(January 27, 2022; Buellton, Calif.)—Debra Eagle, General Manager of Alma Rosa Winery, a leading wine producer from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA, is excited to introduce two new hiking tour and tasting experiences for visitors to its historic El Jabali Estate, available for booking now by appointment.
“Our estate spans 628-acres in beautiful northern Santa Barbara County, with only 38-acres planted to vine,” says Eagle. “From rugged mountain terrain, to winding paths that lead to glorious, unparalleled views of the Sta. Rita Hills, an invigorating and strenuous jaunt through our vineyards is a perfect complement to a private tasting at our Ranch House. Owners Bob and Barb Zorich and I are health enthusiasts, and we love sharing the ranch with guests who share our passion for physical activity and, of course, great wine.” In addition to regular Ranch House private experiences, these new tastings each showcase a different side of the property and vary in duration and intensity:
Caracol Hike
The Caracol Hike is an approximately one-mile round trip and features a steep climb up to the winery’s iconic Caracol vineyard block, which was planted by winery founder Richard Sanford. Often referred to as the “Godfather of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir” for being the first to plant Pinot Noir grapes in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971, Richard planted this unique, spiral-shaped block to a selection of different clones and rootstocks in a radiating pattern, with each row having a different orientation to the sun. Guests will be greeted with a splash of wine and will continue their tasting experience while enjoying a stunning view of the valley at the top of the Caracol. The tasting concludes at the historic Ranch House, where a cheese plate will complement the additional wine offerings. Total time: two hours, offered at 10:00 a.m., $75 per person.
Attente Hike
The Attente Hike begins at Alma Rosa’s historic Ranch House and takes visitors through Pinot Noir vineyards, open grasslands and oak woods up to the highest elevation vineyard, which is planted to Grenache and Syrah. A rare and breathtaking view of the Sta. Rita Hills and the southern mountain range rewards visitors at the top. The hike is just over two-miles and starts with a taste of wine at the Ranch House, another in the Attente block, and finishes back at the Ranch House with a cheese plate accompanying three additional wine offerings. Total time: three hours, offered at 9:30 a.m., $95 per person.
Both experiences require sturdy walking shoes; sunglasses, hats and dressing in layers is strongly recommended. A 48-hour notice is required for the two hiking experiences, interested parties may email Channing Jones at channing@almarosawinery.com to make reservations.
About Alma Rosa Winery
Alma Rosa’s wines are layered, vibrant and balanced, reflecting the cool climate impact of the Pacific Ocean breezes, which funnel through the unique east-west transverse mountain range of the region. Founded in 2005 by Richard Sanford, current owners Bob and Barb Zorich are guiding the winery to make wines that are emblematic of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. Since 2014, Bob and Barb Zorich have opened a stunning tasting room in the heart of Solvang, assembled an industry-leading management and winemaking team and developed 38-acres of vineyards across five non-contiguous sites on the estate. Samra Morris is winemaker.
For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, please visit www.almarosawinery.com.
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