Our Story

Pinot & Sparkling Wine Without Pretense

Ageworthy wine since 2000

Our Story

May Featured Wines

25% off/bottle or 30% off/case

2019 Goat Bubbles Rosé, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
$49 Retail     
$36.75/bottle or $411.60/case 

Reminiscent of Maid Marian’s cheeks when she first met Robin Hood, the blushing peach color invites you to share this tasty sparkler with your romantic interest. The tantalizing aromas of tangelo and raspberry are complemented by hints of fresh dough. The palate suggests Braeburn apple with white tea on the backend. Our Ambassador Faye likens the fizzing flavor profile to her homemade strawberry and apricot-flavored Italian soda. Smoked salmon, cheese grits and eggs, corn fritters and crab cakes, or carrot cake with cream cheese icing will pair well with this sparkler. 285 cases produced; Pinot Noir clone 23. Wine Enthusiast 93 pts.

2012 Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley       
$100 Retail
$75/bottle  or $840/case

WOW! This wine really illustrates that a Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir can age gracefully with the right winemaker in the cellar. We recommend that you savor the beauty of this wine now. Wise King Solomon and his hundreds of consorts would have been tempted by this seductive, irresistible wine. Pomegranate in color, enjoy hints of mushroom, cocoa and worn vintage leather on the smokey nose. Let your palate be teased by flavors of Elephant Heart Plum and cherry. 201 cases produced; Pinot Noir clone 113.

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Celebrate Spirit's 30th Birthday!

Join us on May 10th for the opening day of Return to Freedom's 2025 program season and Spirit’s 30th birthday! Celebrate with us at the Return to Freedom sanctuary headquarters in Lompoc, with a Native American blessing of the horses and land; beautiful items for sale in the store; eclectic locavore food; wine pours from local wineries; meet Spirit, the whole Return to Freedom team and get a personal photo with Spirit! A staff-guided walking tour of the sanctuary with some time for herd observation along the way will be included. 

We'll be pouring our Celebrate Freedom wine!

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2000

First Vintage of Flying Goat Produced

Winemaker Norm Yost launches his own wine label, Flying Goat Cellars.

2002

First Pinot Noir Released

We introduce our first wines at Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival and launch website/newsletter.

2005

First Goat Bubbles and Pinot Gris Produced

We produce our first vintage of Goat Bubbles Rosé and Pinot Gris, Nielson Vineyard.

2007

Awarded Best in Class and Sweepstakes Winner

We win Best in Class & Red Sweepstakes winner at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for our 2005 Flying Goat Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa Vineyard.  

2007

First YNOT Pinot Noir Produced

We launch our second label for Pinot Noir, YNOT, from Santa Barbara County vineyards.

2008

Winery Purchased & Tasting Room Opened

We purchase production space at Crown Laurel and open a Tasting Room in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto.

2010

Kate Joined the Team

Kate Griffith marries Norm Yost and their partnership evolves into a family of wines.

2011

Club Celebrate and new Goat Bubbles Label Launched

Club Celebrate, the first sparkling wine club in Santa Barbara County, offers exclusive membership for méthode champenoise Goat Bubbles. New Goat Bubbles label designed by Mark Oliver.

2015

Fifth expression of Goat Bubbles released

Goat Bubbles offers five expressions of méthode champenoise sparkling wines. Every bottle is hand riddled, disgorged, waxed and labeled with love.

2019

Flying Goat's 20th Harvest

Norm Yost celebrates his 20th harvest with Flying Goat Cellars.

January 2021

Flying Goat Turns 21 & Finally Legal to Drink!

Flying Goat turns 21 and is finally legal to drink our own wine! We are celebrating all year.

September 2023

First Release of Goat Bubbles Pinot Meunier

First Goat Bubbles made from Pinot Meunier (2021 vintage) released to wine club members. It was quickly dubbed “Barbie Bubbles,” with timing of movie.

January 2024

First Release of Allan Hancock College Vineyard Pinot Noir

We are proud to showcase this vineyard run by students at the local community college. Wine Enthusiast rated it 94 pts and Editor's Choice.

September 2024

Flying Goat's 25th Harvest

Norm Yost celebrates his 25th harvest with Flying Goat Cellars.

January 2025

Flying Goat's 25th (Silver) Anniversary

Flying Goat celebrates our 25th (Silver) Anniversary all year long and we invite you to join in the fun!

Our Brands

We offer three unique brands for your specific preferences.

Our People

Meet the Flying Goat team.

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