Sanford Winery and Vineyards, Santa Rita Hills, Buellton

As I continue my journey through the Santa Rita Hills on Santa Rosa Road I find myself at the last winery on the road. Sanford Winery and Vineyards.

Wow! As I turned up the drive way I am awestruck by the winery facility. It is absolutely gorgeous. Built in 2007, a two-story building made out of 100 year-old Washington State barn wood. It was designed to resemble the style of California missions.

Sanford Winery was founded by the Sanford's in 1971 and is now owned by the Terlato family as of 2005.

The wine tasting room is large and airy. There was a birthday party happening when I arrived, but that did not stop Chris and Natalie from taking the time to talk with me. They were pouring the following:

2009 Sauvignon Blanc - Santa Ynez Valley. Passion fruit and pink grapefruit. Pairs well seafood, dishes with goat cheese.

2008 Chardonnay - Santa Barbara County. Full-bodied, nice acidity. Pairs well with most seafood, poultry, and pasta with lighter sauces.

2007 La Rinconada Vineyard Chardonnay - Santa Rita Hills. Melon, and candied lemon peel. I could do this one all by itself just fine.

2009 Pinot Noir-Vin Gris - Santa Rita Hills. Watermelon and Orange blossoms with tangy strawberry flavors. Pairs well with most foods, especially great for summer picnics and holiday dinners.

2008 Pinot Noir - Santa Rita Hills. Raspberries, black pepper and sage. Pair with risotto, salmon.

2008 La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir - Santa Rita Hills. Spicy cherry and raspberry with hints of earth and anise. Pairs well with pork.

I met a very nice couple from Rhode Island, which is unusual. Not unusual because they were nice but because they were from the east coast. Mostly I run into people from L.A. and Orange County when visiting Santa Barbara County wineries. People from other states tend to head for Napa/Sonoma. I picked up some restaurant advise from Joy, one of the birthday party attendees, like Grappa in Santa Ynez and Route 246 in Solvang.

I told Natalie that she reminded me of Natalie from "One Life to Live." Yes, I watch the soaps, and I am none to happy to hear that two of the soaps that I have been raised on are cancelling. Poo!

I had a great time at Sanford Winery and all the wineries on Santa Rosa Road in Santa Rita Hills. I hope you get to visit them sometime.....

Lafond Winery, Santa Rita Hills, Buellton

Just down the street from Alma Rosa Winery on Santa Rosa Road is Lafond Winery. As I turn up the drive way I notice vines to the left and a small field of crops to the right. I drove around to the back where there is a very large patio and nice picnic area.

As I enter the building I feel an immediate "Welcome!" The gift shop is the first thing you see and it is gorgeous. The wine tasting room manger has a real flare for space and display of merchandise. I love to take my wine tasting glass and walk around a shop like this while I take my time to taste each and every wine offered.

As it turns out Pierre Lafond graduated from McGill University of Montreal with a degree in Architecture. So this explains why the building is so perfect - he designed it. He founded Santa Barbara Winery in 1962, and then in 1971 established Lafond Vineyards (65 acres). Bruce McGuire, wine maker joined him in 1981. In 1996 added 30 more acres dedicated to Pinot Noir and Syrah. In 1998 designed and built the winery and opened in the Spring of 2001.

Bobbie has been hosting the wine bar at Lafond Winery for 10 years and she was pouring the following:

2008 SRH Chardonnay (SRH = Santa Rita Hills) - Bobbie calls this the "come home and take off your shoes wine." Light, soft, creamy, flavors and aromas of lemon cake and fresh cream. Pair with shellfish.

2007 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Chardonnay - full-bodied, expected to peak in the next three years. Pair with seared scallops.

2008 SRH Pinot Noir - Flavors and aromas of rhubarb, strawberry, lavender and jasmine. You can pair this with just about anything; appetizers, pasta with olive oil and fresh tomatoes.

2006 Arita Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir - YUM! Bobbie has paired this with wild mushroom risotto and found it was a perfect match! Other pairings; tea-smoked chicken, Peking duck, soy-glazed pork roast and mild cheeses such as Teleme, Taleggio and Brie.

2006 Lafond Vineyard Pinot Noir - bold, husky tannins and rounded, juicy acids. Pair with peppered Fillet Mignon au Poivre!

2007 Lafond Syrah/Grenache - Received a 92 point rating from the Wine Spectator. Full-bodied blend pairs well with char-grilled steak, wild boar ragu and grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes.

I had a great time talking wine and history with Bobbie. I just love spending time with people who have been working in the wine industry for long periods of time. They know what's what and they obviously love wine!

I wish much success to Lafond Winery!