From the Vines to the Coast — Big News This Spring
Spring at Sunstone means new growth. And this year, that phrase takes on more meaning than just the vines. If you’ve been following our updates, you already know that 2026 was shaping up to be a big year for Sunstone and we’re happy to report we’re delivering on that promise. We have some significant updates to share with you this quarter, each one a piece of a larger story about where Sunstone is headed and what that means for you as a member.
Visit Us in Montecito — Your Benefits Come With You
Our new Sunstone Wine Lounge in Montecito, located at 1294 Coast Village Road, opened its doors three weeks ago, and the response from the community has been wonderful. As a Sunstone member, all of your benefits travel with you: complimentary tastings, your member discount, and the ability to schedule an appointment to pick up your quarterly wine releases are all available to you there. As an added bonus, you can enjoy a unique menu of not only wine, but wine cocktails, and Sunstone Elixir non-alcoholic mocktails. Whether you’re local or visiting the South Coast from out of town, we hope this becomes your new favorite spot to drop in for a casual coastal afternoon.
We’re Planting the Future, Literally
As you enter the Sunstone Estate over the next couple of months, some sections of the vineyard will look a little bit different. That’s because we are embarking on a multi-year vineyard replanting program designed to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the Estate.
While our vines have given us three remarkable decades, this is an ideal time to refresh certain blocks and add exciting new varietals for the first time. Using a technique called grafting, which allows us to introduce new varietals onto existing root systems, the first phase of this process will include planting Grenache (for both red and rosé), Sauvignon Blanc, and Carignan alongside expanded plantings of Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Down the hill near the Santa Ynez River, Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc will replace existing Syrah vines. Near the Estate entrance, new Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan will replace a portion of our Merlot block. The result, over time, will be a richer, more diverse portfolio of Estate wines, including an Estate Rosé and an Estate Sauvignon Blanc that we can’t wait to pour for you.
Your Table Is Almost Ready
We know many of you have been looking forward to this one and so have we. As we shared in our last newsletter in February, a full-service kitchen and culinary program is coming to the Estate in Santa Ynez. We’re putting the finishing touches on it now, and we expect it to open in the coming months, bringing a chef-driven menu of fresh dishes to pair alongside your favorite Sunstone pours. Keep an eye on your inbox and social media for that announcement.
Spring Club Release & Upcoming Events
Our Spring Club Release is coming up in less than a month — May 8th to 10th– and following tradition, it falls on Mother’s Day weekend, making it an easy answer to the question of “Where should we take Mom?” In addition to picking up your new shipment (details below), taste 5 newly released wines, enjoy live music and food trucks Saturday and Sunday, unwind with special experiences, including Morning Yoga with Mom, Paint & Sip in the Vineyard, and a Bouquet Making Station. It’s going to be a spectacular weekend, and we hope to see you there.
Can’t make it to the Estate for the Spring Club Release? Mark your calendar for these upcoming events: Memorial Day Weekend (May 22-25), K-9s in the Vines (June 6), Rosé Release Weekend (June 13), and Winemaker Dinner (June 26). We look forward to hosting you soon!
Your Spring 2026 Shipment
All Reserve Club members will receive the new 2023 Syrah, Estate, the new 2023 Soleil Rouge, and the 2021 Syrah, Estate.
Members that have chosen the Reds Only option will also receive the 2021 Five Eras Bordeaux-style blend. Members that have chosen the Mixed option will also receive the new 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, the first wine made by our new winemaker to be released.
Thank you again for your continued support. Read below for more details on all the wines in your upcoming release. Cheers!
Wines in This Shipment
2025 Sauvignon Blanc
Retail: $30
Tasting Notes
Refreshing aromas of lemongrass, sweet pea, underripe stone fruit, and green apple, with an undercurrent of honeysuckle flowers and wet slate. Crisp acidity on the palate with an energetic framework that moves with light texture.
Food Pairing
Herb-Crusted Halibut with Lemon Beurre Blanc, and a Shaved Asparagus & Sugar Snap Pea Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese
Winemaking Notes
The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc grapes were hand-harvested from Nolan Vineyard in the Alisos Canyon appellation, just 3 miles to the east of Los Alamos. Fermented and aged in stainless steel and neutral French oak and left on fine lees for an extended period for natural preservation. The barrels were stirred to reintroduce the lees into the wine, a process called battonage.
Specifications
- Grape Blend and Source
- 100% Sauvignon Blanc
- Nolan Vineyard, Alisos Canyon
- Technical Specs
- pH: 3.23
- Acidity: 6.8 g/L
- Alcohol: 12.7%
- 6 months in 69% stainless steel/31% neutral French oak barrels
- Case Production: 392
Cellaring
The 2025 Sauvignon Blanc can be enjoyed now and for up to two additional years if stored in proper conditions. It is not a candidate for long term aging.
2023 Syrah, Estate
Retail: $70
Tasting Notes
Bold aromas of cherry, red plum and fresh flowers are lifted by clove and slight cedar notes from new French Oak barrels. On the palate, the red fruits are vibrant with hints of white pepper, and a taut structure.
Food Pairing
Herb-Roasted Rack of Lamb with Garlic Jus, and Roasted Cherry Tomato & Beluga Lentil Salad with Herbed Shallot Vinaigrette
Winemaking Notes
The 2023 Syrah, Estate grapes come from the lower bench of Sunstone Estate Vineyard. These old vines still have a vigorous approach producing beautiful canopies to help ripen grapes next to the Santa Ynez River. This section of the vineyard produces a light and delicate expression of Syrah with a blend of fruit and spice.
Specifications
- Grape Blend and Source
- 100% Syrah
- Sunstone Estate Vineyard, Blocls E&F Santa Ynez Valley
- Technical Specs
- pH: 3.68
- Acidity: 6.2 g/L
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- 30 months in 100% French oak (26% new, 74% neutral)
- Case Production: 571
Cellaring
The 2023 Syrah, Estate can be enjoyed now or cellared for an additional 5-9 years to develop additional complexity. With proper storage conditions, this wine will continue to evolve gracefully.
2021 Five Eras
Retail: $45
Tasting Notes
This intriguing wine offers captivating aromas of brandied cherries, blackberry, nutmeg, cloves, and black licorice. On the palate we find notes of coffee bean, raspberry and tobacco leaves and dried cranberries complemented by a subtle kick of habanero and peppercorn.
Food Pairing
Moroccan Braised Lamb Stew Red Curry with golden potatoes, fresh herbs, dried fruit, and garnish of Greek Yogurt with fresh mint and basil pesto drizzle.
Winemaking Notes
Grapes for our 2021 Five Eras Bordeaux-style blend come exclusively from the Defiance Vineyard in the Creston District of Paso Robles. This co-ferment was hand-harvested on October 11th and upon arrival to the winery was destemmed and gently crushed together to cold soak for three days. After a 16 day ferment the lot was gently pressed off its skins and left to settle before being racked to 20% new French oak barrels to age for a total of 22 months before being bottled in June 2023.
Specifications
- Grape Blend and Source
- 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Petit Verdot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec
- Defiance Vineyard, Creston District, Paso Robles
- Technical Specs
- PH: 3.82
- Acidity: 5.5 g/L
- Alcohol: 14.7%
- Case Production: 560
Cellaring
The 2022 SRH Pinot Noir can be enjoyed now for its vibrant fruit and supple tannins, or cellared for an additional 4-8 years to allow further development of secondary and tertiary characteristics. With proper storage conditions, this wine will reward patience with increased complexity and elegance.
2023 Soleil Rouge
Retail: $45
Tasting Notes
The 2023 Soleil Rouge pays homage to the legendary Super Tuscan wines of Italy. It has complex aromas of red currant, blackberry, cherry liqueur, lavender and hints of tobacco. Easy-drinking on the palate and full of juicy red flavors wrapped in a fine tannins from the Sangiovese and French oak barrels.
Food Pairing
Braised Short Rib Pappardelle with San Marzano Tomato & Fresh Basil, and Roasted Beet & Radicchio Salad with Candied Walnuts, Gorgonzola Dolce, and Aged Balsamic
Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested from three distinct vineyards across Santa Barbara County, each varietal was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks to retain its individual character. The wines were then blended and aged together for 26 months. The winemaking process included a 2-4-day cold soak to extract deep color and complexity, followed by fermentation with D80 and BM45 yeast strains.
Specifications
- Grape Blend and Source
- 75% Sangiovese, 16% Cabernet Franc, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vineyards in Santa Ynez Valley
- Technical Specs
- pH: 3.60
- Acidity: 6.3 g/L
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- 26 months in French oak
- Case Production: 823
Cellaring
The 2023 Soleil Rouge can be enjoyed now, but will continue to develop for another 5-7 years if stored in optimal conditions.
2021 Syrah, Estate
Retail: $70.00
Tasting Notes
Dark boysenberry aromas on the nose with notes of mission fig, black cherry, and plum taking center stage and cedar, cloves and black licorice serving as a backdrop. Well-structured on the palate with medium acidity, leading into a layered finish of fruit & spice.
Food Pairing
Grilled Plum Barbeque Burgers with Pepper Bacon
Winemaking Notes
Sunstone’s 2021 Syrah Estate grapes were hand harvested from 100% of our Estate Vineyard by block “E” & “F’, in Santa Ynez Valley. The last week of September 2021, our team crushed the fruit together, and cold soaked the grapes for 3 days before fermenting them individually and pressed the wine as we racked the wines to New and Neutral French and American Oak for aging.
Specifications
- Grape Blend and Source
- 100% Syrah
- Sunstone Estate Vineyard
- Technical Specs
- PH: 3.77
- Acidity: 5.5 g/L
- Alcohol: 13%
- 18 months in 10% New American, 10% New French Oak and 80% Neutral Oak
- Case Production: 640
Cellaring
The 2021 Syrah Estate can be enjoyed now and for up to an additional 6-8 years if stored in proper conditions.
Important Dates
- April 27 — Last Day for Credit Card & Address Changes, and Bottle Swaps
- April 28 — Credit Cards are Charged
- May 8 — Club Orders Available for Pickup
- May 11 — Non-pickup orders Shipped out
