A few historical insights Santa Barbara's Santa Rita Hills Wine Country

As we drove from Bulleton to Lompoc in Santa Barbara Wine Country we passed through Santa Rita Hills American Viticultural Area (AVA). Along the way to Lompoc, we also stopped at Sanford & Benedict Vineyard on Santa Rosa Road. It was here Richard Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir vineyard in what is now the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Sanford would go to plant what today are considered the “Grand Cru” vineyards of Santa Barbara County. These include El Jabali Vineyard (1983), which is today’s Alma Rosa’s estate vineyard, followed by La Rinconada Vineyard (1997), and La Encantada Vineyard (2000). He would also launch his namesake winery, the iconic Sanford Winery (2001), followed by Alma Rosa (2005). By visiting these vineyards and wineries over the years, I have gained historical insights into the wine history of the Santa Rita Hills AVA.

Santa Rita Hills Wine Country © Spaswinefood

Santa Rita Hills Wine Country: A Few Historical Insights 

Sta. Rita Hills AVA is an area with a fascinating wine history, of which Richard Sanford pioneer winegrower, and Vintner's Hall of Fame inductee played an important part (see article).  Sanford in the early 1970s identified a remarkable geographic anomaly. California’s Central Coast mountain ranges valleys open to the west, which allows cool maritime air to moderate the region, creating ideal conditions for grape growing. He would go onto to found the Sanford and Alma Rosa wineries. Sanford was inducted into the Vintner’s Hall of Fame in 2012 for his contributions to the California wine industry. Let's take a peek at the two wineries he founded.

1. Sanford Winery

Sanford Winery at Rancho La Rinconada in the Santa Rita Hills AVA was founded in 2001. It all began here when Sanford & Benedict Vineyards on Santa Rosa Road, was founded in 1971. Sanford and Benedict developed the vineyard, which today bears their name. Sanford Winery followed later.

Sanford & Benedict Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Sanford Winery & Vineyard © Spaswinefood

Sanford Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Estate Vineyards, Rancho La Rinconada © Spaswinefood

Terlato Wines International assumed ownership of the Sanford Winery in 2005. Sanford Winery was one of the first wineries I visited in the Santa Rita Hills. I would visit Alma Rosa Winery some years later, and most recently Alma Rosa Tasting Room.

2. Alma Rosa Winery and Alma Rosa Tasting Room, Solvang

Alma Rosa Winery has been on my radar for awhile. Richard Sanford and his wife Thekla launched Alma Rosa Winery in 2005. At the end of the post I have described an earlier visit to Alma Rosa Winery. However, it was during my most recent visit to Santa Barbara County visit we dropped by Alma Rosa's Tasting Room in Solvang. 

Alma Rosa's mission is to produce exceptional wines that exemplify the best of our unique cool climate terroir in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation of northern Santa Barbara County. They specialize in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhone varieties, such as Grenache and Syrah.  I was first attracted to Alma Rosa because it was founded by Richard Sanford. These days Alma Rosa focuses on cool-climate varietals, best suited to the Santa Rita Hills AVA. Alma Rosa's estate vineyards are certified organic by California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), the first to achieve this recognition in the region. Their main goal is to produce wines that express the terroir. They do this by making improvements in the vineyard (sustainable farming), and in the cellar with minimal intervention in the winemaking process. While the majority of the wines are from the El Jabali Estate Vineyard, they also produce wines from select vineyards along Sta. Rita Hills southern corridor.

Bob and Barb Zorich purchased Alma Rosa Winery in 2014, and today, the Sanfords still live on the property in retirement. Naturally during my last visit, I was excited to taste wines at Alma Rosa's Tasting Room.

 Alma Rosa Tasting Room, Solvang © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Wines

During our tasting room visited we tasted some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines from their wine tasting menu. Alma Rosa wines showcase the differences in micro-climates and soils. 

Alma Rosa Wine Tasting Menu © Spaswinefood

After the visit I bought some wines to bring with me. Amongst the wines was a Chardonnay.

Alma Rosa, El Jalbi Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills 2020 

Alma Rosa, El Jalbi Chardonnay, Santa Rita Hills 2020 © Spaswinefood

Besides their Chardonnay wines we enjoyed tasting the following Pinot Noir wines.

Alma Rosa, La Encantada Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2020  

Alma Rosa, La Encantada Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2020 © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa, El Jalbi Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2020

Alma Rosa, El Jalbi Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2020 © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa, Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2019

Alma Rosa, Barrel Select Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2019 © Spaswinefood

I still remember visiting Alma Rosa Winery in 2011 (at that time the Tasting Room manager, Chris Burroughs who starred in Sideways-see notes below ). Clearly, Santa Barbara Wine Country has benefited from those earlier Sanford wine pioneering adventures.

 

Alma Rosa Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Given there are over 100 wineries in Santa Barbara County, getting to know wineries in Santa Rita Hills AVA is filled with exciting historical insights. During recent visits to Lompoc area I enjoyed checking out The Hilt, and tasting rooms in Lompoc's Wine Ghetto. There is so much to explore Santa Barbara Wine Country. I would also like to note that Santa Barbara's Ballard Canyon AVA produces quality Syrah. Ballard Canyon AVA decided to focus its efforts on producing top quality Syrahs. Boutique wineries in Ballard Canyon AVA achieved this goal by engaging in small scale production of Syrahs with richer aromas and flavors. This decision has come after, not only doing research on what grows best in the AVA but, it is the collective vision for the AVA. In keeping with this goal 50% of the Ballard Canyon AVA is dedicated to the growing of Syrah. I invite you to join me in my travels in California's Santa Barbara Wine Country and elsewhere at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook.

Sharon

February 2025

Remembering Santa Rita Hills Wine Country

Santa Barbara County, California

© Spaswinefood

 Alma Rosa Tasting Room, Solvang © Spaswinefood

Santa Rita Hills © Spaswinefood

Notes from Earlier Visit (August 2011)

When Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards was founded in 2005 by the Sanfords, Richard and Telka, they brought to Alma Rosa 40 years of sustainable wine growing history. As you enter Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards you drive down a road with vineyards on each side. The vineyards are set against the rolling oak studded Santa Rita Hills. Frommer's  listed Alma Rosa as one of 10 Best California's Wineries with a View. During Spaswinefood's August visit the California poppies marked each side of the road.

Flags at the Entrance to Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards © Spaswinefood

California Poppie at the entrance to Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, 2011 © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyard is a California Certified Organic winery, approved by CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers). The Sanfords commitment to environment is part of the philosophy that they bring to all aspects of Alma Rosa.

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyard is California Certified Organic © Spaswinefood

When you arrive at the rustic tasting room it sets picture perfect against the landscape.

Rustic Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Welcoming Country Charm at Alma Rosa Tasting Room © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Tasting Room has lots of Country Charm © Spaswinefood

The Alma Rosa's wines include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with some Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir - Vin Gris being produced. We tasted some excellent wines at Alma Rosa. Some of the wines we tasted included the following:

Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2009 © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2008 © Spaswinefood

Alma Rosa Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2007 © Spaswinefood

There is a long list of wine reviews, awards and recognition of Richard Sanford on Alma Rosa's webpage. The wines at this winery get great reviews. This is not surprising given Sanford planted the first Pinot Noir in the Santa Rita Hills in 1970. It is also not surprising given that Alma Rosa lists the talented wine maker, Christian Roguenant, as part of its staff.  If you are looking for a California winery with a commitment to the environment and great Pinot Noirs then put Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards on your wine route. If you are looking for organic wines then Alma Rosa is a must.

You may also want to check out wine pairing recipes posted at the site. The Tasting Room manager, Chris Burroughs who starred in Sideways is also an accomplished cook. Some of these recipes are vegetarian.

