Winemaker Interview: Tara Gomez of Kitá Wines

We recently met Tara Gomez of Kitá Wines at a Santa Barbara wine tasting event in Los Angeles.

Kitá Wines is a small production premium winery based in the Santa Ynez Valley. The winery is owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. They purchased the Camp 4 Vineyard from Fess Parker Winery in 2010 and established a winery to take advantage of the amazing fruit.

Tara was on a panel of winemakers discussing Santa Barbara white wines. We had a chance to taste a few of Tara's wines and we were blown away. We wanted to hear more about Tara's background and how Tara developed her winemaking skills. She was kind enough to agree to an interview.

California Winery Advisor - What interests you about wine?

Tara Gomez - I love the science and chemistry that winemaking involves.  There’s so much to learn about it, and it’s what keeps me going.  Also, the memories that come to mind while tasting a wine. Those memories can take me around the world as I break down the different layers that the wine has.

CWA - What can you tell us about your winemaking style?

TG - My winemaking style is a mixture of old world and new world techniques.  For me, it’s all about balance.  In winemaking, it’s a balance of the acidity, alcohol, flavor, and structure.  In grape growing, it's a balance of the fruit, soil, climate, and geographic region.  I feel that in order to make wine, you have to understand the varietal.  This requires visiting the regions to explore and taste.  It’s trying to go where it originated and try to capture the culture, history, and traditions of winemaking and then bringing what I learned from there back here and integrate it into my winemaking.  Of course, I can’t dictate what the vintage will become, but for that, I rely on mother nature to direct me.

CWA – What is the most important factor in making a great wine?

TG -The vineyard is the most important and finding a balance out in the vineyard.  Deciding when to harvest will directly correlate to the style of winemaking.  The most work is spent out in the vineyard.   

CWA - Is there any advice you wish you got before you started making wine?  

TG -Yes, how you’re going to sell the wine which is a whole different segment.  There’s a lot involved in sales and trying to distinguish yourself from the other brands. Having a good story and being able to explain it to your consumers is key.

CWA - How do you feel about the current wine rating system? Do you feel it helps consumers with their wine buying decisions? 

TG - I feel that the current wine rating system can be a useful tool if you want to seek more knowledge.  It can really help the consumer find what style or varietal of wine they like.  The key to deciphering a wine rating is finding one you can trust, although you will not always be in agreement, it can serve as a guideline.

CWA - What were the last two truly memorable wines (that weren’t your own) you tasted?

TG - 2012 Vega Sicilia Valbuena 5 and 2013 Sicus Sons Xarello  

CWA – Which of your current wines are you the most excited about?

TG - I am most excited about the 2016 Sauvignon Blanc and the 2013 Spe’y (Red Rhone Blend of 58% Grenache, 21% Syrah, and 21% Carignan).  It’s the first time that we have made Sauvignon Blanc since 2013, and it is tasting beautiful.  The Spe’y blend translates to “Flower" in our native Samala language, and it is just the perfect everyday wine that boasts in freshness and complexity.

CWA - Is there a particular winemaker that you modeled yourself after or just appreciate their skill?  

TG - I have always admired Heidi Barrett.  She helped pave the way for so many women winemakers in California and is responsible for some of California’s most recognizable labels.

CWA - Where can people taste your wine?

TG - We do tastings by appointment out of our winery in Lompoc.

CWA - Where can people buy your wine?

TG -The best place for people to buy Kitá right now is through our website at www.kitawines.com or call directly to the winery at 805-819-1372.  We are also sold in many wine bars, retail shops, and restaurants in California.  There is a Store Locator on our website with detailed information of all of our current placements.