Fiddlehead Cellars

Owner and winemaker Kathy Joseph gives Fiddlehead Cellars in Lompoc, California, a clear focus: Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Grüner Veltliner rather than a little of everything. Its Pinot Noir connects two cool-climate growing regions—California’s Sta. Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA) and Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley. Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA, farther east in the Santa Ynez Valley.

Fiddlestix Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills supplies the winery’s ‘728’ Pinot Noir, a useful starting point for understanding Fiddlehead’s vineyard focus. Across its vineyard sources, the approach emphasizes sustainable farming, modest yields, nighttime harvesting, and sorting grapes in the vineyard. The attention starts well before the fruit reaches the cellar.

Fiddlehead Cellars operates at a farm location in Lompoc, with personalized private tastings available by advance appointment on weekdays and weekends. This is a stop to build into an itinerary, not a walk-in detour. Reservations and wine pickups require advance coordination at 805-735-7728, and tasting changes or cancellations require at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid the full tasting charge.