Located less than an hour away in from Marina Beach Motel, this Santa Barbara winery offers an incredible way to spend a day. We’re talking about Alma Rose Winery and Vineyard, of course. This winery is taking the Santa Barbara wine scene by a storm. Founded by wine entrepreneurs Richard and Thekla Sanford, this Santa Barbara winery was forged by two people who knew exactly what they were doing.
For both of them, Alma Rosa represents an encapsulation of their 30 plus years of working in the wine industry together. After returning back from Vietnam War in 1968, Richard Sanford had aspirations of working in a field, more, field like.
In an attempt to discover a part of the United States similar to that of Burgundy, France, he put his geography degree to work and discovered the Santa Ynez Mountains. Robert soon realized this area was perfectly suitable for Pinot Noir and quickly got to work.
It was in 1976 where Robert met Thekla, his future wife and wine partner. From there the two worked in tandem to start Sanford Winery, producing award-winning wine for the next 27 years. What’s fascinating about both Sanford’s was their ability to notice the need for organic growing way before it was trendy.
In 1983 they had planted their first organic vineyard, which was later certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers in 2000. This was the first of it’s kind in Santa Barbara County, making them true trailblazers for environmental sustainability.
Founding Alma Rosa in 2005, they created a Santa Barbara Winery that spans over 100 acres of certified organic vineyard. Sticking to their roots, Richard and Thekla still specialize in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, while also offering delights like Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Noir Vin Gris. Never compromising their belief in themselves, this wine inspired duo continues to serve guests like friends and family.
So if you’re looking forward high quality wine with incredible ownership, take the scenic drive to Alma Rosa for an unparalleled vineyard experience!
