Matt Dees is the winemaker for three Santa Barbara County wine labels: the luxury brand Jonata, based in Ballard Canyon; The Hilt, based in the Santa Rita Hills; and The Paring, which blends juice not otherwise used for the other two brands. Matt is also a self-professed “plant person,” and he has the resume to prove it. Born in Kansas City, Matt attended the University of Vermont to study soil science, and has worked harvests in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay and Staglin in Napa. But despite having spent nearly two decades in the Santa Barbara County wine industry, and having devoted his career to winemaking, Matt Dees is no one-trick pony. He can talk about Bach, Grace Slick, and Kansas City barbecue in the same breath, and seems like he might be happy to do so anytime. We talked about his life and career while sharing a table at the new restaurant Highwater in San Luis Obispo.
Website: jonata.com; thehiltestate.com;.theparing.com
Instagram: @jonataestate @thehiltestate @theparing
20th Season Best Of: Media
20th Season Best Of: Gear
20th Season Best Of: Winemakers
20th Season Best Of: Miscellaneous
20th Season Best Of: Spirits
20th Season Best Of: Specialty
20th Season Best Of: Brewers
20th Season Best Of: Farmers, Ranchers, Fishers
20th Season Best Of: Chefs and Restaurants
Bonus Conversation: Why Are So Many Restaurants Closing?
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Sidecar Cocktail Company: Slinging poison, serving dumplings, and smooth jazz
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LEGENDS: Cattaneo Brothers jerky with CEO Katelyn Kaney
LEGENDS: Brown Butter Cookie Company with Traci Hozie Alderson
LEGENDS: Steak and Champagne Cake at The Madonna Inn with Amanda Rich
LEGENDS: Santa Maria Style BBQ at Far Western Tavern and Susie Q Brand with Susie Righetti
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