Jonata

Powerful yet refined wines from Syrah, Sangiovese and Bordeaux varietals that capture the unique character of Ballard Canyon. Sitting in the heart of the Ballard Canyon AVA in Santa Barbara County, Jonata was founded in 2004 by Stan Kroenke, the American entrepreneur and owner of Screaming Eagle, The Hilt and Arsenal FC, with the ambition of creating a world-class estate focused on Rhône and Bordeaux varieties. The team is headed up by Matt Dees and The Hilt team, whose precise approach has helped define the style of the wines from this extraordinary place.

Although still in Santa Barbera, the 33-hectare vineyard is much further inland in the Ballard Canyon AVA where the maritime influence of the Santa Rita Hills meets the warmer climate of Happy Canyon. The soils here are sandy rather than rocky and the grape varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Sangiovese, so it all complements The Hilt perfectly.

Farming is meticulous and increasingly regenerative, with a strong focus on soil health and biodiversity. In the winery the approach is equally careful: fruit is sorted berry by berry, fermentations are largely natural and extraction is handled gently to preserve purity and balance.

Although relatively young by international standards, Jonata has quickly built a formidable reputation. The wines combine the depth and power of California with a sense of structure and freshness that reflects the character of Ballard Canyon. Today the estate stands among the most exciting and ambitious producers in the region.