Nielson
Nielson Wines is named after Uriel J. Nielson, who went against the advice of fellow farmers and planted the first commercial vineyard in cool, foggy Santa Barbara County in 1964. Today, Nielson Wines carries on that pioneering spirit with its vibrant Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, topped with screwcap closures that maintain that freshness. The Nielson Vineyard sits within 18 miles of the Pacific Ocean and is one of the first in the Santa Maria Valley to witness the fog burn off each morning. Bright, early morning sun and cold nights promote muscular Pinot Noirs with dark fruit and floral notes as well as balanced Chardonnays that exude mineral, citrus and orange blossom notes.
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Small Lots & Screwcaps
Small is big. Really big. Nielson Wines are crafted with small-lot winemaking techniques—hand pruning, block-by-block harvesting, barrel fermentations and lees stirring—which allow each wine to clearly reflect its origin and express its unique character. These precise techniques result in wines of extraordinary minerality, acidity and balance. To top it off (no pun, intended), the screwcap closures fit the casual, outdoorsy culture and lifestyle of Santa Barbara County. No corkscrew required for these beauties.
Central Coast California's First AVA
Santa Barbara County’s northern most appellation, Santa Maria Valley’s unusual east-west orientation channels cold ocean air and fog directly into the valley, creating one of California’s longest growing seasons. Diverse soils and microclimates result in grapes that have widely different flavor profiles but share exquisite balance and complexity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive here, as do Syrah and Pinot Blanc. In a testament to “what grows together, goes together,” the region's wines—known for their “Santa Maria spice” pair perfectly with Santa Maria-style barbecue. Another fun fact: The movie Sideways, which featured the wines of Santa Maria Valley, took its title partly from the valley’s east-west direction.
