The Subtle Power of Northern Exposure

At Demetria Estate, winemaker Ryan Roark leans into the shelter of north-facing slopes—and finds beauty in balance.

Rising and falling hills surround Demetria Estate.

In a region known for sun-drenched vineyards and bold expressions, Demetria Estate’s Ryan Roark looks in a different direction.

North.

Nestled in the coastal hills of Santa Barbara County, Demetria’s 200-acre estate includes 45 acres of vines, carved into 35 distinct micro-blocks. Among them, Block 25 quietly stands out. Tucked into a moderate slope in the heart of the property, its north-facing orientation offers a kind of reprieve: filtered sunlight, softer winds and soils that hold onto moisture just a little longer.

“It’s my favorite,” said Roark, Director of Viticulture and Winemaking. “We don’t have any flat sites here, but we do have some super steep, north-facing, head-trained Grenache. When we taste through all the Grenache, Block 25 is the one we could bottle on its own—it makes the most complete wine.”

This is the second in a series of stories examining vineyards with northern exposure.

Stunning views and a site with northern exposure charm at Demetria Estate.

Northern exposure is often overlooked in vineyard design, but Roark compares its benefits to athletic recovery: