Sparks

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: the Santa Ynez Valley isn’t just another wine region—it’s a place where chaos and precision collide, crafting wines that defy expectations. In a cluttered, makeshift tasting room tucked into Lompoc, James Sparks pours his Kings Carey label, a brand that thrives on unstructured freedom. “Jeff doesn’t mind if I use it,” Sparks says, gesturing at the abandoned space, referencing Liquid Farm’s Jeff Nelson. This is where the region’s magic lives: a balance of raw, unpolished energy and meticulous winemaking. Sparks sources single-vineyard varietals, creating wines with jaw-dropping clarity. His 2023 Perry Souix Vineyards Grenache…