In 1971, Sanford Winery & Vineyards became a pioneer in viticulture and enology when it planted the first vineyard in Santa Barbara. By doing so, it proved that the beautiful countryside of Sta. Rita Hills was capable of producing exceptional wines that can compete with the reputed wines of the world. Today, Sanford is an incredible estate winery that is home to the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the region. And the cool part is that you can visit this magical estate!
Sanford is comprised of two massive vineyards and ranches of the same name — Sanford & Benedict and La Rinconada. The properties sit secluded in the heart of Sta. Rita Hills and welcomes guests for a variety of wine tasting experiences and guided tours.
The winery offers multiple wine tasting events from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Visits are by appointment only; guests under 21 are welcome, and so is your canine friend. At this time, only outdoor tastings are available, but you can check the winery’s website for updates.
Sanford Winery hosts the Estate Tasting daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will sample six estate wines produced from one vineyard and single-block selections. This wine tasting experience lasts an hour and is limited to 10 guests. Reserve a seat for $30 per person.
The Single-Block Tasting runs three times daily at 10:30 a.m., noon, and 1:30 p.m. It includes sampling single Pinot Noir block selections and discovering the particular characteristics of each. It is for up to 6 guests, $80 per person. Learn more.
At the Clonal Tasting event, you will taste an array of single-clone selections, discover the individual characteristics each clone offers, and sample how these elements blend. It runs daily at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. for $80 per person. Reserve a spot for up to 6 guests.
The Virtual Tasting event is the perfect place to ask wine-related questions and learn more about the history of Sanford, the vineyards, and the wines. After making your reservations for this private live video tasting experience, Sanford will reach out to finalize the wine and shipping details.
Outside of wine tasting events, Sanford Winery & Vineyards offers guided tours of its vineyards and sustainable winemaking facility. You can also enjoy a picnic in the estate while soaking up the spectacular vineyard views. Have you ever visited this beloved vineyard? Tell us all about it in the comments!
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