Anacapa Vintners Changing Name

Due to potential branding problems related to another label, Seth Kunin’s second Funk Zone tasting room project, which opened earlier this year on Yanonali Street as Anacapa Vintners, is immediately changing its name to AVA Santa Barbara and will use “The Valley Project” on labels for the time being. The change is due to Rusack Winery’s 15-year-old use of “Anacapa” as a name for its red Bordeaux blend — whose three grapes mirror the three islets comprising the associated Channel Island — as well as its wine club. Though Kunin, who had already registered websites and was pursuing the trademark, initially notified owner Geoff Rusack of the similar names, Rusack expressed his desire to retain the lone association with the name in the wine industry. Kunin realized it would be easier to change names, and the two are working it out amicably, according to both parties.