Hayden Felice and Andrew Fitzgerald embarked on a year-long journey filled with contemplation and occasional stress to christen their wine label. The culmination of their introspection resulted in the birth of “Trippers & Askers,” an homage to Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself,” encapsulating the essence of experimentation and following one’s dreams.
Felice, the driving force behind the day-to-day operations and production, reflects on the name’s significance. “It embodies the spirit of exploration and embracing curiosity,” he remarks, reminiscing about his modest beginnings in winemaking with a mere thousand cases in 2020.
Despite Felice’s background in wine, honed during his tenure as a sommelier in New York City’s bustling culinary scene, his journey into winemaking was marked by a thirst for learning. Transitioning from beer to wine culture during his academic years, he eventually found himself immersed in the fine wine industry, catering to New York’s elite clientele.
The decision to shift gears came in 2016 when Felice and his wife, Lucy Firestone, relocated to Santa Barbara. Here, amidst the scenic vineyards, Felice found his true calling, cultivating relationships with local winemakers and deepening his passion for the craft.
Collaborating with Fitzgerald, a banker turned wine enthusiast, marked a turning point for Trippers & Askers. With a focus on Sta. Rita Hills, their portfolio expanded to include chardonnay, rosé, pinot noir, and syrah, distinguished by their fresh, mineral-driven profiles.
Looking ahead, Trippers & Askers continues to push boundaries, introducing Carmel Valley cabernet sauvignon and Sta. Rita Hills gamay noir in 2023. Felice acknowledges their wines may not cater to everyone’s palate, but he observes a growing trend towards lighter, nuanced expressions, aligning seamlessly with their ethos of exploration and innovation.
