Solomon Hills
Summary
Solomon Hills Vineyards, owned by the fifth-generation Miller family, operates the westernmost vineyard in Santa Maria Valley AVA, where their sandy soils and maritime climate produce mineral-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from cool-climate conditions. Their winemaking approach emphasizes site-expression through techniques like selective whole-cluster fermentation and French oak aging, establishing standards for western Santa Maria Valley viticulture that showcase the relationship between coastal influence and authentic regional character.
Heritage & Leadership
Solomon Hills Vineyards was established in the late 1990s by the Miller family, who have deep roots in California viticulture. The vineyard takes its name from Solomon Pico, a California bandit whose exploits partly inspired the legend of Zorro. As part of the Miller Family Wine Company portfolio, Solomon Hills operates under the same ownership as the historic Bien Nacido Vineyards, which the Miller family acquired in 1969. The vineyard is managed by the Miller Family Wine Company, a fifth-generation family-owned business that oversees several vineyard properties throughout California's Central Coast. Nicholas Miller serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the family business, continuing the legacy of vineyard stewardship established by his father and uncle, who expanded the family's agricultural operations into premium winegrowing.
Vineyards & Wines
Solomon Hills Vineyards is situated in the Santa Maria Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County and holds the distinction of being the westernmost vineyard in the appellation. This positioning places it closest to the Pacific Ocean within the valley, resulting in a distinctly cool maritime climate. The vineyard is characterized by its sandy soil composition, which contributes to the distinctive mineral profile found in its wines. The property primarily focuses on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, varieties well-suited to the cool growing conditions. Beyond producing estate wines under the Solomon Hills label, the vineyard supplies fruit to numerous respected producers throughout California. The vineyard's proximity to the ocean creates a growing environment marked by persistent marine influence, morning fog, and afternoon winds that extend the growing season and allow for the development of complex flavors while maintaining natural acidity in the grapes.
Philosophy & Practice
Solomon Hills Vineyards adheres to a site-driven approach to winegrowing, emphasizing the expression of its unique terroir. The vineyard's management practices are designed to highlight the distinctive characteristics imparted by its sandy soils and cool climate. For their estate wines, the winemaking team employs techniques that preserve the natural attributes of the fruit, including careful hand harvesting and gentle handling throughout the production process. Pinot Noir from Solomon Hills typically undergoes fermentation with varying percentages of whole clusters, depending on the vintage conditions, followed by aging in French oak barrels. The vineyard's management focuses on sustainable farming methods that maintain soil health and vineyard biodiversity while producing grapes that authentically represent this coastal growing region. The combination of meticulous vineyard practices and thoughtful winemaking results in wines that showcase the distinctive character of this cool-climate site.