This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1520 E Chestnut Ct unit a, Lompoc, CA 93436
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
Flying Goat Cellars got its start in 2000 when winemaker Norm Yost decided to break away from larger wineries and focus on his own passion projects. After decades working for producers in Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, and even Australia, Norm landed in Santa Barbara County and never left. He honed his craft in cool-climate winemaking, particularly Pinot Noir, but his biggest impact came in 2005 when he pioneered the region’s first sparkling wine program.
The inspiration for the name Flying Goat came from two things: his herd of pet goats and his love of flying. It’s an unusual name for a winery, but it reflects Norm’s philosophy—serious wines made with a sense of fun. Over the years, Flying Goat has developed a reputation for well-crafted sparkling wines and a lineup of Pinots that showcase some of the region’s best vineyards.
Today, Flying Goat is known for its small production and hands-on approach. It remains a boutique operation, but its influence on Santa Barbara’s sparkling wine scene is undeniable.
Norm Yost is one of those winemakers with stories to tell. He’s been in the industry for more than 45 vintages, working in wine regions across the world before settling in Santa Barbara County. While he originally studied environmental science at UC Davis, he made a last-minute career pivot after seeing his college roommate land a winemaking job.
Norm’s experience spans some of the world’s best cool-climate wine regions, including the Russian River Valley, the Willamette Valley, and the Margaret River in Australia. That background shows in his wines, which emphasize balance, vineyard expression, and aging potential. But if there’s one thing that sets him apart, it’s his commitment to méthode champenoise sparkling wine.
He launched the Goat Bubbles line in 2005, long before sparkling wine was trendy in California. Today, Flying Goat’s bubbly lineup includes a Crémant, Rosé, Brut Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs, and multiple Blanc de Noirs, all made in the traditional Champagne method. His 2019 Goat Bubbles Ampelos Vineyard was even named the “Best Blanc de Noirs” by Wine Enthusiast.
Beyond winemaking, Norm has been an influential figure in Santa Barbara County’s wine scene. He’s served on advisory boards, taught winemaking courses, and even dabbles in beekeeping and mountain biking. His laid-back personality is reflected in the winery’s casual, welcoming vibe.
The Lompoc Wine Ghetto is about as far from the traditional wine country aesthetic as you can get. Instead of rolling vineyards and grand tasting rooms, it’s a cluster of industrial buildings that house some of Santa Barbara County’s most respected small-lot producers.
The appeal of the Wine Ghetto is simple: it’s all about the wine. Without the distractions of a scenic estate, winemakers here focus on production, experimentation, and quality. It’s an unpretentious spot where serious wine lovers can explore unique, handcrafted wines without the usual tasting room frills.
Flying Goat Cellars fits right into this setting. The tasting space is simple, with both indoor seating and a few outdoor spots in the parking lot. It may not have vineyard views, but what it lacks in scenery, it makes up for in character.
Flying Goat Cellars specializes in Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, with a focus on vineyard-driven expressions. While the Pinots had some hits and misses, the sparkling wines were the clear standouts.
Overall, the sparkling wines were the stars of the show, and the 2018 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir was another highlight.
Flying Goat Cellars offers two wine clubs—one focused on sparkling wine and the other on Pinot Noir. Many members opt for a mixed club to enjoy both.
Club Celebrate is dedicated to the Goat Bubbles lineup, while the Philosophers Club is all about Pinot. There are three membership tiers, making it flexible depending on how much wine you like to have on hand. Discounts range from 10% to 20%, and members get early access to new releases and special events.
Given the limited production of these wines, joining the club is a good way to ensure you don’t miss out on the best bottles.
Tastings at Flying Goat Cellars are straightforward. The flight costs between $30 and $35, but the fee is waived with a two-bottle purchase. The tasting includes a mix of sparkling wines and Pinot Noirs, which is a great way to experience the winery’s range.
The setup is casual, with indoor seating and a few tables outside in the parking lot. Reservations aren’t required, making it an easy stop if you’re exploring the Wine Ghetto. While the atmosphere is low-key, the wines—especially the bubbles—make the visit worthwhile.
Flying Goat Cellars is a solid choice for those looking to explore Santa Barbara County’s sparkling wine scene. Norm Yost’s expertise in méthode champenoise winemaking shines through, with the Blanc de Noirs standing out as one of the best wines in the lineup.
The Pinot Noirs had some highs and lows, with the 2018 Bien Nacido being the best of the bunch. The tasting experience itself is laid-back and unpretentious, which fits well with the Wine Ghetto’s overall vibe.
If you’re a fan of bubbles, this is a must-visit spot in Lompoc. The Pinot Noirs are worth exploring, but the real reason to come here is to experience some of the best sparkling wines in the region.
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