Ad Ripa

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

Justin Willett, a Santa Barbara native, began his winemaking journey in 2005, founding Tyler Winery with a focus on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills. He honed his craft as an assistant winemaker at Arcadian Winery and has since become a leading voice in Santa Barbara winemaking, known for his dedication to sustainable farming and low-intervention techniques. Ad Ripa marks a new chapter in Justin’s career, showcasing his continued commitment to expressing the character of Cabernet Sauvignon and the unique terroir of the Happy Canyon AVA.

In 2016, Justin released his inaugural bottling of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Happy Canyon Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley under his Tyler label. This marked a significant addition to his portfolio and sparked a deep interest in exploring the region’s potential for Bordeaux varietals. Inspired by the success of this venture and the distinctive characteristics of the Happy Canyon AVA, Justin envisioned Ad Ripa as a way to fully dedicate himself to expressing the terroir of this easternmost corner of Santa Barbara County.

Ad Ripa focuses on the Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara AVA, a region celebrated for its Bordeaux varietals, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Located in the easternmost part of the Santa Ynez Valley, Happy Canyon has the warmest microclimate in the region, with mid-morning fog yielding to sunny afternoons and temperatures ideal for ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. The area’s low-nutrient soils—a mix of loam, clay loam, red and yellow chert, and serpentine cobbles—naturally limit vine vigor, producing grapes with concentrated flavors and exceptional structure.

The Ad Ripa wines represent familiar vineyard sites for Justin Willett, some of which were previously bottled under the Tyler label. With a transformed focus and intention, Ad Ripa celebrates Justin’s hallmark style, showcasing his aptitude and persistence in capturing the essence of Santa Barbara’s 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.