Casa Dumetz - in honor of what I have learned.

It all started in 2004 with a tiny patch of raw earth and a bucket of grapevines to make a dream come true. Ground. Grapes. Grit. The initial goal was to produce Pinot Noir from these grapevines. “The best laid plans....” In the process of digging in the dirt, we learned the true meaning of terroir and its absolute vital role in producing premium fruit. Casa Dumetz is what brought me here, to this place. Starting in 2016, the Casa Dumetz label began producing one singular Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills. Each vintage explores a unique vineyard and clone within the appellation. With the 2020 vintage, we introduced a kindred Chardonnay to the Casa Dumetz label, sourced exclusively from the LaBarge Estate off Sweeney Canyon road planted on the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. If you know Pierre LaBarge, owner and vigneron, you know his farming responsibilities are executed with extreme care. We are beyond excited to be the sole recipient of the only Chardonnay planted on this property. Thank you, Pierre.

Today, Casa Dumetz is the overall umbrella for our three labels, which includes Clementine Carter and The Feminist Party. The Rhône varietals are dedicated to our Clementine Carter label. Our principal multi-varietal blend is The Feminist Party GSM, highlighting our collaborative drive.

“This estate was created in 2004 by Sonja Magdevski with the focus on Rhône varieties. She only produces a tiny amount of wine – most of which is sold through their tasting room in Los Alamos – the quality is certainly noteworthy.”

— Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate.

Wines

20200827 Casa Dumetz-6510.jpg — *The prodigal son returns.*

Casa Dumetz Pinot Noir Hapgood 2020
The prodigal son returns. We can wax poetic about Grenache all day, though you really
(sometimes) just want more Pinot Noir. This hustler can do no wrong. Hapgood Vineyard, clone 37, grown in the stark, pure sand, windswept center of the Sta. Rita Hills delivers drive and precision. This unique clone lends itself beautifully to 100% whole cluster fermentation, our favorite approach for all of our wines. All neutral vessel aging, no so2 added until first racking right before bottling. We do the hard work so you don’t have to. Elegance and purity at its finest.
Sta. Rita Hills. 225 cases produced. $48

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Vineyards

Wines born in premiere Santa Barbara County, California vineyards.

Santa Barbara is all about the ocean. From our soils to our climate we live and breathe the Pacific. In wine country, its influence is even more pronounced as the sea tempers what would otherwise be an arid California landscape. We have three primary valleys in our coastal growing region that open wide directly toward the ocean welcoming foggy mornings, sunny days and windy afternoons. We playfully call these valleys the Sideways Sirens as their unique east west orientation beckon these primal elements into a dance that elongate and enrich our bountiful growing season. With such precious resources, winemakers in partnership with grape growers in Santa Barbara are gifted with perfect conditions in which to dedicate their craft.

I am fortunate enough that wonderful people have dedicated their resources to farming vineyards in the greatest growing region on earth. Of course, everyone around the world who grows grapes will say the same thing, and of course, everyone is right. Do believe the hype. That is why tasting wines from around the world provides such unique flavor experiences. These wines are supposed to be different. If you grew up in Beijing or Skopje or San Diego, you would express yourself in distinctive way. The intrigue is all in the details. From the soil, to people, to climate, to farming to winemaking choices - everything matters.