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and Italian-style wines, and also showcases Burgundian and
Rhône-style wines. It is surrounded by native-plant landscaping,
all maintained with minimal irrigation, and sits next to the estate
dry-farmed vineyard block.
Winemaker David Whitehair began his tenure at Foxen in 2007,
and it's only fitting that he is a true local—born and raised in
the Santa Ynez Valley. David has worked in New Zealand, as
well as Chalk Hill in Healdsburg, and takes a hands-on approach
to his craft. He joined the team after a chance meeting with
Bill that led to his immediate hiring at Foxen. He considers his
work a privilege and is honored to work under the founders. He
believes that, "[Winemaking] begins with the vines and soil and
ends in the glass. It's a fine balance between science and art."
TOP LEFT: Foxen 7200 tasting "shack" on Foxen Canyon Road.
TOP RIGHT: Winemaking team at Foxen (left to right): Winemaker David
Whitehair and Foxen co-founder and Director of Farming and Winemaking,
Bill Wathen
TOP: The solar-powered winery and tasting room was completed in 2009.
Photographs by Jeremy Ball
