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< blog | From Burgundy to the Santa Rita Hills: Chasing the Perfect Pour

Brian Sieve and Ryan Hannaford of Racines

Brian Sieve and Ryan Hannaford of Racines.

Brian Sieve and Ryan Hannaford of Racines

From Burgundy to the Santa Rita Hills: Chasing the Perfect Pour

Great wine starts with great land — and sometimes, finding it takes a good old fashioned road trip. When legendary Burgundian winemaker Etienne de Montille decided to make wine on the West Coast, he wasn’t about to settle for anything less than magic. He hit the road with winemaker Brian Sieve, searching for the kind of cool-climate vineyards that could rival Burgundy’s famed terroir.

Their journey stretched from Oregon’s Willamette Valley, down the Sonoma Coast, through Santa Cruz, and finally ended up in Santa Barbara. And it was here — in the Santa Rita Hills — that they found what they were searching for: a pocket of land kissed by ocean breezes, grounded in limestone-rich soils, and bursting with potential. That’s how Racines was born — the name is French for "roots," honoring both their Burgundian heritage and their new California home.

Racines Wine is taking center stage, and two of the brilliant minds behind the bottles are ready to present something extraordinary. Brian Sieve, co-owner and winemaker visiting from Burgundy, teams up with Ryan Hannaford, the vineyard’s resident viticulturist and onsite winemaker. Together, they’ll be serving up their 2023 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay and 2020 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir — and trust us, these wines are worth chasing down.

And it’s not just about what’s in your glass — nosiree! Wednesday nights at Mattei’s come with a side of live music. This week’s featured artist is Ellis Bryant, setting the mood with his country storyteller grit. (Check out his SYV Buzz interview.)

Winemaker Takeovers happen every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM, and they’re 21+ and open to the public. So gather your crew, bring your curiosity (and your thirst), and head out for an evening of perfect pours, live music, and unforgettable conversations.

See you over at the Tavern!

See our complete list of upcoming music and wine events in the Santa Ynez Valley.

SYV BUZZ RECOMMENDS
   
Praise for Dead Reckoning

Local history comes alive.

“A captivating maritime story, both subtle and dramatic.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“A brisk and bracing read.”
—Glen Starkey, New Times San Luis Obispo

“Enjoy this book before it hits the silver screen. With a story so compelling and cinematic, populated with irresistible characters, it’s destined to become a major motion picture.”
—Terry Rossio, screenwriter, Pirates of the Caribbean

We try to keep our events list as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible, but we encourage you to verify with the artist or venue websites for possible changes or cancellations. Thanks!