There is no name more woven into Santa Barbara wine than Sanford. Richard Sanford planted the county’s first Pinot Noir in 1971, helped define a region, and then, in his sixties, started over from scratch to build the place he most wanted to farm.

A pioneer’s second act

In 2005, Richard Sanford and his wife Thekla founded Alma Rosa on their El Jabali ranch, a sweep of 628 acres in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills with only a small portion under vine and the rest left as oak woodland and grazing land. For Sanford, a lifelong champion of organic and sustainable farming long before it was fashionable, Alma Rosa was a chance to do it all his way: certified organic vineyards, a light touch in the cellar, and wines that taste of this cold, foggy ground. Since 2014 the estate has been stewarded by the Zorich family, who have carried Sanford’s organic philosophy forward and expanded the visitor experience without losing the soul of the place.

Cold hills, clean farming

Alma Rosa farms the same kind of cold, wind-swept Sta. Rita Hills ground that made the region famous: ocean fog, a relentless afternoon breeze, and lean, sandy soils that keep the vines honest. The estate is dedicated to organic and SIP-certified sustainable practices, which Sanford always argued you can taste, in wines with more energy and a clearer sense of place. The range runs from bright, savory Pinot Noir and taut Chardonnay to Rhone varieties and sparkling wine.

What to drink it with

Alma Rosa’s Pinot Noir is the food-friendly cool-climate style, made for grilled salmon, seared duck, or a mushroom risotto where the wine’s earthy side meets the fungi. The Chardonnay, fresh and mineral, loves Dungeness crab, oysters, or a roast chicken, its acidity slicing the richness. And if you find the estate Syrah or a Rhone blend, point it at Santa Maria style tri-tip, the local barbecue that these peppery reds were practically made for.

Plan your visit

Alma Rosa offers two very different experiences: the breathtaking El Jabali estate in the Sta. Rita Hills, where you taste surrounded by vines and oak country, and a relaxed tasting room in the heart of downtown Solvang. Both are worth your time, but the estate, with a little planning, is unforgettable.

Frequently asked questions