Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards
Founded in 2005 by Sta. Rita Hills pioneer Richard Sanford on the El Jabali estate he first planted in 1983, Alma Rosa crafts cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a 628 acre ranch, poured at its Solvang tasting room and by appointment at the estate.
Planted by the man who started it all
Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971, and in 1983 he planted El Jabali, the north-facing estate that now anchors Alma Rosa Winery, which he founded in 2005. The 628-acre ranch holds just 40 vineyard acres, spread across five sites and separated by open wildlife corridors, meadows and forest.
Winemaker Samra Morris, a 2025 Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year nominee, now crafts the estate’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhone-variety wines, farmed sustainably with minimal inputs to let the cool-climate terroir show through.
Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Cool Pacific air funnels through the Sta. Rita Hills’ rare east-west mountain range, giving Alma Rosa’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay their layered, vibrant character. The estate also produces small amounts of Syrah, Grenache and sparkling wine, and a portion of the range is sourced from other vineyards along the appellation’s southern corridor to show the differences in microclimate and soil.
The wines
2024 Pinot Blanc, El JabaliEstate Pinot Blanc, Sta. Rita HillsView at the winery ›
2025 Vin Gris of Pinot NoirSanta Rita Hills rosé of Pinot NoirView at the winery ›
Extra Brut Rosé, El JabaliSparkling, 100% Pinot NoirView at the winery ›
Blanc de Noirs, El JabaliSparkling, non-vintageView at the winery ›
2023 Chardonnay, Sta. Rita HillsEstate ChardonnayView at the winery ›
2023 Chardonnay, El JabaliSingle-vineyard ChardonnayView at the winery ›
2023 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita HillsEstate Pinot NoirView at the winery ›
2023 Pinot Noir, RadianSingle-vineyard Pinot NoirView at the winery ›
2023 Pinot Noir, ElevadoHigh-elevation Pinot NoirView at the winery ›
2023 Pinot Noir, La EncantadaSingle-vineyard Pinot NoirView at the winery ›
2023 AttenteGrenache-Syrah blend, El JabaliView at the winery ›
2023 Syrah, El JabaliEstate SyrahView at the winery ›Visiting Alma Rosa
The Solvang tasting room pours a rotating selection of sparkling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Rhone-variety wines from $35, with indoor and outdoor seating in the heart of Downtown Solvang. A few miles away, the El Jabali estate offers three private, by-appointment experiences on the 628-acre ranch.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Alma Rosa Winery?
Alma Rosa has a tasting room in Downtown Solvang at 1623 Mission Drive, and its El Jabali estate vineyard is a few miles away in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County.
Who founded Alma Rosa?
Richard Sanford, who planted the first Pinot Noir vines in the Sta. Rita Hills back in 1971 and later founded Alma Rosa Winery in 2005 on the same El Jabali land he first planted in 1983.
Who is the winemaker?
Samra Morris, a 2025 Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year nominee, crafts Alma Rosa’s Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhone-variety wines.
What grapes does Alma Rosa grow?
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Grenache across the 628-acre El Jabali estate, plus fruit sourced from other Sta. Rita Hills vineyards along the appellation’s southern corridor.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended for the Solvang tasting room and required for the three private experiences offered at the El Jabali estate.
What is the Sta. Rita Hills known for?
Cool Pacific air funnels through an east-west mountain range into the appellation, producing some of California’s most sought-after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Does Alma Rosa support any causes?
Yes. Its Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraiser has raised nearly $1 million since 2020 for mental health services and research through the Mental Wellness Center and One Mind.
Can I visit the estate itself?
Yes, by appointment. Alma Rosa offers guided tours and seated tastings at the El Jabali estate in addition to walk-in access at the Solvang tasting room.
Nearby and related
- Santa Barbara County the wider region and its sub appellations.
- California Pinot Noir the grape Alma Rosa is best known for.
- California Chardonnay the estate’s other signature variety.
- California winery directory every producer we cover.
Information sourced from the Alma Rosa Winery official website, checked September 2026. Always confirm hours and availability before visiting.