Founded in 2003, Piedrasassi was formed with the goal of producing compelling cool climate Syrah from Santa Barbara County. Owners Sashi Moorman and Melissa Sorongon have extremely eclectic tastes in wine – and it shows in their products. Their range extends from their signature Syrahs made with native yeasts and low sulphur, through richly-textured Sauvignon Blanc created by extended skin contact during fermentation, to fresh, juicy and lively Sangiovese vinified in whole berry clusters. A veritable encyclopaedia of Santa Barbara vineyards, Sashi sources some of the region’s best grapes to create wines of staggering vibrancy and life. Motivated not just by the windswept hills of Santa Barbara, the viticultural heritage of the Northern Rhône pervades the wines of Piedrasassi.

California is the heart of American wine production, accounting for around 80% of all U.S. wine. Its vast and varied landscape offers an extraordinary range of climates and terroirs, allowing a broad diversity of grape varieties and wine styles. Stretching over 1,100 kilometres from north to south, the state includes world-famous wine regions such as Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, and Mendocino.

Key wine towns include Napa, St. Helena, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa. Napa Valley is renowned globally for its premium Cabernet Sauvignon, while Sonoma produces acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel. Further south, Santa Barbara is noted for its cool-climate Syrah and Pinot Noir, while Paso Robles excels with robust Rhône and Bordeaux varietals.

The most widely planted grape varieties in California include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc. The diversity of microclimates allows both cool- and warm-climate grapes to flourish.

California’s primary growing challenges include drought, water scarcity, and the increasing threat of wildfires, which can damage vineyards and affect grape quality through smoke taint. However, its abundant sunshine, varied topography, and innovative viticultural practices provide significant benefits, helping to maintain its reputation as a leader in premium New World wine.

Syrah, also known as Shiraz in Australia and parts of the New World, is one of the world’s most celebrated red grape varieties. Its origins trace back to the Rhône Valley in France, where it thrives in both the northern Rhône’s steep, granite slopes and the warmer southern regions. Syrah vines are hardy and adaptable, tolerating a range of soils, but they prefer well-drained sites with ample sunlight. The grape is naturally vigorous, with small, thick-skinned berries that produce deeply coloured wines rich in tannin and flavour.

Today, Syrah is planted widely across the globe. In France, it remains dominant in appellations such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Crozes-Hermitage. In Australia, Shiraz is the country’s flagship variety, producing styles from bold, ripe Barossa bottlings to elegant, cool-climate Yarra Valley expressions. Significant plantings also exist in South Africa, the United States (notably California and Washington State), Chile, and Argentina.

The style of Syrah/Shiraz varies with climate and winemaking approach. Cool-climate examples offer notes of black pepper, violets, and fresh blackberry, with firm acidity and structure. Warmer regions produce richer, fuller wines with flavours of ripe plum, black cherry, chocolate, and spice. Across styles, Syrah is prized for its depth, versatility, and ability to age gracefully.