WINEHOUNDING

Small-production Viognier, Grenache and Syrah sourced exclusively from J+K Vineyard in California’s Ballard Canyon AVA

Best known for: Native-yeast, unfiltered wines from Ballard Canyon’s J+K Vineyard

WINEHOUNDING is a small, independent wine label based in Buellton, California, with a tight focus: every wine comes from J+K Vineyard in the Ballard Canyon American Viticultural Area (AVA). Its inaugural 2024 vintage spans Viognier, rosé of Grenache, red Grenache and Syrah. The appeal is the chance to explore one vineyard through four different wines, rather than a sprawling list of unrelated bottlings.

Production is small even by boutique-winery standards: just 23 cases of Grenache, alongside 58 cases of Viognier, 90 cases of rosé and 70 cases of Syrah. All four ferment with native yeast—the yeast naturally present on grapes and in the cellar—and reach the bottle unfiltered. The reds are also unfined. Freshness takes priority over sheer weight: the Grenache clocks in at 12.3% alcohol, and both reds suit a slight chill. Bottles cost $35, with Syrah at $40.

WINEHOUNDING’s address is 90 Easy Street in Buellton. Online ordering through Vinoshipper includes shipping outside California, with an adult signature required at delivery. The Winehounding Club functions as a free email list for releases and offers, without required purchases or automatic shipments.