Sharon

August 2011

Santa Barbara County, California

© Spaswinefood

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A few of my gastronomic finds in Lisbon: Feeling that Lisbon Vibe

Feeling the Lisbon Vibe comes when you reach out and explore its gastronomic scene! Lisbon, Portugal's capital and largest city, offers much to those who come with a different agenda, other than just visiting the popular tourists sites. Over the years, I have flown in/out of Lisbon (Lisboa) without, paying much attention to the fact that it is home to, urban wineries, wine bars, and culinary hotspots. During recent stopovers I found that exploring its foodie and wine scene with friends was filled with delightful discoveries. I do not know why I waited so long to discover this fascinating city.

#Winesisters, Adega Belém © Spaswinefood

While I was in town, I visited a new location every day to checkout its culinary offerings. Fortunately during my last visit, we (Carol, Sue and I) discovered a few of these delights. Of course, we also met up with friends who live there, on some of these adventures. 

 Maria Palato, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

Let's Begin

I loved exploring Lisbon's exciting gastronomic scene. For sure dining out in Lisbon offers many options. The following vignettes are but a small sample of what this city has to offer.

1. Lagar Do Joãso Abade for Dinner 

Our last evening in Portugal, Carol and I meetup with friends at Lagar Do Joãso Abade. Here we enjoyed mostly Portuguese wines with traditional food (Cozinha Tipica Portuguesa).

Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

When the appetizers appeared on the table we moved in to take pictures.

Capturing Memories, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Meat Plate, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Appetizer, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Cheese Plate, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Soon we were gathered around the table.

Time to Celebrate, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Some of our main plates included:

Bacalhau, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Egg, Veggies, etc., Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Fish & Potatoes, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Salad and Omlette, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Indeed there was wine to share.

Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

Of course it is Portugal hence there will be wine conversations.

Wine Conversations, Lagar Do Joãso Abade © Spaswinefood

I so love those conversations about wine, which always seem to happen when I am in Europe. Being immersed in wine culture with Portuguese #winelover friends is so very special!

2. Kefi Greek Bistro, Estrela 

My explorations began in the Estrela neighborhood where I rented an apartment for a week.

Jardim da Estrela © Spaswinefood

Jardim da Estrela, which later was renamed Jardim Guerra Junqueiro, is a public garden located in Estrela Parish, Lisbon. One of its entrances is in front of Bascilia Estrela.

Basilica Estrela © Spaswinefood

Right around the corner from this area there is a Greek Restaurant on Calcada da Estrela where I ate lunch one day.

Kefi Greek Bistro © Spaswinefood

I ordered a Greek dish and a glass of Greek wine.

Lunch, Kefi Greek Bistro © Spaswinefood

Kefi Greek Bistro was a pleasant neighborhood outing, and one of the neighborhood finds during my stay.

3. Off to Cortes de Inglés 

Yes, even the mall can be a fun outing. Another day I took an Uber to Cortes de Inglés, Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 31, 1069-413 Lisboa.

Cotes de Ingles, Lisboa © Spaswinefood

There are many restaurants at this mall; so I managed to have lunch at Ribalta Pizzeria Tradionale, an Italian Restaurant.

Time for a Rosé at Ribalta© Spaswinefood

Pizza Time at Ribalta Pizzeria Tradionale © Spaswinefood

Yes, it was a place to have a cappuccino, and I did.

Cappuccino, Ribalta Pizzeria Tradionale © Spaswinefood

As I sat there taking in the city views from the seventh floor, Ribalta was just the perfect spot for my lunch that day. For sure the diversity of restaurants at Cortes de Inglés offers something for everyone.

4. Vossa Lisboa, São Vicente

When my friends, Carol and Sue, arrived in Lisbon we met for breakfast one morning at Vossa Lisboa in São Vicente.

Vossa Lisboa, São Vicente © Spaswinefood

Vossa Lisboa © Spaswinefood

We (Carol, Sue and I) enjoyed a most delightful brunch here.

Waiting for Brunch, Vossa Lisboa © Spaswinefood

I loved our brunch outing that day. For sure Lisbon offers many inviting brunch options. 

5. Belém

The day we visited the Belém neighborhood was a fun day. In fact we did three stops in Belém.

