Edhat Staff
The Sta. Rita Hills Wine Alliance has announced Norm Yost, Founder and Winemaker of Flying Goat Cellars, as the 2025 “Vintner of the Year.” Known affectionately as “OG” (Old Goat) Yost, his recognition comes as he celebrates 25 years of crafting award-winning vineyard-designated Pinot Noir and sparkling wines that have left an indelible mark on the wine industry.
The Alliance will formally honor Yost at its annual Wine & Fire La Paulée Dinner on August 15, 2025, hosted at Babcock Winery. The evening will kick off with a sparkling wine reception, followed by a festive “High on the Hog” BBQ dinner. Member wineries of the Alliance will contribute wines, and guests are encouraged to follow the tradition of La Paulée de Meursault by bringing special bottles to share at their dinner table.
Norm Yost’s career began in Napa Valley at Silver Oak and Monticello after graduating from U.C. Davis in 1981. His diverse journey in the industry included winemaking in Sonoma, Oregon, Australia, and Santa Barbara County before launching his own brand, Flying Goat Cellars, in 2000.
In 2005, Yost made history by introducing Goat Bubbles, Santa Barbara County’s first méthode champenoise sparkling wine program. Today, Goat Bubbles features six unique sparkling wine expressions.
To commemorate his 25 years with Flying Goat Cellars, Yost released the 2021 Pinot Noir Wine of Wisdom, a tribute to his 45-year journey in winemaking. Reflecting on this milestone, Yost said, “Flying Goat Cellars is a culmination of my diverse experiences in the wine industry, from Napa, Sonoma, Oregon, Australia to Santa Barbara County. Wine of Wisdom gives tribute to my personal 45-year journey in the wine industry.”
Flying Goat Cellars will host an additional event in Yost’s honor: the 25th Anniversary Party on June 21, 2025, at the winery.
Formed in 1997, the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance was established to unite growers and winemakers in the western Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County. The region attained American Viticultural Area (AVA) status in 2001, spotlighting its unique qualities for growing cool-climate wine grape varieties. Norm Yost joined the Alliance in 2004, later serving on its Board of Directors, further cementing his contributions to the local wine community.
Norm is a good friend and makes the best Pinot’s, 1 Gris, and5-6 Noir, and 5 different types of sparkling wine that trounce most French Champagne’s.
Dom is swill compared to Norm’s bubbles.
Cheaper by the case.
Congrats you Old Goat!!!
Côtière Wines!
Those look really good.