Santa Barbara, Calif.—Sea Smoke Cellars in Lompoc purchased the 201-acre Rita’s Crown Vineyard in Santa Barbara County. The vineyard is contiguous to the existing Sea Smoke estate, which was founded by Bob Davids in 1998. Rita’s Crown includes 61 acres of high-density Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines planted in 2007. Sea Smoke acquired the vineyard from Santa Colina Vineyard and contracted with Atlas Vineyard Management to manage the vineyard and oversee sale of the vineyard’s grapes to clients. According to the statement announcing the purchase, the property will neither be absorbed into the Sea Smoke estate nor its grapes used in Sea Smoke wines.

“The acquisition of Rita’s Crown reflects our commitment to our neighborhood’s long-term reputation,” said Victor Gallegos, Sea Smoke’s vice president, director of winemaking and general manager. “Because Rita’s Crown is already a source for top vineyard-designate wines made by Babcock, Ken Brown and Sandhi, this purchase adds a turnkey business to our portfolio. It also expands our ability to preserve our area’s reputation for exceptional wines by immediately transitioning Rita’s Crown to organic farming, which will also strengthen the ecological health of our neighborhood.”

Sea Smoke’s own estate vineyard is farmed 100% organically and biodynamically, and will complete its organic and biodynamic certifications in the fall of 2016.