Holus Bolus

History of the Winery

The project began in 2003 when Peter Hunken partnered with winemaker Sashi Moorman to launch a brand focused on Syrah. Hunken had previously honed his skills as the assistant winemaker at Stolpman Vineyards. In 2004, he met Amy Christine, and they established Black Sheep Finds shortly after. By 2008, Hunken and Moorman split the projects amicably, with Hunken retaining Holus Bolus to run alongside Christine.

Over the last two decades, the winery has maintained a steady focus on low-intervention winemaking and precise vineyard sourcing. A significant milestone occurred in 2013 when Amy Christine earned the prestigious Master of Wine (MW) title, becoming one of fewer than 60 in the United States. In 2014, the couple planted their own estate vineyard, “The Joy Fantastic,” at the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills to further control their fruit sources.

Winemaker

Peter Hunken and Amy Christine MW serve as co-founders and co-winemakers. Hunken brings practical cellar experience and a measured approach to extraction and oak usage. Christine contributes a rigorous analytical framework shaped by her Master of Wine training, with a focus on balance, site transparency, and age-worthiness. Together, their collaboration favors precision and restraint rather than maximalist expression.

This is a serious, cool-climate Syrah that prioritizes complexity over fruit weight.

The Property

The primary tasting experience takes place at their dedicated room in the village of Los Olivos rather than at a vineyard estate. Their farming efforts are concentrated at The Joy Fantastic vineyard. This site was previously a hillside pasture and features clay loam and diatomaceous soils. The cool morning temperatures and coastal winds define the growing conditions here. Farming is strictly organic; the team relies on cover crops, natural sprays, and mechanical weeding to maintain the health of the vines.

Tasting Options

The tasting room offers an intimate, seated environment in downtown Los Olivos. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere, often hosted directly by the winemakers themselves. The tasting flight typically features current releases of Syrah, Pinot Noir, and white varieties like Roussanne. The setting does not offer sprawling vineyard views, but it provides a focused, educational environment to explore the portfolio. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table, though walk-in visitors are accommodated when space permits.

Wines We Tasted

2023 Holus Bolus Syrah, Franc De Pied, Sta. Rita Hills

$53

Sourced from a specific block at the John Sebastiano Vineyard, this wine is notable for being “Franc de Pied,” or ungrafted (on its own roots), which is a rarity in California. The nose is savory and distinct, leading with aromas of cured meat, black olive tapenade, and cracked peppercorn. On the palate, the fruit profile leans toward tart black plum and boysenberry. The structure is firm and grippy, with fine-grained tannins that suggest a long life ahead. It finishes with a saline mineral note and a touch of dried herbs. This is a serious, cool-climate Syrah that prioritizes complexity over fruit weight.

More Santa Ynez Valley: our reviews of Dragonette Cellars, Toccata Tasting Room, and Cordon of Santa Barbara Winery.