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!
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