Business Details
21 Years
experience
Crafting Exceptional Wines in the Heart of Sta. Rita Hills
At Alma Rosa Winery, we are dedicated to crafting exceptional wines that reflect the unique cool-climate terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in Santa Barbara County. Founded in 2005 by pioneering vintner Richard Sanford, our estate-driven approach combines sustainable farming practices with meticulous winemaking to produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhne varietals that capture the essence of our region. Our winemaking team, led by 2025 Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year nominee Samra Morris, brings decades of expertise honed through collaborations with Napa Valley's top consulting winemakers. We maintain rigorous quality standards across our 628-acre El Jabali Estate, where elevation variations create diverse microclimates that enhance wine complexity.Beyond viticulture, we demonstrate our commitment to community through annual mental health fundraising initiatives that have generated nearly $1 million since 2020. Our Solvang tasting room offers curated experiences featuring award-winning wines, while private estate tours provide immersive access to our vineyards and winemaking facilities. Through continuous innovation in both cellar techniques and sustainable practices, we strive to elevate Santa Barbara County's reputation as a premier wine-growing region. Our portfolio showcases single-vineyard expressions that highlight soil and climate distinctions first identified by founder Richard Sanford when he planted California's first Pinot Noir vines in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971.
Services
Pinot Noir
Chardonnay
Rhne Varietals
Sparkling Wines
Private Estate Tours
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer estate-grown wines from Santa Barbara County's premier cool-climate appellation
- Our winemaker brings expertise from Napa Valley's top consulting programs
- We maintain sustainable farming practices across 628 acres of diverse terroir
- We have received 94-98 point ratings from leading wine critics
- We provide immersive private estate experiences with vineyard access
Services
Pinot Noir
Our Pinot Noir wines capture the Sta. Rita Hills' unique terroir through cool Pacific breezes and diverse soil compositions. Estate-grown grapes from multiple vineyards create layered, vibrant expressions with structural harmony. Each bottle reflects decades of viticultural expertise and meticulous cellar management.
Chardonnay
Crafted from sustainably farmed estate grapes, our Chardonnays showcase the region's cool-climate characteristics. Precision winemaking techniques preserve natural acidity while developing complex flavor profiles that balance fruit expression with subtle oak influences.
Private Estate Tours
Exclusive access to our 628-acre El Jabali Estate offers immersive experiences through diverse vineyard blocks. Guests explore elevation variations that create distinct microclimates while learning about sustainable farming practices and wine production processes.
Sparkling Wines
Traditional method sparkling wines combine estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with extended aging. The result is complex, effervescent wines with fine mousse and persistent bubbles that highlight the region's cool-climate viticulture advantages.
Rhne Varietals
Our Rhne-style wines feature Grenache and Syrah grown in carefully selected vineyard blocks. These varietals benefit from the region's transverse mountain ranges that moderate temperatures, producing balanced wines with distinctive spice and fruit characteristics.
People
Samra Morris
Winemaker
Born in Bosnia, Samra Morris became Alma Rosa's winemaker in 2020 after working with Napa's top consultants. She holds food science degrees from Sarajevo University and brings expertise in site-specific viticulture to Sta. Rita Hills.
Tony Biagi
Consulting Winemaker
Fifth-generation Californian Tony Biagi consults for Alma Rosa while leading Hourglass and To-Kalon projects. UC Davis-trained, he was named 2020 Winemaker of the Year by Vinous Media and brings decades of Napa Valley experience.
Richard Sanford
Founder & Winery Ambassador
Inducted into the Vintners Hall of Fame, Richard Sanford pioneered Sta. Rita Hills viticulture by planting California's first Pinot Noir vines there in 1971. He founded Alma Rosa in 2005 and continues as its ambassador.
Bob Zorich
Proprietor
Co-proprietor Bob Zorich has led Alma Rosa since 2014, expanding vineyard blocks and developing mental health initiatives. He chairs Houston's Hope and Healing Center and brings business leadership to the winery's operations.
Barb Zorich
Proprietor
As co-proprietor, Barb Zorich focuses on elevating viticulture standards and community engagement. Together with Bob, she has enhanced the estate's reputation while maintaining commitment to sustainable practices and quality.
Questions
Can I visit Alma Rosa's tasting room without an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome Friday and Saturday at our Solvang tasting room. Other days require appointments for tastings.
What wine varieties does Alma Rosa specialize in?
We focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône varietals including Grenache and Syrah from our Sta. Rita Hills estate.
Are private vineyard tours available?
Yes, we offer three private estate experiences at our 628-acre ranch with advance reservations.
Does Alma Rosa practice sustainable viticulture?
We maintain sustainable farming practices across all vineyards to preserve terroir and minimize environmental impact.
How can I purchase Alma Rosa wines?
Wines are available through our website, tasting room, or select distributors for direct home delivery.
What community initiatives does Alma Rosa support?
Our Peace of Mind fundraiser has generated nearly $1 million for mental health services and brain research since 2020.
Reviews (4)
Dana S.
Dec 13, 2021
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Wow, super disappointed...We arrived right after 6 pm on Sunday and were told they were closing in an hour but that we could order by the glass or bottle (but no more tastings) so we ordered a glass and headed outside to chairs by a fire pit. When the server came to deliver our glasses she informed us that we should "drink fast" because she was mistaken in understanding their closing time and they actually closed at 6. So, we had the WORST experience of our life at a tasting room because we had to chug our wine as the staff started tilting the chairs against the tables to punctuate the
Brooke Reed
Nov 27, 2021
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Loved our time at Alma! Thank you Phil for taking care of us (plus our pup) while we were there! Cant wait to visit again!
Juanita M.
Nov 22, 2021
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Owner is very kind and attentive. Place is amazing and has such a good vibe. She makes conversation with you and truly enjoys having a conversation with you. Highly recommended!
Juliette Hua
Nov 19, 2021
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Cosy place with fire pits at night, welcoming staff and good selection of wines from the region. Highly recommended