(1) Pastéis de Belém

Everyone has heard of Pastel de Nata (Pastel de Belém) is a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry. Pastéis de Belém is consider one of the best places to enjoy this custard pastry. So, of course, it was well worth a visit. 

Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

The day we visited Adega Belém our Lisbon friend, Malfalda suggested we all meet at Pastéis de Belém, a local bakery famous for its pastel de nata. From the bakery we walked to the Adega Belém winery. After our winery outing it was onto O Frade for lunch.

(2) Adega Belém for Lunch

Getting to know Lisbon's wine scene included a visit to Adega Belém, an urban winery. Not only does Lisbon have an exciting wine scene but also you are not far from wine country. Top on my list was Adega Belém where I met up with #winelover friends, Catarina and David (winery owners who also winemakers), and a family pet. What I discovered at this family winery were inviting stories about wines, which were created with love.

Welcome to Adega Belém, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

After a fabulous meetup with friends over a wine tasting we were off to lunch at nearby O Frade.

(3) O Frade for Lunch

O Frade © Spaswinefood

It was so convenient to have lunch at nearby O Frade.

O Frade © Spaswinefood

Lunch that day called for wine from Alentejo. 

Alentejo Wine © Spaswinefood

ACV 1 Por 1 Mangancha Tinto, DOC Alentejo 2018 © Spaswinefood

The ACV Winery, 1 Por 1 Mangancha Tinto, DOC Alentejo 2018, a red wine blend of Aragon and Trincadeira, is a most delightful wine.

Some of the plates we ordered included:

Rice & Bean Dish, O Frade © Spaswinefood

Mushroom Plate, O Frade © Spaswinefood

Salad, O Frade © Spaswinefood

Yes, we managed to order a dessert.

Time for Chocolate, O Frade © Spaswinefood

For those want to explore wines while they dine you will find many options at O Frade.

6. Lisbon Wine Bars

Given Lisbon is home to urban wineries and numerous wine bars it means wine tasting is a popular activity. In fact knowing this, I came to Lisbon with a list of many wine bars to visit. Shortly after my friends arrived in town, we booked an evening reservation at Maria Palato's wine bar. 

Maria Palato, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

Maria Palato's Wine Bar

That evening I loved hopping into an Uber and meeting up with friends across town.

Exploring Lisbon's Wine Scene © Spaswinefood

When I stepped out of the taxi my friends were waiting at the entrance to the wine bar.

Arrival at Maria Palato, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

After announcing our arrival for the reservation we were taken upstairs to a table. 

Maria Palato, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

Maria Palato is one of Lisbon's top rated wine bars. It is popular with both locals and international travelers. Another plus is that Maria Palato pours wines produced by the smaller vineyards from all over Portugal. It was a great opportunity to discover some of Portugal's smaller wine producers.

 

We began with an Alvarinho.

Quinta da Lixa, Pouco Comum Alvarinho, Vinho Verde DOC 2022 

Quinta da Lixa, Pouco Comum Alvarinho, Vinho Verde DOC 2022 © Spaswinefood

Alvarinho was an excellent choice to begin our tasting. Albariño (Galician pronunciation [alβaˈɾiɲʊ]), or Alvarinho (Portuguese pronunciation  [alvɐˈɾiɲu]) meaning white, whitish, is a white grape variety grown in northwest Portugal and Spain (Galicia). It is native to the northwestern corner of the Iberian peninsula where it is planted both sides of the border. While there has been some discussion about its origin, recent studies suggest this grape is native to Galicia/Portugal. We enjoyed our Vinho Verde Alvarinho and looked forward to exploring more during our travels.

Soon a delightful charcuterie platter arrived at our table. While they also offer Portuguese food options we decided on a charcuterie platter for our visit.

Charcuterie Platter, Maria Palato © Spaswinefood

The second white wine arrived a little later. 

Zom Superior Branco, Douro 2020 

Zom Superior Branco, Douro 2020 © Spaswinefood

This Douro white wine blend is made from Gouveio, Rabigato, Viosinho, and Codega de Larinho.

