Stolpman Vineyards
Summary
Stolpman Vineyards is a second-generation family estate in Santa Ynez Valley's Ballard Canyon AVA, farming 170 acres of predominantly Rhône varieties on rare limestone-rich soils with a focus on Syrah and Roussanne. Their distinctive approach combines dry farming and minimal-intervention winemaking with innovative programs like La Cuadrilla, which grants vineyard workers ownership stakes, while their experimental So Fresh and Combe projects showcase their evolution from regional pioneer to boundary-pushing innovator.
Heritage & Leadership
Stolpman Vineyards was founded in 1990 by Thomas and Marilyn Stolpman in the Santa Ynez Valley of California. Tom Stolpman, an attorney by profession who developed a passion for Rhône varieties, was particularly drawn to the limestone-rich soils of what would later become the Ballard Canyon AVA. After conducting extensive soil research, the Stolpmans began planting their estate vineyards in 1992.
The second generation now leads the winery, with Peter Stolpman taking over operations in the 2000s. Peter works alongside his wife Jessica Stolpman, who is involved in business operations. A cornerstone of Stolpman's vineyard management is Ruben Solorzano, who has been with the estate since its early days and serves as the vineyard manager. The winemaking team currently includes Kyle Knapp, who serves as winemaker, following a period when Sashi Moorman worked as a consulting winemaker helping to establish the estate's style.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Stolpman's approach to vineyard management is their "La Cuadrilla" program, where vineyard workers are given ownership of certain vineyard blocks and share in profits from wines made from those blocks. This program represents the Stolpman family's commitment to the people who tend their vines.
Vineyards & Wines
Stolpman Vineyards' main estate is located in the Ballard Canyon AVA, a sub-appellation within the larger Santa Ynez Valley. The property encompasses approximately 220 acres in total, with around 170 acres planted to vines. The vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level.
The estate's limestone-rich soils are relatively rare in California viticulture and provide distinctive growing conditions. The vineyard's location benefits from warm days and cool nights due to proximity to the Pacific Ocean, creating significant diurnal temperature shifts that help maintain acidity in the grapes while allowing for full phenolic ripeness.
Stolpman practices dry farming after vine establishment, using minimal irrigation to encourage deep root development. The vineyards feature higher-density plantings compared to typical California standards, further stressing the vines to produce concentrated fruit.
The vineyard is primarily focused on Rhône varieties, with Syrah and Roussanne serving as the backbone of their production. The estate also maintains significant plantings of Sangiovese, somewhat unusual for the region. Additional varieties cultivated include Grenache, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Petite Sirah.
Stolpman's flagship wines include "L'Avion" Roussanne and "Originals" Syrah. The winery also produces a line called "So Fresh" that focuses on lighter, earlier-drinking styles including wines made using carbonic fermentation. A collaborative project called "Combe" with Rajat Parr focuses on Trousseau and other unusual varieties.
Philosophy & Practice
Stolpman Vineyards' winemaking philosophy centers on expressing the unique character of their limestone-rich Ballard Canyon terroir. Their approach in both vineyard and cellar aims to highlight site-specific qualities rather than winemaking intervention.
In the vineyard, Stolpman employs dry farming techniques whenever possible, using minimal irrigation only when necessary. This practice stresses the vines and forces them to develop deeper root systems, ultimately producing more concentrated fruit with a stronger expression of terroir. The estate practices organic viticulture methods, though they are not formally certified.
The winemaking at Stolpman is characterized by a minimal-intervention approach. They use whole-cluster fermentation, particularly for their Syrah, to add structural complexity and aromatic lift. The winery employs minimal new oak, preferring neutral vessels to showcase the pure fruit character and terroir expression. Their aging program includes some use of concrete eggs and amphorae for fermentation and aging, which allows for gentle micro-oxygenation while preserving freshness.
Stolpman Vineyards is located within the Ballard Canyon AVA, which was established in 2013 and is known particularly for Syrah production. The winery is part of the Ballard Canyon Wine Growers Alliance, which has worked to standardize Syrah bottles for the AVA, creating a unified regional identity. They are also members of the Rhône Rangers organization, which promotes Rhône varieties grown in America.