(September 23, 2024; Buellton, Calif.)—Visitors to Santa Barbara County wine country will now have access to taste and tour at one of the most historic and visually stunning vineyard sites in the region, Alma Rosa Winery’s own El Jabali estate vineyard. The vineyard was originally planted in 1983 by a living legend, Sta. Rita Hills wine pioneer Richard Sanford. Under the ownership of vintners Bob and Barbara Zorich and the winemaking prowess of Samra Morris, the winery has emerged as one of the most exciting producers of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône variety wines, making this tour a very special opportunity for wine lovers.
The new tour and tasting includes a fully guided, two-hour tasting experience and scenic journey through Alma Rosa’s estate vineyard in an open-air tram. Starting at Alma Rosa’s historic Ranch House, located off Santa Rosa Road, the tour takes guests through the winery’s Pinot Noir, Syrah and Grenache vineyards. This immersive experience allows guests a chance to explore the unique characteristics that make El Jabali one of Sta. Rita Hills’ “Grand Cru” vineyard sites. The excursion concludes at the Ranch House, where guests will enjoy a selection of artisan cheeses paired with a flight of Alma Rosa’s small-production, vineyard-designated wines.
The vineyard driving tour and tasting is offered daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., priced at $100 per person, for parties of up to seven people. Reservations are required with a 24-hour notice and can be made online via Tock.
“From rugged mountain terrain, to winding paths that lead to glorious, unparalleled views of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, this new open air-driving tour offers an exhilarating adventure and a unique way to explore our historic 628-acre El Jabali estate,” says Alma Rosa Winery General Manager Debra Eagle. “This experience allows us to take guests to a part of our estate and vineyard blocks that most people have never had the chance to see.”
In addition to the new driving tour and tasting, the hospitality team at Alma Rosa offers a variety of elevated experiences at its estate, including the Exclusive Estate Experience ($75 per person) and two vineyard hiking tours and tasting programs, Caracol Hike ($95 per person) and Attente Hike ($125 per person), for those who wish to combine their tasting experience with a memorable hike through the vineyards. Alma Rosa also welcomes guests to its tasting room in downtown Solvang, featuring an expansive indoor/outdoor experience. Additional information about tasting offerings may be found here.
About Alma Rosa Winery
Alma Rosa Winery, a leading wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills, is dedicated to making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône varietal wines that express the unique terroir of the appellation. Alma Rosa’s wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, reflecting the cool climate impact of the Pacific Ocean breezes that are funneled through the east-west transverse mountain range of the region. The winery was founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, who was the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in 1971. Today the winery is owned by Bob and Barb Zorich, who purchased the winery in 2014. In 2019 Samra Morris took the helm as winemaker, becoming the first Bosnian winemaker in California.
For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit almarosawinery.com.
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