About The Hilt Estate
The Hilt farms the southwest edge of the Sta. Rita Hills, on land shaped by near-constant Pacific wind and ancient marine soils. Its three estate vineyards - Radian, Bentrock and Puerta del Mar - sit on Rancho Salsipuedes, roughly thirteen unobstructed miles from the ocean.
The winery is candid that these are difficult sites. Its favourite parcels face north, closest to the water and most exposed to the wind, which it describes as the worst place to grow a grape and the best place to make wine. Winemaker Matt Dees works a patchwork of altitudes, aspects and soils across the property.
The range has grown well past the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that made the reputation, now taking in Syrah, Riesling, Chenin Blanc and traditional-method sparkling.
Visits happen at The Barn, a deliberately understated tasting building by the wine country architects Backen and Backen with interiors by Amber Interiors, looking out over the vineyard. Wines from the sister estate JONATA, in Ballard Canyon, are poured alongside, which puts Bordeaux and Rhone varieties on the same table as the Pinot.
Everything here is by appointment, and the house rules are strict: adults only, no animals indoors or out apart from certified service animals, and no outside food.
The windiest corner of the Sta. Rita Hills - the worst place to grow a grape and, they argue, the best place to make wine.
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Three elite single vineyardsRadian, Bentrock and Puerta del Mar, all on Rancho Salsipuedes about thirteen miles from open ocean.
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Two estates on one tableThe Hilt's Pinot and Chardonnay poured alongside JONATA's Bordeaux and Rhone varieties from Ballard Canyon.
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A serious barnDesigned by Backen and Backen with interiors by Amber Interiors, understated and looking straight down the vineyard.
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The Private Library TastingLibrary wines from both estates in a private nook with a fireplace, which matters given how cold the afternoons turn here.
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Beyond Pinot and ChardonnaySyrah, Riesling, Chenin Blanc and traditional-method sparkling are all now part of the range.
"The most exposed corner of the Sta. Rita Hills, and one of the county's serious appointments."
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Featured Wines
Current Releases
Wines change with each vintage
For an accurate list of current-release wines and library bottlings from The Hilt Estate, please check the winery'Sta. Rita Hills producers typically rotate vintages and offerings seasonally.
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The Hilt Estate has not published a current tasting menu or pricing that we have been able to verify. Check the winery website for what is being poured and what it costs before you visit.
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