Palmina - Steve Clifton

Almina is all about relationships. Relationships that bring people back to the table to sustain themselves with good wine and food, conversation and a small respite from the hustle and bustle of today’s world. Palmina crafts wines that are a key part of that equation; wines that can be enjoyed everyday, and that complement and enhance a wide range of food styles.

Palmina produces wines from Italian varietals grown in Santa Barbara County, California. Steve found that the climate and soil types here are similar to those in their favorite regions of Northern Italy. Each have unique microclimates – Piemonte, Friuli and Santa Barbara County - that are similar. All feature cold air pushing warm air to create growing conditions that provide enough sunlight to help fully develop fruit flavors. And all three regions enjoy cool night temperatures that maintain the grape’s natural acidity levels, and which allow winemakers to create “food wines” with a balance of fruit, tannin and acid.
Palmina, though, is not attempting to emulate what the Italians have done for years with these grapes. The intent is to make the best food wines possible by understanding the translation of the region, grapes and foods and how they are best interpreted here in Santa Barbara County. Just like translating a piece of literature from one language to another, the meaning must be the focus, not just the verbiage.

In Italy, food and wine is part of a healthy, happy way of life that brings people together. Palmina wines are made in a deliberate manner that allow each to complement food. Indeed, these wines are simply a part of the meal - an extension of the plate.