✨ Yesterday was a delight as I indulged in a private tasting with Jonata & TheHiltEstate at the chic 55seventy. Picture this: seated, sipping on some divine chardonnays and pinot noirs from The Hilt, guided by their winemaker Matt Dees. Now, let’s talk about The Hilt Estate, nestled just a stone’s throw away from the ocean in the rugged Santa Rita Hills AVA. Their unique east-west orientation make for some seriously noteworthy wines. Take note, y’all - this region is on the rise! Let’s talk about the mastermind behind these exquisite wines - Matt Dees. With a background in plant sciences, Matt approaches winemaking with an unmatched passion where his dedication to crafting exceptional bottles shines through. But he doesn’t believe the winemaking process ends when the bottles are corked and leaving the winery. As Matt eloquently puts it, “It didn’t end when the cork was put in the bottle. It ended when someone pulled the cork and put it on their table.” Every decision, from vine to t...