delicious food, including the famous Santa Maria-style barbecue, which pairs perfectly with their wines. Visitors can also participate in a variety of events, including winemaking seminars and blending sessions.
Section 2: The Tasting Room Experience
The Hitching Post tasting room offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to learn about the winemaking process while tasting delicious wines. The tasting room is open seven days a week and offers several tasting options, including the Sideways Tasting, which includes the 2015 Highliner Pinot Noir and the 2015 Cork Dancer Pinot Noir. For a more exclusive experience, visitors can book the Vintner\’s Table, which includes a guided tasting of six wines, a cheese and charcuterie platter, and a seasonal dessert.
Section 3: The Hitching Post Wines
Hitching Post specializes in Pinot Noir, and it is what the winery is best known for. The winery has won numerous awards for its Pinot Noir, including the 2011 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, which received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast. However, Hitching Post also produces other varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can taste these wines in the tasting room or purchase them online.
Section 4: Hitching Post\’s Approach to Winemaking
Hitching Post takes a unique approach to winemaking that is focused on producing wines that are true to their varietals and the terroir of the region. The winery is not influenced by trends or fashion but instead focuses on making high-quality wines that are balanced and flavorful. The winemakers use a minimal intervention approach that allows the grapes to express themselves fully.
Section 5: The Hitching Post Barbecue
The Hitching Post is famous for its Santa Maria-style barbecue, which pairs perfectly with their wines. The barbecue is cooked over a red oak fire and is served with local vegetables, beans, and salsa. Visitors can enjoy the barbecue on the patio or in the tasting room.
Section 6: Events at the Hitching Post
The Hitching Post offers a range of events throughout the year, including winemaking seminars, blending sessions, and wine and cheese pairings. Visitors can also attend the annual Hitching Post Holiday Party, which includes a winery tour, a wine tasting, and a four-course meal.
Section 7: The Future of Hitching Post
Hitching Post has become a must-visit winery in Santa Barbara County, and the winery\’s owners, Gray and Frank Ostini, are committed to maintaining its authenticity and quality. The winery continues to produce some of the best Pinot Noir in California, and visitors can expect new and exciting events and experiences in the future.
In conclusion, the Hitching Post is a unique winery that offers a fascinating insight into the world of winemaking. Visitors can taste delicious wines, enjoy incredible food, and learn about the winemaking process in a relaxed and fun environment. For wine enthusiasts, the Hitching Post is a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara County.
Santa Barbara County is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and of course, the world-renowned wineries. Among these wineries, Hitching Post has emerged as a favorite of wine enthusiasts. Inspired by the movie Sideways, Hitching Post offers an authentic winery experience that is as unique as it is enjoyable. In this article, we take a closer look at the Hitching Post and explore why it should be on every wine drinker\’s bucket list.
Background Information
Hitching Post began as a family-run steakhouse in Casmalia, California, in 1952. However, it was the 2004 movie Sideways that put it on the winery map. The movie featured the Hitching Post as a backdrop and helped establish it as a must-visit winery. The Hitching Post Winery started in 1984 as a small winery operation in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto before moving to its current location in Buellton in 2018. The winery is known for producing some of the best Pinot Noir in California.
Relevant Data
According to Visit Santa Barbara, there are more than 200 wineries in Santa Barbara County. There are over 50 varietals of wines produced in Santa Barbara County, and it has become one of the best wine regions in the world. In addition to the fantastic wines, visitors can also enjoy delicious food, breathtaking scenery, and a relaxed atmosphere. Santa Barbara County attracts approximately 200,000 visitors annually to its wineries.
Expert Perspectives
Many experts agree that the Hitching Post is a must-visit winery. Matt Kettmann of the Wine Enthusiast says, \”The Hitching Post is as authentic as it gets,\” while Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible, calls it an \”anti-Hollywood\” winery. Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat Winery has high praise for the Hitching Post, saying, \”Hitching Post Pinot is one of the essential takes on Pinot Noir in California.\”
Insights and Analysis
Hitching Post\’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to winemaking. The winery\’s owners, Gray and Frank Ostini, focus on creating wines that are true to their varietals and the terroir of the region. They are not influenced by trends or fashion but instead focus on making high-quality wines that are balanced and flavorful. The Hitching Post is famous for its Pinot Noir, but it also offers a range of other varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Hitching Post offers a unique winery experience that is both fun and educational. Visitors can taste wines in the atmospheric tasting room, which features vintage movie posters from the movies shot in the area, including Sideways. The Hitching Post serves delicious food, including the famous Santa Maria-style barbecue, which pairs perfectly with their wines. Visitors can also participate in a variety of events, including winemaking seminars and blending sessions.
Section 2: The Tasting Room Experience
The Hitching Post tasting room offers an immersive experience that allows visitors to learn about the winemaking process while tasting delicious wines. The tasting room is open seven days a week and offers several tasting options, including the Sideways Tasting, which includes the 2015 Highliner Pinot Noir and the 2015 Cork Dancer Pinot Noir. For a more exclusive experience, visitors can book the Vintner\’s Table, which includes a guided tasting of six wines, a cheese and charcuterie platter, and a seasonal dessert.
Section 3: The Hitching Post Wines
Hitching Post specializes in Pinot Noir, and it is what the winery is best known for. The winery has won numerous awards for its Pinot Noir, including the 2011 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, which received 94 points from Wine Enthusiast. However, Hitching Post also produces other varietals, including Syrah, Grenache, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visitors can taste these wines in the tasting room or purchase them online.
Section 4: Hitching Post\’s Approach to Winemaking
Hitching Post takes a unique approach to winemaking that is focused on producing wines that are true to their varietals and the terroir of the region. The winery is not influenced by trends or fashion but instead focuses on making high-quality wines that are balanced and flavorful. The winemakers use a minimal intervention approach that allows the grapes to express themselves fully.
Section 5: The Hitching Post Barbecue
The Hitching Post is famous for its Santa Maria-style barbecue, which pairs perfectly with their wines. The barbecue is cooked over a red oak fire and is served with local vegetables, beans, and salsa. Visitors can enjoy the barbecue on the patio or in the tasting room.
Section 6: Events at the Hitching Post
The Hitching Post offers a range of events throughout the year, including winemaking seminars, blending sessions, and wine and cheese pairings. Visitors can also attend the annual Hitching Post Holiday Party, which includes a winery tour, a wine tasting, and a four-course meal.
Section 7: The Future of Hitching Post
Hitching Post has become a must-visit winery in Santa Barbara County, and the winery\’s owners, Gray and Frank Ostini, are committed to maintaining its authenticity and quality. The winery continues to produce some of the best Pinot Noir in California, and visitors can expect new and exciting events and experiences in the future.
In conclusion, the Hitching Post is a unique winery that offers a fascinating insight into the world of winemaking. Visitors can taste delicious wines, enjoy incredible food, and learn about the winemaking process in a relaxed and fun environment. For wine enthusiasts, the Hitching Post is a must-visit destination in Santa Barbara County.
