Back to bashing “Sideways” for a minute, I think it leaves the viewer with the perception that this area is about one grape and one grape only: pinot noir. Don’t get me wrong, I think pinot noir is one of the possible pieces of evidence for the existence of a higher power — nonetheless, it is not the whole story. Santa Barbara County is composed of several appellations and, in truth, only one, Santa Maria Valley, is highly noted for pinot noir. The Santa Maria Valley has a microclimate that is cooler than the other areas and as such is very good for pinot noir and other grapes. However, in my opinion, there are some extraordinary wines coming out of the Santa Ynez Valley further south. However, in my opinion, there are some extraordinary wines coming out of the Santa Ynez Valley further south.

What I want to focus on are three wines made from other grapes that show the possibilities and potential beyond the world of Hollywood.

Qupe Marsanne, 2004 — Qupe was founded in 1982 by Bob Lindquist. In 1987 he made his first marsanne, one of the white wine grapes grown in the Northern Rhône Valley, and, 18 years later, this is one of my favorite whites wines from California to drink. The ’04 has 25 percent roussanne, adding acidity, body and other nuances (a typical blend for White Hermitage). It is wonderfully aromatic with a “Pear William”-like nose and pear, green apple and banana fruit flavors.

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