Lompoc, CA (August 20, 2024) – Flying Goat Cellars celebrates polo, rodeo, riding to hounds and more with the “Eqwinery” exhibit featured at the Tasting Room & Art Salon. A reception will be held on Thursday, September 12, 5-7pm and all are welcome. Proprietor Kate Griffith has been an equestrian since her youth. She combined her passions for equine and wine in the exhibit, including paintings, lithographs, photos, memorabilia and gear. In particular, lithos from world class equestrian/sporting artists Henry Koehler (1927-2018) and Sam Savitt (1917-2000) and vintage illustrations from Harper’s Weekly, A Journal of Civilization, are on display.
A focal point of the exhibit is the revered 10-goal polo legend “Memo” Gracida and his wife, Meghan, who own the first class La Herradura Polo Club & Equestrian Center located in Santa Ynez Valley. Griffith first met Memo and his 10-goal brother, Carlos, at Rancho Santa Fe Polo Club when they were playing for Ron Bonaguidi’s Hanalei Bay team over 30 years ago. By coincidence, Memo and Griffith have both ended up in Santa Barbara County. Flying Goat Cellars is now proud to be the MVP sponsor for the La Herradura Polo Club this season.
Also included in the exhibit are Griffith’s godson David Samaniego and his brother Harrison, who achieved success playing collegiate polo on opposite coasts. Women polo players at La Herradura are acknowledged, including Meghan Gracida, Sara Rotman, Gina Padilla, Suzette Yamani and Kylie Sheehan. A “Tribute to Griff” honors Griffith’s beloved father who turned 90 this summer. William Francis Roelofson Griffith III aka “Griff” was a rodeo rider in the 1950s. The exhibit showcases photos of Griff bareback bronc and bull riding, along with gear from the era.
Flying Goat is a family-owned luxury brand dedicated to producing age-worthy pinot and sparkling wine from Santa Barbara County. Since its earliest vintages, the brand has achieved award-winning status. Winemaker Norm Yost is uniquely known for launching the county’s first traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wine program in 2005. Wine Enthusiast recently named his 2019 Goat Bubbles Ampelos Vineyard “Best Blanc de Noirs.”
Griffith attributes the name “Eqwinery” to USDF gold medal winning equestrian Catherine Ryan. Flying Goat Cellars Tasting Room is located at 1520 E. Chestnut Court, Unit A in Lompoc, CA.
