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We have chosen to work with Santa Ynez Wineries who help us create an entertaining, memorable, and one of a kind experience. These Vintners share three characteristics that we feel are essential in providing a Sustainable Vine experience. First, they produce remarkable wines. Second, they provide a higher level of personal service. And last, but certainly not least, they have committed themselves to sustainable agriculture and a higher degree of environmental stewardship. These winemakers include:
Alma Rosa (Certified Organic Vineyard)
www.almarosawinery.com
The Alma Rosa Winery is a product of experiences and knowledge
from a family of respected grape growers and winemakers, the Sanford’s.
Richard Sanford pioneered grape growing in the Santa Rita Hills
back in the early 70’s. At that time people thought he was
crazy, but his knowledge and education in geography told him that
this region would one day garner world respect. That day has come. |
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Not only have Richard and Thekla Sanford created a highly regarded
reputation for the quality wines they produce, but they have done
so while farming in a responsible manor. In 1983 the Sanford’s
planted their first 100% organic vineyard at Rancho El Jabalí, not
far from the town of Buellton. Their La Rinconada and La Encantada vineyards followed soon after by also going to organic production.
In 2000 all of the Sanford Estate vineyards had become certified
organic, making them the first organic certified vineyards in Santa
Barbara County.
In 2005, due to serious differences in business philosophy, Richard and Thekla separated from their namesake winery partners. The Alma Rosa Winery, established in 2005, is a rebirth of the Sanford family name. This new chapter continues their family legacy of respect, environmental stewardship, and the production of award winning wines.
Wine Ratings |
Alma Rosa – Robert Parker 90 points 2005 Chardonnay, El Jabali Vineyard
Ampelos – Wine Spectator 91 points 2005 Pinot Noir "Rho"
Beckmen – Wine Spectator 91 points 2007 Purisima Mtn. Vineyard Block 6 Syrah
Demetria – Wine Enthusiast 94 points 2005 Pinot Blanc
Presidio – LA Times #1 Cool Climate Syrah 2004 Artistic License
Sunstone – Wine Enthusiast 90 points 2003 EROS |
Ampelos (Certified Sustainable, Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard)
www.ampeloscellars.com
Former corporate executives, Peter and Rebecca Work decided to leave the executive world, after a dramatic experience in 2001, for a life of farming. They started planting their ampelos (a greek word meaning "vine") estate vineyard in 2001 with 15 acres, and harvested their first fruit in 2005. As well as Pinot Noir and Syrah, they grow small amounts of Grenache and Viognier.
They believe the best wines come from the most meticulously farmed vineyard. Given this belief, they decided in 2006 to implement 100% biodynamic farming practices with rich cover crops, their own compost, elimination of herbicides and in general good, environmentally conscientious farming.
Beckmen (Certified Biodynamic Vineyard)
www.beckmenvineyards.com
Inspired by a perfect convergence of soil, microclimate, wind and sun, Tom Beckmen purchased a stunning, unplanted 365-acre hillside property overlooking the Santa Ynez Valley in 1996. This land would soon become Purisima Mountain Vineyard, possessing all of the necessary elements to produce world-class Rhone varietals. With
elevations reaching 1250 feet, the initial planting and farming of Purisima Mountain Vineyard represented one of the most ambitious hillside vineyard endeavors in the history of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Beckmen Vineyards produces a full line of excellent estate grown Rhone varietals including Syrah, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Grenache Rose, Marsanne, and Cuvee Le Bec (a blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Counoise) that exemplify the capabilities of the region. They also produce small quantities of first-rate Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc made from smaller vineyard lots that are well suited to these varietals.
Cimarone (Certified Orgainic Vineyard)
http://www.cimarone.com
Coquelicot (Organic Vineyard)
http://www.rvtwine.com
Demetria (Biodynamic Vineyard)
www.demetriaestate.com
Purchased in 2005 by the Zahoudanis Family, the Demetria Estate property has since been transformed into a prime example of a Biodynamically managed vineyard. This estate, formerly owned by Andrew Murray, produces amazing Rhone varietals like Syrah, Viogner, Grenache, among others. With winemaker Michael Roth (formerly of Grgich Hills) at the helm, Demetria has become one of the regions most sought after and respected newcomers, scoring highly with their premier vintage of 2005. In addition to their estate grown grapes, Demetria also sources fruit from the sustainably farmed Gaia Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills. This allows the crew to craft Burgundian Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc. Not to mention, Demetria is located in one of the most beautiful settings in Santa Barbara County.
Sunstone (Certified Organic Vineyard)
www.sunstonewinery.com
When Fred and Linda Rice and their three children moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 55-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would end up happily presiding over one of the largest organic vineyard estates in Santa Barbara County. Today, Sunstone Vineyards and Winery devotes its entire 77-acre estate to organic grape growing. The Rices' acreage, planted to Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, meets all California Certified Organic Farmer (C.C.O.F.) standards.
Sunstone is renowned for its Rhone varietals, including Viognier, which received a Gold Medal at the San Francisco Wine Competition, and their unique Syrah that rated 90 Points at the Wine Enthusiast's Beverage Testing Institute. Highly acclaimed "Eros", a Meritage blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, has received 90 Points in Wine Enthusiast.
Presidio (Certified Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard)
www.presidiowinery.com
Presidio Vineyard and Winery was founded in 1991 from winemaker Douglas Braun's concept of bringing European viticultural philosophy to Santa Barbara County.
His idea was of a high-density, low yield per vine vineyard, at the wineries estate Presidio Vineyard located west of the Santa Rita Hills. This certified organic and biodynamically farmed vineyard's cool climate and southern-facing exposure is particularly well-suited for Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay.
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