More about this Producer
Alma Rosa Winery was founded in 2005 by California wine industry pioneer Richard Sanford and his wife, Thekla. They named the winery after the 1839 Rancho Santa Rosa land grant that historically encompassed this region of Santa Barbara County. Richard Sanford was the first to plant Pinot Noir in the area in 1971 after detailed research of climate and geologic records. Richard went on to launch two wineries before creating Alma Rosa.
In 2015, the Sanfords sold Alma Rosa Winery and its 628-acre ranch to Bob and Barb Zorich, who are focusing on the unique attributes that the terroir of the Sta Rita Hills can bring to wines of the region. The Zorichs are also committed to continuing sustainable farming practices established by the Sanfords on the estate decades ago.
Richard and Thekla still live at Alma Rosa, and Richard, now 80, represents the winery around the country.
The Estate
Alma Rosa Winery is dedicated to making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines that express the unique terroir of our appellation, the Sta. Rita Hills. Our wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, reflecting the cool climate impact of the Pacific Ocean breezes that funnel through the unique East-West transverse mountain range of the region.
Situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County, the Alma Rosa estate vineyard, El Jabali, was planted in 1983 and became the first certified organic vineyard in Santa Barbara County. Today, the Alma Rosa estate vineyards are 5 non-contiguous plantings of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — along with small amounts of cool climate Syrah and Grenache — that are farmed using sustainable practices. Vines total 38 acres across our 628-acre estate that stretches from the valley floor to the top of the range.
Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County. Our wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, and they reflect the special terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills, which benefits from cool Pacific Ocean breezes funneled inland through the unique transverse mountain range of our region.
Producer Details
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Region | Santa Rita Hills, California |
| Established | 2005 |
Producer Resources
| Visit Vineyard Website |
