Pop the Bubbles: Sparkling Wine at Alma Rosa Winery

Classic Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir & Chardonnay and so much more.

If you’ve driven the winding roads of the Sta. Rita Hills lately, you’ve likely passed a slice of wine history that’s bubbling with new energy in its Solvang tasting room—Alma Rosa Winery. Known for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Alma Rosa has also been quietly (and deliciously) crafting sparkling wines that are every bit as refined and expressive as their still counterparts. And if you know the story behind the label, the sparkle feels all the more meaningful.

Note: There are over 20 Sparkling Wines on the Santa Ynez, Solvang & Buellton Sparkling Wine Trail.

But let’s rewind. Alma Rosa was founded by the legendary Richard Sanford and his wife, Thekla. Richard isn’t just a winemaker—he’s a pioneer. Back in the early 1970s, he recognized the potential of the Sta. Rita Hills’ unique marine-influenced climate long before the AVA even existed. He planted some of the region’s first Pinot Noir and helped put Santa Barbara wine on the global map. At Alma Rosa, the Sanfords brought that same forward-thinking spirit and deep respect for the land, emphasizing sustainable, organic farming from day one.

Alma Rosa Sparkling Wines

While Alma Rosa built its reputation on still wines, they make 3 excellent sparkling wines. Their Brut, Brut Rosé and Blanc de Blanc are crafted in the traditional méthode champenoise, with extended aging on the lees for complexity, finesse, and that beautiful, creamy mousse we all crave. The result? Elegant, textured wines that balance bright citrus, delicate red fruit, and just enough yeasty depth to make you reach for a second (or third) glass.

Méthode Champenoise is how sparkling wine is made in the Champagne region of France, also called méthode traditionnelle or classique. This is the highest-quality and most labor-intensive way to make sparkling wine. It involves bottling the still wine with additions of sugar and yeast after a first fermentation, ensuring a second fermentation happens in the bottle, trapping the bubbles inside. It then goes through aging (and periodic turning of the bottles to force the lees to the neck of the bottle), until it’s ready for dégorgement (to get these lees out) and dosage (to finish the wine).

All the fruit is sourced from cold, coastal, northern vineyards in Sonoma County, and they are finished in the méthode champenoise off-site in northern California.

What’s striking is how these sparkling wines reflect Alma Rosa’s ethos: precision, purity, and sustainability. They aren’t about flash—they’re about focus. Whether you’re toasting a milestone or just a perfect Central Coast sunset, Alma Rosa’s bubbles add a beautiful touch.

A Toast to Their Still Wine Stars

Of course, Alma Rosa’s heartbeat remains its still‑wine lineup. Their estate Pinot Noirs—like the El Jabalí and La Encantada bottlings—showcase layers of red cherry, raspberry, savory forest-floor notes, and that vibrant acidity signature to Sta. Rita Hills. Chardonnay from the same site offers crisp apple, lemon‑zest, and saline‑tinged minerality. And don’t miss their Rhône-inspired Syrah and Grenache, grown in the El Jabalí vineyard planted by Richard in 1983, bringing dark fruit, spice, floral nuance, and structure . Add to that bright whites like Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Grenache Rosé, and a Vin Gris of Pinot Noir—each reflecting that cool-climate freshness and drinkability. From elegant and structured to breezy and bright, the still wines are a testament to the estate’s depth and terroir expression.

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Community & Events: More Than Just Wine

Beyond the glass, Alma Rosa shines through its community-driven events and sustainability program. Their downtown Solvang tasting room offers daily sit‑down flights featuring an evolving portfolio including sparkling, still whites, reds, and Rhône‑style wines—paired with the charm of a sun‑filled courtyard. They also host seasonal gatherings like fall hikes, wreath‑making workshops, live‑music evenings, and exclusive wine‑club‑member soirées.

Through sustainable practices like integrated pest management, soil regeneration, and energy efficiency, Alma Rosa is safeguarding the long-term health of its vineyard for future generations.

A standout moment in their calendar is the Annual “Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction” fundraising walk. Held each May, this event supports mental‑health organizations like One Mind and the Mental Wellness Center. In 2025, the sixth‑annual walk (May 17) raised funds through registration, raffle, and matching‑donation campaigns—offering participants wine and refreshments at the estate peak, followed by a shaded reception with live music and local wines. It’s a heartfelt blend of wellness, community, and vino—true to Alma Rosa’s spirit.

Visit Alma Rosa in Solvang, or at a Fun Event

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If you haven’t tried Alma Rosa‘s sparkling wines yet, now’s the time. Visit their tasting room in downtown Solvang or attend one of their fun events. Either way, raise a glass to the roots Richard and Thekla planted—and the vibrant, fizzy future that’s still unfolding at Alma Rosa. Cheers. 🥂

See more! There are over 75 sparkling wine producers in Santa Barbara County.