For most winery owners, their lifestyle is not a career choice, but a calling. It is their passion. Jeff and Joanna Lockwood, owners and co-founders of Bella Cavalli, in Santa Ynez, California, realized they had two passions, wine and horses, and have found a way to successfully merge them together at Bella Cavalli Farms.
In the beginning, each harvest resulted in about 20 cases. They now produce 300-500 cases per year and expect that to grow to 1,000 this year. The grapes they use have traditionally been outsourced from local vineyards within the region, the selections being controlled by vineyard manager, John Krska. This year however, will feature many whites and a tempranillo from the vineyard itself.
Their wines are exclusive, available only at their farm, on their website, or through their charter memberships, which does get first option. Though the tastings and the wines are private, don’t let that deter you from seeking them out. Lockwood gladly promotes his cell phone number and encourages future wine-loving clients to call him for a personal invitation to their new Boots & Bottle Salon tasting room.
The Lockwoods pride themselves in their accessibility and open door policy. All events are customized to the client’s needs, whether it be a simple wine tasting, or an entire day spent riding horses, which may even include lunch if requested!
When asked which one of his wines was his favorite, Lockwood mentioned just about all of his varietals. He is obviously very proud of the fruits of his labor, though understandably so. Each varietal has sold out in just about every year, though there is still plenty to enjoy and purchase. He is most excited about the albarino, his dad’s personal favorite, because it is a very unique grape to the region. There are few plantings of this varietal in the valley. He personally has 2 acres. The two most popular Bella Cavalli wines among his members is the 2007 Pinot Grigio, and the 2005 Syrah.
When it comes to pairing a wine with food, the Lockwoods prefer to break tradition. Says Jeff “We break the mold in pairing philosophy.” Reds with red meat and whites with fish is always a good rule of thumb, but he understands the subjectivity involved as well. His personal pairing favorite is his 2007 Pinot Grigio with salmon sushi. “It gives the salmon a more fruity taste and sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment. It’s personal.”
If you would like to reach Jeff Lockwood for more information on tasting his wines or to book a day at Bella Cavalli Farms, you may do so by calling him personally at (805)455-5403 or visit the winery online at www.bellacavalli.com.
Comments
Wonderful read!!! Thank you.
Good job and will be going up their soon..thanks to the story!
Great article and informative.
Excellent article Patty ! Very interesting, informative, and accurate ( except the part about reaching Jeff personally - he nevers answers phone, and takes weeks if ever to call back, but maybe he's improved that aspect.
I like your style of writing,Patty, very enjoyable reading !
Thanks for the article, hadn't heard of them before, now I'll seek them out to give a try!
I am new to the Central California Coastal Region and as such I am unfamiliar with wineries and their offerings, but after reading this article I may just have to look into it, just to see what I have been missing.
Thanks. I'll check it out next time I'm up there.
Great article Patty! I need to go by this winery.
Thanks, Sandra
Going to check out the winery - great write-up!
Very talanted writing ! great job Patty
Thanks ... wonderful and infomative.
I enjoyed that article, looking forward to a trip to taste that Pinot Grigio!
I think what makes this story so interesting is the application and advice... "2007 Pinot Grigio with salmon sushi." This gives me something to try and follow-up on. In gratitude for the insights and call to action.
-Jacques
A great reminder of the incredible wines we have on the central coast here in our own back yards! and since i like pairing wine with just about anything, i'm always up for a new lead hahahaha
Very informative, I could use a Glass now! Well written and easy to read.
Thank you for the valuable info!
Shawn
Interesting story. I always love to hear experts tell me it's okay to pair wines untraditionally, since I prefer red with everything!
You wrote a beautiful piece. If I was the subject of your article, I would be very pleased. Next time I'm in the area, I'll stop by and check them out. I love wine and horses too.
Thanks for the adventure!
Great article! Thanks for sharing! :)
Kudos to you, a great job !
Keep em coming that was what we like to see.
Mmmm! This article makes me want to try their wine. When I am in the area I would love to visit this winery.
To Roy: Jeff is extremely accessible. I've never had an issue reaching him. He answers his phone every time. Maybe he just knows it's you when you call. ;)
very well written article but you should come to Traverse City mi., fast becoming one of the world best grape growing areas. Leenaua county and the Grand Traverse area are well known for it's locally produced wines
I liked the article but it drove me to drink....thanks :)
a short and well written article, well done. send me more as they become available.
I've been to his ranch and it is spectacular! Now I need to go to tasting room! Great article!
very nice job, but i only expect the best out of you Patti. The article was great.
Very informative and inviting. Yum! Great job!
Very smooth with the words. Easy fascinating reading.
Thanks for the info...I thought you did a wonderful job
and very informative!
I can't wait to try their wines. I will have to visit this new winery the next time I am in Santa Ynez. Great article!
As i told you earlier keeep it up.You gonna rock.
Very Nice. Great Wines Coming From A Great Area. What can we say? California is Amazing and the families in our business are equally Amazing!
Very well written, you must have been an English major in college. I know where I'm stopping next time I'm on Hwy. 246.
Very nice artile. Well written, descriptive and informative. I might just have to go check them out!
You are a natural...a success at everything you attempt...amazing.
I enjoyed reading your article, good writing.
Wow, you even have the contact info. thanks so much.
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