A guest at an adjoining table volunteered to take a photo of us.

Evening at Maria Palato, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

Third wine poured that evening was a red wine.

Tavares de Pina, Tretas Vinho Tinto, Dão 2021

Tavares de Pina, Tretas Vinho Tinto, Dão 2021 © Spaswinefood

This Tavares de Pina red wine is a blend of Mencia, Touriga Nacional, and Rufete.

Soon another red wine blend appeared.

Adega Marel, Ilustre Red, Alentejo 2020

Adega Marel, Ilustre Red, Alentejo 2020 © Spaswinefood

This Alentejo red is a blend of Alicante Bouschet and Touring Nacional.

A red wine from the Douro followed.

Barão De Vilar, Reserva Tinta, Douro DOC 2020

Barão De Vilar, Reserva Tinta, Douro DOC 2020 © Spaswinefood

It is a red wine blend from the Douro made with Touring National, Tina Roriz, Tina Barroca, and Tinto Cão.

Some sweets arrived at our table. Yes, there was chocolate too, to pair with a port.

Barão De Vilar, 10 Year Old Tawny Port

Barão De Vilar, 10 Year Old Tawny Port © Spaswinefood

This was my first time tasting port from this producer. I must admit that when it comes to port I have been spoiled still, it was exciting to discover this producer's port.

Our host treated us to an extra pour, a Madeira.

Blandy's Madeira 5 Year Old Reserve

Barão De Vilar, 10 Year Old Port © Spaswinefood

It was great for me to revisit this wine. For my friends this was the perfect introduction to Madeira wines. Blandy's was a place I had visited earlier on a trip to Madeira. 

Overall the wines served that evening gave us a great vine-filled trip across Portugal's wine regions. The above tasting is great for newcomers to Portuguese wines. If you have a deeper understanding of Portuguese wines then you might want to request something more appropriate to your needs. I am sure they would be happy to accommodate you. The service and attention to details at Maria Plato's was excellent.

Visitors to Lisbon will have no difficult choosing from a list of wine bars to visit. After a wonderful evening at Maria Palato I hopped back into an Uber for a ride across town to my apartment. I managed to get a photo that evening before disappearing into the night.

Maria Palato, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

 I would highly recommend Maria Palato's wine bar.

Enjoy Those Lisbon Vibes

The good news is wherever you stay in Lisbon you are not far from the airport. Moreover, chances are there are plenty of culinary hotspots nearby, or easily accessible with many transportation options.

Exploring Lisbon © Spaswinefood

During my last visit to Portugal I managed to travel into and out of Lisbon a number of times. I managed to take some photos during my last stopover. Arriving on a clear day, I got a clear view of this historic, coastal city, at the mouth of Tagus River, spread over seven hills, with its kaleidoscope of colors.

Lisbon by the Coast © Spaswinefood

Colorful Lisbon © Spaswinefood

Feeling that Lisbon Vibe encourages you to reach out and explore! In fact, I almost felt at home, when I returned to Lisbon after traveling to Galicia, Douro Valley, Dao; and with a stopover at Aveiro on the coast, along the way. Exploring Lisbon was an highlight of my 2023 wine travels in Portugal. It was perfect timing to be in Lisbon just before the peak tourist season. I so loved feeling the Lisbon Vibe while chasing its foodie and wine scene. I invite you to join me in my wine travels in Portugal and elsewhere at Wine Travels with Dr. Sharon, and at Spaswinefood on Bluesky and Facebook. I am so looking forward to more vine-filled explorations in Portugal. 

CHEERS!

Sharon 

Remembering May 2023

Lisbon, Portugal 

© Spaswinefood

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Adega Belém, May 2023 © Spaswinefood

Lagar Do Joãso Abade, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

KIN Asian Kitchen, Lisbon © Spaswinefood

Earlier #spaswinefood travels in Portugal: Off to Madeira

Leaving Lisbon © Spaswinefood

International Baga Day #spaswinefood travels in Portugal Lisbon to Luso for #winelover

Lisbon #winelover