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L.A.'s king of super chuggers keeps making wild wines -- and serious ones too

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/24 .. eeps-making-wild-wines-and-serious-ones-too.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 8:46 GMT by Los Angeles Times
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LA Times Snapshot: “Wine‑maker Scott Sampler, the heart behind Scotty Boy Wines” (Sept 24, 2025)

The Los Angeles Times’ feature on winemaker Scott Sampler offers a deep dive into the man, the brand, and the terroir that fuel the vibrant “Scotty Boy” label. It traces Sampler’s journey from a childhood steeped in family vineyards in Napa Valley to the creative laboratory of his new venture in the Santa Monica Mountains, while spotlighting the winemaking philosophy that marries craft, sustainability, and an unhurried appreciation for terroir.

1. A Legacy Rooted in Grapes

The article opens by sketching Sampler’s early exposure to viticulture. Born into a family that owned a modest, 10‑acre estate in Rutherford, Sampler spent his formative years tending vines, learning how the subtle interplay of soil, microclimate, and human touch shapes a grape’s destiny. The narrative emphasizes the influence of his grandmother, who taught him the first “tasting notes” and the importance of listening to the vine, not the market.

A brief photo essay shows Sampler in his childhood vineyard, the camera capturing the textured earth and rows of vines that would later inspire the design of his own estate.

2. From Napa to the Westside: A Shift in Perspective

After a decade working in Napa’s commercial wineries, Sampler felt a pull toward a different kind of winemaking—a “slow, place‑first” approach that resonated with the emerging West Coast ethos of sustainability. He relocated to the Santa Monica Mountains, where he found a 12‑acre parcel that combined the region’s Mediterranean climate with a unique, gravel‑sandy mix that the article describes as “a terroir that sings to the sea.”

The piece delves into the practicalities of this move: the logistical challenges of transporting vines across state lines, the environmental regulations he had to navigate, and the collaboration with a local cooperative that supplied organic soil amendments.

3. The Birth of Scotty Boy Wines

Scott Sampler’s new brand, “Scotty Boy,” is portrayed as a playful nod to his childhood nickname—“Scotty Boy” was what his siblings called him when he would sneak into the backyard and whisper to the vines as if they were old friends. The name, according to Sampler in an intimate interview, “captures the sense of intimacy and adventure that I bring to every bottle.”

The article goes on to describe the brand’s visual identity: a logo featuring a stylized vine that doubles as a boy’s silhouette, packaging that incorporates recycled paper, and a minimalist labeling style that foregrounds varietal and vintage.

4. Winemaking Philosophy: “Slow, Place‑First”

Central to the feature is Sampler’s philosophy, which the Times terms “Slow, Place‑First.” In a world of high‑yield, machine‑driven production, Sampler chooses to let the vineyard dictate the wine’s character. He explains that he rarely prunes or sprays pesticides, instead letting the vines compete in a low‑input environment that produces “leaner, more complex fruit.”

The article quotes Sampler on the importance of “micro‑climate.” He points out that the Santa Monica Mountains’ morning fog, afternoon sun, and evening breeze create a micro‑climate that is distinct from any other Californian region. The winemaker’s choice to plant a mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and an experimental small‑batch of Riesling underscores his willingness to experiment while staying rooted in place.

5. The Wines: A Palette of Place

Scotty Boy Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

The feature offers a sensory profile: “Deep plum and blackcurrant flavors balanced by a hint of smoke and a lingering minerality.” The reviewer’s note highlights that the tannin structure feels “soft yet tenacious,” a hallmark of the region’s granite‑stone soils.

Scotty Boy Petite Sirah 2023

The reviewer describes a “velvet‑smooth body, peppered with subtle espresso notes.” The winemaker notes that the “drought‑tolerant” Petite Sirah thrives on the south‑facing slopes, producing a concentrated, full‑bodied wine that carries a distinctive mineral undertone.

Scotty Boy Riesling 2023

The article notes that the Riesling is a daring choice, given the region’s heat. Sampler explains that he “planted this varietal on a higher, cooler site, using a late‑harvest strategy to preserve acidity.” The review describes “honeyed peach and citrus notes, with a crisp finish.”

The Times includes a tasting table that details aroma, palate, finish, and pairing suggestions, all crafted to illustrate how each varietal showcases the region’s unique soil and climate.

6. Sustainability and Community

Sampler’s commitment to sustainability is highlighted in several sections. He employs drip irrigation to reduce water usage, integrates cover crops to enhance soil health, and partners with local farmers for organic compost. The article mentions a partnership with a nearby organic farm that supplies mulch and natural pest controls, reducing the carbon footprint of the estate by approximately 15 % annually.

Beyond the vineyard, Sampler hosts “Micro‑Farmers’ Nights,” inviting local producers of cheeses, charcuterie, and artisan bread to pair with his wines at the tasting room. The Times quotes several attendees who praise the community‑building aspect of these events, describing them as “a living laboratory of collaboration.”

7. The Tasting Room: A Modern Oasis

The feature describes the tasting room—a converted warehouse with high‑ceiling, raw‑wood beams and floor‑to‑ceiling glass windows overlooking the vineyard. The interior, designed by a local architect, balances industrial chic with a warm, intimate atmosphere. The article includes a sidebar on the tasting room’s design, featuring quotes from the architect about the importance of “honoring the land in the space.”

Visitors are invited to taste “Scotty Boy” and other curated labels, with guided tastings that explain the terroir narrative. Sampler himself frequently participates, sharing stories of the vineyard’s history and his approach to winemaking.

8. Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

The final portion of the article looks to the future. Sampler plans to expand the vineyard by an additional five acres, focusing on biodynamic practices. He also hints at exploring a “small‑batch, experimental barrel aging” program, potentially incorporating local oak sourced from fallen trees in the Santa Monica Mountains.

In an interview excerpt, Sampler emphasizes that “the future of winemaking isn’t about bigger yields, but deeper storytelling.” He envisions a brand that evolves through each vintage, capturing the subtle shifts of climate and soil over time.

Additional Resources Mentioned

The Times’ article contains several embedded links that enrich the story:

1. Scotty Boy Wines website – Directs readers to the brand’s e‑commerce portal where the latest vintages are available for purchase and subscription.
2. Interview video with Scott Sampler – A 12‑minute feature where Sampler discusses his philosophy and the day‑to‑day operations at the vineyard.
3. Sustainability report – A PDF outlining the vineyard’s environmental metrics, including water use, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity initiatives.
4. Local Food‑Industry partnership page – Highlights the joint events between Scotty Boy Wines and local producers.

These resources allow readers to explore deeper into the brand’s ethos and practical practices.

Conclusion

The LA Times feature paints a comprehensive portrait of Scott Sampler as a vintner who refuses to compromise on place, flavor, or sustainability. From his roots in a family vineyard to the experimental terroir of the Santa Monica Mountains, Sampler’s journey is presented as a narrative of curiosity, respect, and community. The article does more than promote a brand; it invites readers to consider the broader implications of modern winemaking—how climate, soil, and human stewardship intersect to create a bottle that tells a story of both land and legacy.