The Sta. Rita Hills is a cool climate region located within the larger Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County grape-growing regions between Lomoc and Buellton. The AVA is located between the Santa Rosa Hills to the south and the Purisimo Hills to the north. The AVA was originally named Santa Rita Hills, but a trademark dispute with Chilean winery Vina Santa Rita resulted in the AVA’s name being changed to Sta. Rita Hills. There are about a dozen wineries open for tasting within the Sta. Rita Hills. The area is one of America’s best producers of both Pinot Noir and Syrah. Non-resident wineries such as Richard Longoria, Ojai, Fess Parker, and Bonaccorsi routinely produce award-winning wines using Sta. Rita Hills grapes.