Native9 Wine (Tasting by Appt.)

One of the finest tastings I've ever had the pleasure of attending (and I've been to many). Wes is a fantastic host. The pairings are amazing, the learning opportunity is unmatched, and of course the wines are magnificent.

On a sun-drenched day in February, we stood with Wes Hagen in the vineyards and soaked in the beauty of the Santa Maria hillside. After our vineyard trek, we sat in the recent homestead of James Ontiveros and tasted some very special Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays and yes, even some Cabs from Native 9 / Ranchos de Ontiveros.I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy your day than spending it with Wes, along with a glass of wine, while he shares the rich and storied history of Santa Barbara wine country. His knowledge of the surrounding soils and terroir completely elevated the tasting for us.Carve out some time for your own deep-dive into the wonderful world of Native 9 / Ranchos de Ontiveros wines; it’s worth the trip!

We recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Native9 wine tasting at Rancho Ontiveros, and it was nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality that set the tone for the entire visit. The vineyard tour was incredibly educational, providing fascinating insights into the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region.The highlight of the experience, however, was undoubtedly the wines themselves. Each sip was a revelation, showcasing the skill and dedication of winemaker Justin Willet. The complexity and depth of flavor were simply extraordinary, leaving a lasting impression long after the tasting was over.A major part of what made the experience so memorable was the presence of Wes Haggen, the hospitality guide. Wes's passion for wine was palpable, and his knowledge and charisma added an extra layer of enjoyment to the tasting. His ability to share stories and insights about the wines and the vineyard made the experience not only informative but also incredibly engaging.Overall, the Native9 wine tasting at Rancho Ontiveros exceeded all expectations. It was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to any wine enthusiast looking for an exceptional tasting experience.

Beyond amazing tasting and tour experience. The wines are prefect. Hearing about the history of the family, ranch, vineyard and wines makes you respect and appreciate the wines even more. Arranging and experience the tasting with Wes, James and Nina was easy. 10 out of 10 day.

Wes gave an incredibly informative tasting and served a fantastic vertical flight of Pinot, Chardonnay and Cabs!

This was the nicest of all the many wine tastings I've ever attended. At the majority of wineries the hosts are just doing a job. Here, the host treated it as his calling. Our host Wes provided instruction for finding the winery, met us at the gate, and led us for a few minutes into the vineyard itself to explain cultivation techniques. He reiterated the accessibility information he had emailed earlier for any of us with mobility challenges. Then we drove the rest of the way up to the tasting facility--outside in this pleasant weather, so we could bask in the bucolic views. Wes had already prepped a charcuterie plate for us with a dusting of spices he himself had chosen to pair with these wines. He explained to us which particular cheeses would likely be preferred with which wines. He gave us at least two vintages of each wine so we could discern the differences. His enthusiasm was palpable--he obviously loves the business. And the wines themselves were delicious. Anyone who loves wine will love tasting at this Vineyard.

Highly recommend going to a tasting here! I used to be an "ABC" type (Anything But Chardonnay), but these Chardonnays were seriously delicious. The Pinots are great, and the Cab Sauvignons are even better - complex, flavorful, and just nice to drink. Wes led a fun and informative tasting for us, covering wine history, how the vines are maintained, food paring, and several taste comparisons. We all got quite an education in just 90 minutes, in a rural, picturesque part of the country. We'll be back!

If you’re looking for an intimate, personal, informative wine tasting, this is the place. Wes is the consummate host, with the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet all being delicious. You will learn about California agricultural history, vineyard management, winemaking, and much, much more. A visit not to be missed as this tasting sets the bar on how to do a tasting right!

Wes Hagen does his usual masterful job of engaging you with his knowledge of wines, winemaking, the region, pairing of food and wine (he served up an interesting mini charcuterie combo to pair with his wines)- and just sharing views on just about anything. He's always entertaining.And the wines were really exceptional. The Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs were pristine examples of what each grape should produce and the Cabernet Sauvignons were the best we'd tasted from the region.Wes makes you feel welcomed and part of the family. It's a fun tasting, so I'd encourage anyone interested in learning more about Native9 and wines or winemaking generally to schedule a tasting event with Wes. You'll enjoy it.

If you only had one tasting to make before you die it should be this one. Wes is fantastic to taste with as he is a wealth of knowledge and history. The site is stunning and the wines are equally so. No regrets

What a pleasure and privilege to spend some time with Wes and learn so much about the land, the history, the vines, and the winemaking for Native9 and Ranchos de Ontiveros. Wes's original food/cheese pairings were so dang good, made even better by an awesome lineup of small-batch wines. The setting of the experience was quiet, intimate, and in a shaded area of the property. The only more amazing thing would have been if there were several baby kittens running around being cute and cuddly. Oh wait, there were! Wine nerds and novices alike will enjoy this one-of-a-kind experience with the vine whisperer, Wes Hagen.

We visited with a group of 6 and had an incredible time! The Native9 wines were amazing from start to finish, and Wes is a wonderful host with a wealth of knowledge and great sense of humor. The tasting experience was one of the best we’ve had in the area. We can’t wait to be back!

Could not recommend this any more! A tasting with Wes will not only get you amazing wines along with some delicious cheeses, but a real sense of history and some great conversation with one of the industry's most knowledgeable professionals.

Wonderful experience and delicious wines. We learned so much about the land, the grapes, the winemaking, and the philosophy behind Native9, all in a rustic shack in the middle of a field. The real deal. This was by far our favorite experience in all the time we spent in the SB wine region. We look forward to taste the wines again on a special occasion.

We had a great experience with Wes at our tasting. A walk through the vineyards, explaining the growth and climate, then to the ranch for a spectacular tasting. Thorough explanation of the wines and snacks to compliment. Overall a wonderful experience.