About Us
Slouch Hat Wines was created to bottle the feeling of relaxation that only a picturesque vineyard can provide after a long day of work. Since we can’t all end the day overlooking the vineyard, we work to bring it to you. Therefore, we allow our grapes to grow in the vineyard to be true expressions of the Santa Ynez Valley. In the winery we take a light-handed approach to craft wines with soul, dynamic aromatics, depth of fruit, and structure that stays true to the terroir’s influence. Wherever you open a bottle and pour a glass remember you’ve earned your slouch and enjoy as the gentle hills of the Santa Ynez Valley unfold around you.
Click the link to read the story behind the name!
Matt Fowler grew up in a dry county in Northeast Arkansas, far removed from any culinary or wine sophistication. After moving to Virginia with the Marine Corps, he and his dad were on a road trip that took them through Virginia’s wine country. Curiosity piqued, they stopped at one vineyard. Then two. Then many. From that moment on, Matt was in love. He took every opportunity to escape from the discipline and structure of the Marine Corps into the hedonism and serenity of the wineries. He dove headfirst into learning everything he could about the art and science of producing the perfect bottle of wine. He stepped off the path leading him to law school to work at a winery, promising himself that he would find a way to have his own vineyard and winery one day. Several years later and a couple of twist and turns, Slouch Hat Wines was born.
Click the link to read the full story directly from Matt!
Santa Ynez Valley
Pinot Noir, Rhone varietals and Sauvignon Blanc have staked their claim in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA. First established in the early eighties when the Central Coast was still in its viticultural infancy, the unique transverse Santa Ynez Valley AVA covers a large climatological range of Santa Barbara County. The cool coastal temperatures in the Sta. Rita Hills heat up as you travel inland towards Happy Canyon. Pinot Noir thrives in the cooler western portion (Sta. Rita Hills). As you move inland and the weather begins to warm, you arrive at the more recently established Ballard Canyon AVA, which harbors thriving Rhone varietals. Grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre benefit from the mixed, middle valley climate and maritime winds blowing in from the Sta. Rita Hills. Continuing eastward you reach the Los Olivos District AVA and Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, the warmest part of the Santa Ynez Valley. Sauvignon Blanc flourishes in these two warmer AVAs. The warm, long days alleviated by the cool ocean breezes throughout the valley give the grapes an extended growing season. The varied geography lends itself to smaller vineyard sites and allows many of the vineyards to use sustainable practices that require traditional hands-on farming practices. Wine growers here have great attention to detail during the growing and harvesting process, which ensures higher-quality fruit. These factors blend to provide some of the most dynamic Pinot Noir, Rhone red varietals, and Sauvignon Blanc that California has to offer.
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2022 Parade Rest: Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre (GSM)
93 Points- Tasting Panel
Vineyards: Tierra Alta (Syrah), Santa Ynez Ranch (Syrah), Rock Hollow (Grenache), Camp 4 (Mourvèdre)
Tasting Notes: “This fresh-tasting Rhone blend allows earth and wild strawberries to shine, backed by a fine acidity. Cocoa, black raspberry, and Rooibos tea stand out mid-way. The wine Is buoyed by sleek tannins and a spiced sandalwood finish.” - Meredith May, Tasting Panel
2022 As You Were: Sauvignon Blanc
Vineyard: Tierra Alta
Tasting Notes: Fresh citrus and green fruit aromas invite a taste, and the taste rewards with light grass, citrus, and melon wrapped in a silky texture.
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2023 Parade Rest: Grenache Syrah Mourvèdre (GSM) (unreleased)
91 Points - James Suckling
Vineyards: Tierra Alta (Syrah), Santa Ynez Ranch (Syrah), Rock Hollow (Grenache), Camp 4 (Mourvèdre)
Tasting Notes: Grenache provides generous wild red berry aromas that blend with the blue fruits and spice of Syrah and the tannins of Mourvèdre for a rambunctious yet contained experience.
2023 As You Were: Sauvignon Blanc
93 Points- Tasting Panel
Vineyards: Tierra Alta, Dierberg Star Lane, & Coquelicot
Tasting Notes: “This high-acid Sauv Blanc speaks of tart green apple, thyme, lime zest, melon, and a peck of salinity on the tongue. Crisp with striking freshness.” - Meredith May, Tasting Panel
2023 Fall Out: Pinot Noir
Vineyards: Dierberg Drum Canyon & Yellow Foxtrot II
Tastings Notes: Fragrant red cherry and orange peel aromas welcome you to the glass - complimentary flavors envelope the palate with firm, fruit focused acidity and fine, stealthy tannins.
2023 Parade Rest Reserve: GSM
Vineyards: Tierra Alta (Syrah), Rolling Hills (Syrah), Rock Hollow (Grenache), Camp 4 (Mourvèdre)
Tastings Notes: Aromas of red fruit, cut wood, and sweet spice draw you into the glass while flavors of wild strawberry, spiced sandalwood, and silky tannins seduce you into another taste.
Contact Us
Email
cellar@slouchhatwines.com
Phone
(805) 354-5377