This Winery Is Permanently Closed.
Winery Rating
Located at:
1623 Mission Dr. Suite M, Solvang, CA 93463
Wine Club Rating
Price Range For Tasting
Some wineries are born from a business plan. Alma Rosa feels like it was born from a love letter to the land. Founded by Richard Sanford, one of the first to see the true potential of the Sta. Rita Hills, Alma Rosa has always been about more than just making wine. It’s about farming responsibly, working with nature, and letting the region’s cool climate and ocean breezes do a lot of the talking.
Sanford had already made his mark on Santa Barbara County by the time he planted Alma Rosa’s first vines. His belief that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay could thrive here was once a gamble; today, it’s common wisdom. Alma Rosa carries forward that pioneering spirit with a fresh energy, keeping one foot rooted in tradition and the other stepping confidently into the future.
From the early days to now, the focus has stayed the same: honest wines that tell a story about where they come from.
At the heart of Alma Rosa’s current chapter is Samra Morris, a winemaker whose journey is as compelling as the wines she crafts. Born in Bosnia during turbulent times, Samra’s early life was a far cry from the sunny hills of Santa Barbara County. Her path to winemaking began with a degree in food sciences from the University of Sarajevo, followed by a move into fermentation sciences focused initially on beer.
Fate stepped in when her husband was stationed at Travis Air Force Base near Napa Valley. Drawn to wine country’s energy and opportunity, Samra pivoted toward winemaking and never looked back. Her early career included formative harvests under the guidance of Napa legend Thomas Rivers Brown, where she honed a deep appreciation for careful vineyard stewardship and precise cellar work.
Joining Alma Rosa in 2019 as assistant winemaker, Samra quickly earned her promotion to lead winemaker by 2020. Her approach is thoughtful but instinctive, creating wines that showcase both the vibrancy of Sta. Rita Hills fruit and an unmistakable texture and finesse. Critics have praised her ability to craft wines that feel alive in the glass, marked by energy, precision, and just the right amount of restraint.
Samra often says she has to pinch herself to believe she gets to make wine in such a beautiful part of the world. For anyone who’s tasted her work, it feels like a perfect match of talent and terroir.
The PropertyWhile the Alma Rosa tasting room sits right in the charming town of Solvang at 1623 Mission Drive, the real magic happens out at the ranch. Visitors who make their way to the estate are treated to sweeping views of rolling vineyards framed by distant hills and coastal skies.
The setting at the main winery is refreshingly relaxed, with indoor and outdoor seating available depending on your mood and the weather. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back with a glass of crisp Chardonnay, watch the light shift across the hills, and maybe start dreaming about packing up city life for a vineyard of your own.
At the Solvang tasting room, Alma Rosa brings a little slice of Sta. Rita Hills to town. The vibe inside is laid-back and inviting, with staff who genuinely seem to love what they do. Heather, who hosted one of our tastings, summed it up best: “This is the best job ever because I get to work with 99% happy people.”
For those who find themselves smitten, the Alma Rosa Wine Club offers an easy way to stay connected. Members get first access to limited production wines, special releases, and exclusive events, plus the usual perks like complimentary tastings and discounts.
The club itself reflects the winery’s ethos: unfussy, focused, and all about the wine. You can choose from several tiers depending on your interest level (and your storage space), and shipments feature a thoughtful mix of Alma Rosa’s best work—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, of course, but also small-lot Syrah, Grenache, and a few surprises.
Club members also get priority access to ranch events, which are worth putting on the calendar. Imagine sipping a new vintage under the stars with the scent of the vineyards in the air and a cool coastal breeze kicking up just as the sun sets. If you’re going to be part of a wine club, this one knows how to make it feel special without making it feel fussy.
Tastings at Alma Rosa hit that sweet spot: informative enough for the wine-curious, relaxed enough for those who just want to drink something good and enjoy the day. At the Solvang tasting room, flights start at $35 and usually showcase a smart cross-section of what the winery does best.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, book a private tasting at the ranch. At around $125, it’s a splurge, but between the setting and the lineup of single-vineyard wines, it feels worth it. These seated tastings are more personalized and really let you get a feel for how much thought goes into each bottling.
Reservations aren’t a must for the Solvang location, but it’s smart to plan ahead, especially on weekends. Seating is both indoors and out, so you can chase the sun—or the shade—as needed.
One more tip: if Heather’s around, ask her about her favorite wine of the day. You’ll probably leave with a new favorite of your own.
Alma Rosa feels like a breath of fresh air in a wine world that sometimes takes itself a little too seriously. With a talented winemaker leading the charge, a team that actually seems happy to be there, and wines that taste like a love letter to the Sta. Rita Hills is a place that reminds you why you fell in love with wine in the first place.
Whether you’re exploring Solvang for the weekend or planning a longer stay in Santa Barbara Wine Country, make the time for a visit. Chances are, you’ll find yourself smiling right along with that 99% happy crowd.
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