Ad Ripa

We are thrilled to introduce Ad Ripa, the newest wine label by Justin Willett, acclaimed winemaker behind Tyler Winery and Lieu Dit. Latin for “to the shore,” Ad Ripa reflects the vineyards’ location in the Santa Ynez River Valley and celebrates the theme of “arrival,” drawing inspiration from Willett’s family roots and the region’s captivating sense of place.

A Santa Barbara native, Justin Willett began his winemaking journey in 2005 with the founding of Tyler Winery, focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills. He refined his craft as an assistant winemaker at Arcadian Winery, gaining a reputation as a leading voice in Santa Barbara winemaking. Known for his dedication to sustainable farming and low-intervention techniques, Justin has consistently sought to express the purity of site and varietal. Ad Ripa marks a new chapter in his career, highlighting his commitment to Cabernet Sauvignon and the unique terroir of the Happy Canyon AVA.

Justin’s exploration of Bordeaux varieties began in 2016, when he released his first Cabernet Sauvignon under the Tyler label, sourced from Happy Canyon Vineyard. This milestone deepened his interest in the region’s potential for Bordeaux varietals, inspiring the creation of Ad Ripa. The new label allows Justin to fully dedicate himself to expressing the distinct terroir of Happy Canyon, located in the easternmost corner of Santa Barbara County.

Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA is celebrated for its Bordeaux varieties, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. It boasts the warmest microclimate in the region, where mid-morning fog gives way to sunny afternoons, creating ideal conditions for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. The area’s nutrient-poor soils—a mix of loam, clay loam, red and yellow chert, and serpentine cobbles—naturally restrict vine vigor, resulting in grapes with concentrated flavors and exceptional structure.

Ad Ripa’s wines showcase familiar vineyard sites for Justin Willett, some of which were previously bottled under the Tyler label. With a renewed focus and vision, Ad Ripa embodies Justin’s hallmark winemaking style: sustainable farming, low-intervention techniques, and an unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of variety and terroir. The wines highlight the range and potential of the Happy Canyon AVA, offering a compelling vision for the future of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Coast.

With Tyler Winery to the west and Ad Ripa to the east, Justin’s ventures now bookend a valley of immense nuance and diversity. Ad Ripa stands as a testament to his exploration, passion, and highest aspirations, honoring both his personal and professional journey.