| Richard Sanford came to the Santa Ynez Valley over 40 years ago with a desire to find a cool-climate growing area suitable for Pinot Noir. First to recognize the potential of the Santa Rita Hills (now an officially accredited American Viticultural Area: Sta. Rita Hills), and first to plant Pinot Noir vines there, Richard is a pioneer with a well established reputation for excellence in winemaking. Working in partnership for more than 30 years, Thekla and Richard Sanford founded multiple, successful winegrowing enterprises. Their latest venture, Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards, represents the culmination of a lifetime?s experience - an enterprise dedicated to creating high quality wines and setting a benchmark for organic farming, sustainable agriculture methods, and environment-friendly commerce. Today, Richard and Thekla continue to be fully immersed in all aspects of the business. A partnership with Mr. Robert Zorich allows Richard to be able to focus on the aspects of the industry that he loves most: grape growing, winemaking and sustainable building design. |
