“The seasons, changes of the land, and language of nature all speak to us. We have to listen; they are a vision of balance between our surroundings and ourselves. The earth is our mother. She nourishes us, that which we put into the ground she returns to us…” Kitá

In the Santa Ynez Chumash native language of Samala, “Kitá” means “Our Valley Oak.” The large gracious trees dot the Sant Ynez Valley, their extensive canopies providing shade and shelter with their acorns an important source of food for fauna and folk alike.

Sue Hill opens a bottle of Kitá Sparkling Roussanne under the oaks near Nojoqui Falls; Nojoqui is a Chumash word meaning “honeymoon place” or “meadow.”

As a testimony to the importance of the valley oak to the tribe and the ecosystem, Continue reading →