Syrah

High on a mesa top in Santa Ynez Valley, various clones of Syrah ripen in the sun. They are planted on multiple varieties of rootstock, huddled close together in a high-density planting scheme. The microclimate here is unique – several degrees cooler than the neighboring town of Los Olivos. It is here Zaca Mesa Winery has been experimenting with Syrah. With over 40 years of grape growing experience, Zaca Mesa began growing Rhône varieties in 1978 when they were the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. This early planting provided proof that their unique combination of topography, soils and distance from the oceanRead More →