Rooted Vine Cellars
Get the Dirt from owner/winemaker Iaon Pohlit
“My commitment to limited production allows me to elevate quality over quantity, ensuring every bottle is a bold, authentic expression of my passion and craft. ”
What was your first vintage year? Our first wine was our 2021 Pinot Noir Ocean and Earth. We made only 50 cases.
How many cases do you make per vintage? We make around 400 cases a vintage.
Do you have a Tasting Room? Yes, at 1693 Mission Drive, Solvang, CA, 93463. We are open Sunday, Monday, Thursday: 12-5 and Friday, Saturday: 12-7ish. We offer private appointments as well.
What wine/grape made you want to become a winemaker/start your own winery?
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
What varietals do you work with? Which varietal/wine is your favorite to make?
I work with many different varietals including Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc and Gruner Veltliner. I don’t necessarily have a favorite, but I appreciate cool climate varietals.
What vineyards do you source from?
I source fruit from vineyards located in Santa Barbara County and the central coast. We have a unique environment here that encapsulates the ocean and earth. I like the tension that is created from the cool climate on the coast.
What type of oak treatment do you use?
Neutral oak. In the realm of winemaking, I'm a firm believer in keeping it natural, with minimal intervention and a focus on organic and biodynamic practices whenever possible.
What do you love about your winemaking region?
Santa Barbara county has the most diverse wine region on the planet. It provides endless exploration of place and time. We have so many different microclimates that allows us to grow different varietals. I love being surrounded by the natural beauty that this region offers.
What’s the story behind your winery name / label?
I traveled a lot and finally settled in Santa Barbara 25 years ago. My life here has been a tapestry of experiences. I've been a freediving instructor, dabbled in fine art with a degree in printmaking, and I proudly own and captain Rooted Vine Tours, a venture that has been sailing the Santa Barbara waves for over a decade. I chose to utilize that name for my winery because it sounded cool and tied into my local history.
What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about the wine business before you started your own winery?
How amazing it is to be a part of this industry. There is a lot of possibility for exploration and creating a new future in wine.
How do you view the future in the wine industry for small-lot winemakers?
I believe the secret to extraordinary wine lies in the meticulous care poured into every step of the process. From hand-selecting each grape to shepherding the wine into your glass, every decision is made with precision and purpose. My commitment to limited production allows me to elevate quality over quantity, ensuring every bottle is a bold, authentic expression of my passion and craft.
Do you ever get tired of drinking your own wine?
No, never, it's delicious. That is why I keep making different varietals so I don’t get tired of my own wine.
If you could choose another wine region to work in, what would it be?
Valle de Guadalupe Mexico.
For more information about Rooted Vine Cellars, please visit their website or follow them on Instagram.