Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance "Wine & Fire" 2025
In 2006, Norm and I (Kate) started courting during our participation in the planning of the first Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance "Wine & Fire" event. The event celebrates the wineries and vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The planning meetings at Clos Pepe Estate were quite memorable. Steve & Cathy Pepe opened up their lovely home and shared their finest cheese and wine with all who participated in organizing the nascent organization's inaugural event. Their kind hospitality helped to unify the group and dissipate any tension. Winemaker Peter Cargasacchi was the brainchild behind the event with the concept of "Wine & Fire" integrating Fire, or grilled food, to complement our fine Sta. Rita Hills AVA wines.
This year we are proud to announce that our beloved Winemaker Norm Yost is the 2025 "Vintner of the Year". He will be honored with the award at the Wine & Fire La Paulée Dinner on Friday night.
Flying Goat Cellars will be participating in all four days of Wine & Fire events and have our own special events too. Check out the line up of events below:
Thursday, Aug. 14th 5-8pm - Barn Party Kickoff at Peake Ranch Winery, 7290 Santa Rosa Rd., Buellton
Kick off the weekend with the annual "Barn Party". This event features large format and library wines poured by our member winemakers along with Fire grilled foods. You won't want to miss this opening event of Wine and Fire!
Friday, Aug. 15th 12pm-3pm - Meet the Vintner of the Year at Flying Goat Cellars Tasting Room, 1520 E. Chestnut Ct, Lompoc
Norm will be holding court at the Flying Goat tasting room. Come on by for a flight or a glass of wine. Norm's tasty "Wine of Wisdom" Pinot Noir will be featured, along with some library wines.
Friday, Aug. 15th 5:30-9:30pm - La Paulée Dinner at Babcock Winery, 5175 East Hwy 246, Lompoc
The La Paulée Dinner will be honoring Vintner of the Year, Norm Yost and 25 years of Flying Goat Cellars. Yost is the O.G. of sparkling wine in Santa Barbara County and launched the first program in 2005. A sparkling wine reception will start the evening and be followed by a delicious BBQ dinner by High on the Hog catering. Wines for the dinner tables will be hosted by member wineries, but in the spirit of La Paulée guests are encouraged to bring their special bottles to share at their dinner table.
Saturday, Aug. 16th 12-3pm - National Honey Bee Day Celebration, Flying Goat Cellars Tasting Room, 1520 E. Chestnut Ct., Lompoc.
Don't miss your opportunity to learn about beekeeping with Rob Dias, Jr. of the Lompoc Valley Beekeepers Association (LVBA). A third generation beekeeper, Rob knows a thing or two about beekeeping. He has even graduated from backyard beekeeping hobbyist to his own commercial bee removal service, Swarm Catchers, providing service for Vandenberg Space Force Base and others on the Central Coast. LVBA has been active for at least 13 years offering swarm removal, community outreach and camaraderie. We love to share our knowledge with the community. Rob will have an observation hive and other bee gear to give you a taste of beekeeping at its finest. Come on by to see the bees! Sam's Endless Hobbies will also be participating with some fun bee crafts for sale.
Saturday,Aug. 16th 5-8pm - Grand Tasting at La Purisima Mission, 2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc
Enjoy a magical evening under the oaks at La Purisima Mission sipping fine Sta. Rita Hills AVA wines, snacking on tasty treats and mingling with smiling faces! Members and chefs are excited to welcome you to our favorite tasting event of the year. Tickets are very limited, order now so you don't miss out. As an added bonus your ticket includes a Passport ticket too!
Sunday, Aug. 17th 12pm-3pm - Meet the Vintner of the Year at Flying Goat Cellars Tasting Room, 1520 E. Chestnut Ct, Lompoc
Norm will be holding court at the Flying Goat tasting room. Come on by for a flight or a glass of wine. Norm's tasty "Wine of Wisdom" Pinot Noir will be featured, along with some library wines.
Wine & Fire Passport holders (August 15-18) are invited to visit participating tasting rooms and enjoy 2-for-1 tasting benefits. A Passport is included in the price of the Weekend combo tickets and Grand Tasting tickets. Plan your visits as days and hours may vary.
