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Santa Barbara is a cool climate wine region in CA's Central Coast. At 34\\u02da latitude, it doesn't seem like Pinot & Chardonnay would thrive here, but weird geology, geography, & a big ocean make the area one of CA's best & most unique cool climate hubs.

First we cover the basics on\\xa0Santa Barbara:

• 5 hours north of LA
• It's separated from the rest of the United States by the San Andreas Fault, giving it different geology from much of inland California \\u2013 soils here are more marine
• Shallow soils are well suited to viticulture, stress in the vines, low vigor,\\xa0excellent concentration of flavor.
• 34\\u02daN Latitude \\u2013 should be almost too hot for grapegrowing but valleys are transverse -- they run east-west rather than north-south
  • Geologic oddity, the ocean breezes sweep eastward and are funneled in, helped by the hills and mountains that ring the region.
  • East into foothills: warm during the day, cool during the night,
  • West valley - ocean enjoy a mild and moderate climate.

• Main grapes \\u2013 Pinot, Chard, Syrah
• The area took off in the 1970s and 1980s, but it's real tipping point was in 2004: \\xa0the movie Sideways was set and filmed in the AVA

\\xa0Then we discuss the American Viticultural Areas:\\xa0

• Santa Maria Valley
• Sta Rita Hills
• Santa Ynez Valley
• Ballard Canyon
• Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
• Potential new ones coming:
  • Los Alamos region
  • The Los Olivos District
  • The Santa Maria Bench

\\xa0If you haven't dipped a toe in to Santa Barbara's wines and you have access to them (especially those from the sub-AVAs) this podcast should get you motivated to do it!\\xa0

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