Named to honor the alma (soul) of its land, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards represents an inspiring new chapter in the lives of Richard and Thekla Sanford.
The Sanfords’ winemaking story began more than 40 years ago, when Richard arrived in the Santa Ynez Valley with a passion for geography and a desire to make fine Burgundian wine. He became fascinated with the east-west configuration of the Santa Rita Hills, which allows cool maritime winds to come ashore and moderate the growing climate. Richard planted the region’s first Pinot Noir vines there in 1970. Today, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA (which Richard helped to found) is recognized as one of the greatest Pinot Noir regions in the United States.
After owning a couple of wineries, including one that still bears their name, the Sanfords founded Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards in 2005. The new winery already sets a benchmark for making distinctive wines with an emphasis on quality and environmental responsibility. Alma Rosa maintains more than 100 acres of organic vineyards, which were the first in the region to be certified organic by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) more than 10 years ago.
I have learned with organic farming, the most important thing is that the farmer thinks it’s possible,” Richard smiles. Richard and Thekla play important roles with many conservation groups and were honored by the Environmental Defense Center in Santa Barbara as Environmental Heroes. Alma Rosa was also nominated for the Green Award at the Sunset Western Wine Awards in 2010.
Alma Rosa wines are primarily, but not exclusively, expressions of the cool-climate varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills, and single-vineyard designates. A citrusy Pinot Gris, a creamy Pinot Blanc, and a bone-dry Pinot Noir Vin Gris round out the portfolio. The wines are all well balanced and food friendly, honoring the soul of the land where they were born—and the fine reputation of Richard and Thekla Sanford.