Alma Rosa Vineyard and Winery, Santa Rita Hills, Buellton

Just down the Santa Rosa Road from Mosby Wines is Alma Rosa Winery. I wouldn't drive too fast or you might miss your turn. I made a left into the drive way lined with vines. I was driving up hill past a tremendous amount of brush and trees, past little tiny homes tucked right into the brush and just when I thought I must have made a wrong turn...there it was. A shack.

It's fabulous! This tiny little shack surrounded by great big cactus at the top of a gorgeous hill. There is a rock patio right to the side of the wood plank steps. A great place to sit, sip, and take in the awesome view. As it turns out, it was originally a milking barn built in 1920.

The inside is done in very light wood with Mexican tiles on the floor, with a real working pot belly stove to keep them warm during the winter. The wine tasting bar sits in front of a large picture window that allows tasters to treat their eyes as well as their taste buds.


Now for a little history....
In 1965, Richard Sanford graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Geography, was drafted and served in the Vietnam war as a Naval officer until 1968. Thank you for your service Richard!

In 1970, relying on his knowledge of geography and love for the Burgundy wines of France he planted the 1st Pinot Noir grapes in the perfect region for them called the Santa Rita Hills and founded Sanford & Benedict Vineyard.

In 1981, founded Sanford Winery.

In 1983, planted the El Jabali Vineyard.

In 1995, planted the La Rinconada Vineyard.

In 2000, planted the La Encantada Vineyard.

In 2005, separated with partner of Sanford Winery and founded Alma Rosa Vineyard and Winery.

In 2006, first release of wines.

A little known fact....if you are a fan of the Sideways movie, you would be interested to know that the 1st winery the boys visited was not Sanford Wines, it was Alma Rosa and that really was Richard Sanford hosting the tasting.

Sharon was hosting bar that day and she recommended the Pinot Noir Flight tasting:

2008 Pinot Noir - La Encantada Vineyard. Reminiscent of certain French Burgundies. Will blend well with most foods, but Richard likes traditional French cuisine with this.

2008 Pinot Noir - El Jabali and La Encantada Vineyards. Bright raspberry and Bing cherry notes. Sassy and spicey. Pair with Mediterranean style dishes.

2007 Pinot Noir - blend of estate vineyards, Santa Rita Hills. Fresh crushed berries, floral-spice and beet-root-meets-cola essence. Smooth texture. Pair with roasted or grilled meats, bbq shrimp, salmon....yum..

2008 Pinot Noir - La Encantada Vineyard. Dark spice, dark fruit. Pair with Steak Diane, pommes frites, and Caesar....wow...

I learned that Sharon not only works a few days a week at Alma Rosa but has her own business called Soap Works where she makes Vegan soaps, candles, lotions, etc. http://www.lompocvalleysoapworks.com/

I really enjoyed my time at Alma Rosa with Sharon and a few other wine enthusiasts on their quest to find the treasures of California....the wine....I wish the Sanfords much success with Alma Rosa Winery.

Mosby Wines, Santa Rita Hills, Buellton

There are four wineries in the Santa Rita Hills located on Santa Rosa Road right off the 101 freeway. All are worthy of a visit. Mosby Wines is the 1st winery on the road. As I drove up I noticed the vines along the driveway were full and green, flowers and cactus are everywhere, very attractive. And, of course, I couldn't miss the great big red barn which happens to be the tasting room.

For 50 years Bill Mosby has been intrigued with the wine and vines. He loves the Italian varietals. He also has a great appreciation for art and fell in love with the work of a Viennese-trained artist named Robert Scherer. One day in Italy over some bread, cheese, and wine Bill and Robert started designing wine labels.

Gregg was pouring wine that day. He has been working at Mosby for 19 years. While serving our country in the Air Force he worked part-time for the first 5 years and then full-time once he retired from the Air Force. He is quite the character, very charming and he was pouring the following:

2010 Traminer - Estate grown. Crisp, dry white. Flavors of lychee, citrus, and Bartlett pear. Pair with smoked meats, stir fry.

2010 Orange Muscat - Estate grown. Soft aroma of orange blossom. Dry finish. Pair with stir fry, grilled scallops, Thai.

2006 Ossessione - From the Marche, Italy, this is the varietal Montepulciano. Maple and brown spice nose, red currant, soft vanilla finish. Pair with red sauce pastas

2005 Primativo - The italian clone of Zinfandel. Jammy, spicy aroma and dark fruit flavors with spicy finish. Pair with grilled meats, tri-tip.

Roc Michel - Rhone blend. 100% estate Fremir Vineyard. A blend of 60% Syrah, and 40% Mourvedre with dark berry fruit, chocolate and vanilla notes. Pair with Thai, b-b-q.

Sofia - raspberry dessert wine. Must serve 40 - 42 F. Serve over ice cream, fudge brownie, or straight from the glass!

Mosby also offers some fine Italian-style brandies, two of which are Kosher. For more information check out their website.

The Mosby property is so enchanting. I would love to sit with a glass of wine under a tree and just take it all in all day long.