Anna deLaski grew up in Austria, not far from the Wachau, one of Europe’s great wine regions, where vineyards are simply part of the landscape and culture. She studied environmental and natural resource sciences in Vienna, later spending many years in Canada working in sustainability and environmentally responsible manufacturing. The experience deepened her interest in ecological systems, soil health, and the long-term stewardship of land. It was while there that she met David deLaski, her husband and partner in Solminer Wine Company and deLanda Farm & Vineyard, a regeneratively farmed, biodynamically certified property in the Santa Ynez Valley.

At Solminer, Anna leads the winemaking, employing native fermentations and minimal intervention techniques to make bright, expressive wines. This is a small, deeply personal wine project rooted in the belief that healthy soils and thoughtful farming ultimately produce more vibrant wines. The Syrah-dominant (with Grenache and Malbec) (Malbec? how'd that find its way into a Rhône blend?) 2023 Rubellite Red, sourced from organically farmed vineyards in Santa Barbara County, includes fruit from the deLaski family’s deLanda Farm & Vineyard.

The wine is handled gently in the cellar, aged in neutral barrels so that the fruit and vineyard character remain right up front. The result is a fresh, savory red with bright berry notes, floral aromatics, and a supple texture that’s versatile with food. Unsurprisingly, it’s a delightful accompaniment to schnitzel.