Storm

Ernst Storm grew up in South Africa and completed his studies at Elsenburg Agricultural School, which is just outside the town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. After completing his final year, Ernst worked as a winemaker in the Stellenbosch region and also spent two harvests in the cooler Walker Bay region in South Africa, while consulting on a few smaller projects with his brother Hannes.

Ernst wanted to experience a Northern Hemisphere harvest and took a job in the Sierra Foothills of California where he spent two years working in this warmer climate—learning a lot about managing higher pH wines and riper flavors. Having come from a cool climate region, he longed to make more balanced wines from Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. Ernst found Santa Barbara County and saw a lot of potential. The Mediterranean climate shares many similarities with that of the Western Cape. Diverse soils and microclimates within the county make it a region with endless possibilities.

Ernst worked at Firestone Winery for three years, which proved to be a great learning experience. He worked on a larger scale and did a lot of experimentation with Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals. Storm was started with 6 barrels in 2006. In 2008, Ernst became involved in the winemaking at Curtis Winery. At the end of 2013 he left Curtis to focus on Storm. Storm is focused on making classically styled wines from proven sites; and wines with personality of vintage and site, where elegance is favored.