Norm helped to develop this former horse property beginning in 1998, when he relocated to Santa Barbara County to be the winemaker at Foley Estates. Needless to say, he knows the vineyard intimately. Situated in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, the 230-acre estate vineyard is sub-divided into 59 micro-blocks, all planted to a varietal, rootstock and clone that best suits the soil, microclimate and aspect of that particular location. Pinot Noir blocks are all situated in the highest reaches of the ranch, with elevations to one thousand feet. Flying Goat has sourced from several different blocks within the vineyard but always with the Dijon clone 667, which results in one of our most opulent wines. The vineyard is cooled by the usual Sta. Rita Hills morning fogs and afternoon breezes and is protected from the worst of the winds by a neighboring hillside. Financier Bill Foley’s dream to produce world class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay near his Santa Barbara home motivated him to develop Rancho Santa Rosa. He continues to acquire vineyards and wineries all over the world. 
Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills AVA