In this episode of Wine for Normal People, Elizabeth Schneider interviews Wes Hagen, a Santa Barbara wine industry veteran, about the unique characteristics of the Santa Barbara wine region. They discuss the area's geographical advantages for cool climate viticulture, the history and distinctions of its AVAs, particularly Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley, and the impact of the movie "Sideways" on the region's wine culture. Hagen shares insights into the collaborative nature of Santa Barbara winemakers and offers a positive outlook on the wine market, emphasizing the importance of supporting local producers and the role of wine in fostering social connections. The conversation also touches on the challenges of establishing wineries in the area due to regulatory hurdles and the need to balance agricultural development with environmental preservation.
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