September 2026 Newsletter
Harvest season has arrived here at Rideau…
After an active summer of bottling our 2025 whites and 2024 reds and preparing the cellar, harvest is now underway—earlier than usual. Early heat in March followed by a warmer spring and summer accelerated the growing season, bringing our first fruit in during August for the first time since 2020. As the cellar comes to life, we’re excited to see the 2026 vintage begin to take shape and to share the season with you.
RECENTLY AT RIDEAU
Thanks to all who contributed to our Breast Cancer Resource Center drive!
In celebration of National Rosé Day in June, we were proud to donate 50% of all sales from our Rosé that weekend to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara. Supporting this important cause means a great deal to us, and we were honored to present the check to the BCRC right here at the vineyard.
Relaxation Day at Rideau
On Saturday, August 15th, we celebrated National Relaxation Day with an afternoon devoted to slowing down and enjoying the vineyard. Jenn Gagarin of Vida Yoga opened the day with Yoga in the Vineyard, and Jacob Cole kept the easygoing atmosphere going with live music as guests settled in over wine and food.
It was wonderful to see so many friends and families enjoying the estate. Guests also had the chance to try new menu additions, including a hot dog plate, a kids’ menu with smaller versions of our smashburger and hot dogs, and a new sandwich box with a scavenger hunt tucked inside.
We were also delighted to welcome Tessa Reeg of the Santa Barbara Independent back to Rideau. In her new article, Falling in Love with Rideau Once Again, she captures the peaceful setting, wines, food, and relaxed spirit that made the day so special.
Excellent scores from James Suckling
James Suckling is one of the world’s most influential wine critics, with decades of experience reviewing wines from leading regions around the globe. We’re thrilled to share that our new releases have received a slate of 90+ point scores from James Suckling. For an easy, mobile-friendly look at his full comments and ratings, click below to view the score sheet.
CELLAR CLUB CORNER
September Wine Club Shipment Wines
This month’s club selections feature a stellar array of whites and reds. Click below to explore tasting notes and technical details for each wine.
REDS
- 2022 Thompson Vineyard Petite Sirah – Deeply colored and commanding, this Alisos Canyon Petite Sirah layers blueberry, black cherry, espresso, and cedar over a dense, firmly structured palate built to age.
- 2022 Stolpman Syrah – The Ballard Canyon AVA is the source of one of our most robust and full-bodied Syrah expressions, from some of the oldest vines in the region.
- 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon – This concentrated Happy Canyon Cabernet layers macerated black cherry and boysenberry with lavender, peppercorn, and cedar, framed by fine-grained tannins and a long finish.
- 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – A graceful, finely drawn Cabernet with red cherry, red currant, black tea, and cedar, carried by silky tannins, lively acidity, and a long, polished finish.
- 2021 Thompson Vineyard Syrah – Ripe blackberry and black raspberry meet violet, cracked pepper, and baking spice in a supple, savory Syrah with fresh acidity and fine-grained tannins.
Red for Black Label Clubs
- 2023 Reserve Estate Syrah – Selected from a single estate block, this structured, layered Syrah combines dark fruit, savory complexity, and natural elegance, with dried-stem inclusion adding depth and distinction.
- 2022 Siempre Malbec – Legendary in our program, this Black Label bottling sourced from Happy Canyon Vineyard is a yearly favorite.
WHITES
- 2023 Enchevêtré Blanc – This textural, round Rhône white blend showcases a gentle beeswax and honey character brightened by elegant tropical tones.
- 2025 Estate Grenache Blanc – Our Rideau North Grenache Blanc layers white peach, Meyer lemon, green apple, and ripe pear over a subtle saline edge, finishing bright, floral, and clean.
- 2024 Estate Roussanne – Grown on our ancient riverbed lower vineyard, this Roussanne exhibits surprising, razor-sharp clarity and definition, offering a unique expression of our estate terroir.
- 2023 Chardonnay – Sourced from the acclaimed Zotovich Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, this Chardonnay features bright notes of citrus blossom and white peach, with hints of pear and a touch of honeydew melon. Subtle oak influence adds a layer of complexity to the vibrant palate.
White for Black Label Clubs
- 2023 Reserve Estate Viognier – This Viognier underwent skin contact, neutral barrel fermentation and aging, along with complete malolactic fermentation, bringing richness to the palate while retaining the grape’s floral character.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MORE FALL EVENTS
October & November Appreciation Nights
Keep the season going with two more evenings of live music at the vineyard. Food will be available for purchase from our kitchen.
Saturday, October 10 · 5:00–7:00pm
Live music by Loren Radis
RSVP appreciated
Saturday, November 14 · 5:00–7:00pm
Live music by Jineanne Coderre
RSVP appreciated
Cinema at the Adobe
Enjoy wine and a movie beneath our oak trees on a giant 200-inch outdoor screen. Club members receive two complimentary tickets; additional tickets are $15. Each ticket includes a glass of wine and fresh popcorn. Guests under 21 are free with an accompanying adult, and our kitchen will be serving pizzas, charcuterie plates, and smashburgers.
Saturday, September 12 · Doors at 6:30pm
When Harry Met Sally
Friday, October 30 · Doors at 5:30pm
Halloween
Where to Stay in Town
Planning an overnight visit? Rideau Wine Club Members receive preferred rates at these local hotels:
20% Member Savings
- The Genevieve Hotel — 20% off
- The Landsby — 20% off
Additional Preferred Rates
- King Frederik Inn — 15% off
- Viking Inn — 10% off
- Atterdag Inn — 10% off
When booking: Mention Rideau Wine Club or use promo code RIDEAU where applicable.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP
We’re always looking for ways to help you make the most of your membership.
Here are a few quick tips to ensure you’re getting all the perks and benefits available to you:
- Reserve a Tasting: Enjoy up to six complimentary wine tastings every time you visit, depending on your club level. It’s one of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to make the most of your membership.
- Set Up Your Online Profile: Our new platform makes it simple to manage your account in one place. You can update your preferences, track past orders, and customize upcoming shipments once they’re released.
- Shop New Wines: Can’t make it to the vineyard? No problem. Your club discounts apply online, too—shop our latest releases from the comfort of home.
- Refer a Friend: Share the Rideau experience! If someone you refer joins the club and remains a member for at least a year, you’ll receive one of your club shipments for free.
- Follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes peeks, event news, and more.
As always, thank you from all of us at Rideau Vineyard for your continuing support. For 30 years now, we’ve done nearly everything on-site, from planting the vines to packing up the wines that go into your shipment. We truly wouldn’t be here without you, and we’re grateful for your ongoing trust. If you have any questions about your membership, please don’t hesitate to contact us.