Wine Maker

Beginning in 2000 Ross Jay Rankin and Lyn Dee Rankin (along with friends and family as Partners) embarked on their newest adventure. They began making wine in the Santa Ynez Valley. With Ross having completed a course of study in winemaking at Hancock College, the journey began. The plan was to hand make small lots of memorable Syrah, Merlot, and Chardonnay. Over the next three years the wines were perfected before becoming a commercial operation for the 2004 harvest.

All of the Imagine wines are truly hand made. Produced in the infamous “Lompoc Wine Ghetto” each wine is made in fermentation bins, hand punched down three times per day, and aged in specially selected French (80%), Hungarian (10%), and American (10%) oak barrels for a minimum of one year. After bottling, all of the reds are kept for approximately one more year before being released to ensure the aromas, bouquet, and flavors are fully integrated.

Over the years Ross’s unique and careful winemaking has resulted in the evolution of Imagine Wine to include an array of varietals including Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet, and Zinfandel. We have searched long and hard to find sources for “Extraordinary Grapes.” All of this effort combines with Ross’s singular palate which produces wines that are a delight to smell, taste, and enjoy.

The Imagine Wine tasting room is located in Santa Ynez, the bigger than average tasting room features artwork from many local artists including sculptures and paintings.  More information visit the Imagine Wine website.