Founded by winegrowing pioneer and Pinot Noir icon, Richard Sanford, in cool climate Sta. Rita Hills, Alma Rosa Winery celebrates the gifts of Mother Nature delivering “refrigerated sunlight” on delicate fruit to create expressive, vibrant wines. With gusty winds off the Pacific blowing through the Santa Rosa Hills of Sta. Rita Hills, in the southern part of the AVA within Santa Barbara County, hot mornings quickly turn into cool afternoons, delivering a long, consistent growing season. This long growing season allows the fruit to ripen slowly, delivering juicy, ripe, fruit-filled wines that capture freshness and bright acidity.

Highlighting orchard and stone fruit notes, Alma Rosa Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay ($38) shines with crisp green apple, white pear, and nectarine, with focused zesty citrus and crushed stone. Alma Rosa Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir ($45) harmoniously marries ripe fruit with earthiness, showcasing ripe blackberry, raspberry, balsamic, and woody herbs with a touch of black tea and toasted baking spice. Approachable wines with character, both of these options have texture without being weighty, allowing easy enjoyment on their own, or with a dinner of grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or mushroom risotto.