About Longoria wines
Longoria Wines: Crafting Artisanal Wines from Santa Barbara County
Longoria Wines is a small family-owned winery that has been producing artisanal wines for over four decades. Founded by Rick Longoria in 1982, the winery is located in the heart of Santa Barbara County, California. With a passion for crafting high-quality wines, Longoria has become one of the most respected and sought-after wineries in the region.
The History of Longoria Wines
Rick Longoria's love for wine began when he was studying at California State University, Fresno. After graduation, he worked as an assistant winemaker at Firestone Vineyard before starting his own label in 1982. Since then, he has been dedicated to producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County.
Longoria's first vintage was released in 1985 and consisted of just 500 cases of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Over time, his portfolio expanded to include other varietals such as Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Longoria produces around 3,000 cases annually with a focus on small-lot production.
The Philosophy Behind Longoria Wines
At Longoria Wines, quality is paramount. The winery sources grapes from some of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County and uses traditional techniques to craft its wines. Each grape variety is fermented separately to preserve its unique characteristics before being blended together to create complex and balanced wines.
Longoria also believes that sustainable farming practices are essential for producing high-quality grapes. The winery works closely with its growers to ensure that they use environmentally friendly methods such as cover cropping and integrated pest management.
The Winemaking Process at Longoria Wines
Longoria's approach to winemaking is hands-on from start to finish. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness before being sorted and destemmed. The juice is then fermented in small batches using native yeasts to enhance the wine's complexity.
After fermentation, the wines are aged in French oak barrels for up to 24 months. Longoria uses a combination of new and used barrels to add depth and structure without overpowering the fruit flavors. The wines are bottled unfiltered and unfined to preserve their natural character.
The Wines of Longoria
Longoria produces a range of varietals that showcase the diversity of Santa Barbara County's terroir. Some of its most popular wines include:
- Pinot Noir: Longoria's Pinot Noir is made from grapes sourced from several vineyards in Santa Barbara County. It has aromas of cherry, raspberry, and spice with a silky texture and long finish.
- Chardonnay: This wine is fermented in French oak barrels with native yeasts before being aged for 10 months on its lees. It has notes of citrus, pear, and vanilla with a creamy mouthfeel.
- Syrah: Longoria's Syrah is sourced from two vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley. It has aromas of blackberry, blueberry, and pepper with firm tannins and a lingering finish.
- Blues Cuvée: This blend consists of Syrah (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Merlot (15%), Petit Verdot (5%), Malbec (3%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). It has flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and espresso with velvety tannins.
Visiting Longoria Wines
Longoria Wines welcomes visitors by appointment only at its tasting room located in Lompoc Wine Ghetto - an industrial park that houses several wineries within walking distance from each other - where guests can taste through their current releases while learning about their winemaking philosophy.
Conclusion
Longoria Wines is a family-owned winery that has been producing artisanal wines for over four decades. With a focus on quality and sustainability, Longoria has become one of the most respected wineries in Santa Barbara County. Its portfolio of wines showcases the diversity of the region's terroir and reflects Rick Longoria's passion for crafting high-quality wines. If you're looking for exceptional wines that are made with care and attention to detail, Longoria Wines is definitely worth a visit.