14. Syrah & Sustainable Hiring with Pete Stolpman & Ruben Soloranzo

Running a sustainable winery means more than thoughtful viticultural practices. This week, Pete Stolpman and Ruben Solorzano of Stolpman Vineyards walk Chris through their Syrah bottlings from Ballard Canyon in Santa Barbara County as well as their approach to hiring. Pete talks about labor practices from the standpoint of a managing partner, while Ruben explains how his vineyard team handles high density planting and dry farming.

Ruben Solorzano worked his way up from harvester to the role of vineyard manager, overseeing the year-round crew while managing the Cuadrilla Project, a cuvée made specifically by the vineyard workers, who receive the wine's profits. 

Stolpman Vineyards was founded over twenty years ago and is now one of the top producers of Rhône varieties in California. Recently, they planted Trousseau and Chenin Blanc for their collaborative project, Combe, with Rajat Parr. For more information about Stolpman's commitment to conscious farming and hiring, check out their website.