Wine & Things

Sanford the Steward

Organic farming and eco-friendly commerce are very important to Richard Sanford. As a result Sanford’s latest venture, Alma Rosa shows his passion for making good wine from the ground up without damaging it.

A 1960’s era UCSB Geologist, Richard Sanford is the godfather of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. It was his research and development in the late 60’s that paved the way for the many vineyards currently growing in the appellation. See more in Sanford’s Vineyard Profile. 
 

Sanford was also a leader in the field of sustainable wine grape growing.  In 1983 he and wife Thekla planted El Jabali vineyard 100% organic.  Soon to follow were his La Rinconaca and La Encantada vineyards.  In 2000, all Sanford estate vines were farmed organically.  Richard and Thekla's newest business venture, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards practices and promotes organic farming, sustainable agriculture, ecologically-responsible packaging and business practices, and even green building. 

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards employs only sustainable farming practices, which include mechanical weed control by plowing and hand hoeing, the planting of cover crops for weed abatement, and the use of beneficial insects and sticky tape for insect control. No chemical herbicides or pesticides are used. Operating without conventional pesticides or fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients is not the easiest or least expensive way to farm, but the Sanfords believe it is the right thing to do - to live in a way where nature and agriculture work together in sustainable harmony.

More

Blind Tasting Results
Our 32 participants enjoyed the blind tasting, find out how everything was scored.

Syrah Society
Our tasting event was a lot of fun and the results are in.

Chardonnay Symposium
Chardonnay is Santa Barbara County's most produced varietal, find out why.

Vintners Festival
The annual Santa Barbara County Vintners' Festival Weekend attracts wine lovers from near and far for an opportunity to meet member vintners, taste their wines, and enjoy great food and music over a long spring weekend.

Artiste' in Los Olivos
Artiste' re-opens tasting room, now in Los Olivos

Bien Nacido Open House
April 18th's BNV open house featured the wines of Qupe, Au Bon Climat, Vedad and others.

Winemaker Dinner Los Olivos Cafe
Los Olivos Cafe presents Bernat Winemaker Dinner with Sam Marmorstein

Picnic at the Lake
13 Santa Ynez Wineries pouring at Bridlewood