Stolpman Vineyards. If you don’t know the name, know this: The wines are solid and the family is a collection of amazing, and some of my favorite, people. And the Originals “OG” Syrah, has long been one of my go-to Syrahs. It’s a blue-purple-black abyss. This wine is very drinkable but also ages well. I got my hands on some 2013 and it’s perfect right now… Mouth-filling and robust, smooth and intense with a long finish. Get yourself some BBQ and enjoy!

Located in Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara, the Stolpman family is leading the charge on everything from winemaking practices to ethical policy. Vineyard Manager Ruben was born in Jalisco, hired by the Stolpmans (who in 2006 built him and his family a house on the property and saw him through the immigration process.) They are constantly giving back to their community and their employees, including a wine, La Cuadrilla, whose proceeds go entirely back to Ruben's full-time/year-round crew.