Soil is a living thing, a mixture of minerals, organisms, and time, and it tells a story in every glass. Story of Soil is built on that belief, the work of winemaker Jessica Gasca, who came up the hard way and made her own label one careful barrel at a time.

One grape, one place, all heart

Story of Soil is a deliberately tiny operation, and that smallness is its whole strategy. Working with vineyards that are farmed with the greatest care, the winery focuses on single-varietal, single-vineyard bottlings, so each wine can show exactly how one grape responds to one specific place, its soil and its microclimate. The lots are kept small, the processing gentle and minimal, and there is room to experiment. Above all, as the label puts it, the wines are made with heart and soul. The result is honest, expressive, and unmistakably personal.

The wines

Story of Soil works the cool-climate Santa Barbara classics in a precise, site-driven way: bright, savory Pinot Noir, taut Chardonnay, peppery Cabernet Franc, and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, each tied to a particular vineyard. These are small-production wines of real character, the kind you can only make when you care more about the story than the scale.

What to drink it with

The Pinot Noir loves grilled salmon, seared duck, or mushrooms, meeting the earth of the dish on the same savory note. The Cabernet Franc, herbal and bright, is a natural with lamb or a peppercorn steak, while the Chardonnay suits crab or roast chicken, and the Sauvignon Blanc and a wedge of goat cheese read as one green, grassy note.

Plan your visit

Story of Soil pours in the walkable village of Los Olivos, a personal, welcoming stop among the town’s tasting rooms. Reservations are recommended on weekends.

Frequently asked questions