Vineyard Article
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
Last edited on 3/5/2022 by LindsayM
There are 2 versions of this article / View version history
In 1970 pioneer winemaker, Richard Sanford, and botanist, Michael Benedict, planted the Sanford & Benedict vineyard, the first Pinot Noir vineyard in the region. At the time, vineyards in this area were unheard of. The local farmers warned, “Grapes will never grow around here”. But, with his degree from UC Berkeley in geography, Richard felt that the soil and climate of this portion of the Santa Ynez Valley were a close parallel to Burgundy, home of the Pinot Noir Richard was hoping he could produce here in California. After five years of passionate work in their vineyard, the first Sanford & Benedict wines were released in 1976 to rave reviews.
Planted in 1971 by the legendary and pioneering Richard Sanford, this site represents the oldest Pinot Noir plantings in all of Santa Barbara County and is largely synonymous with the creation of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.
Tucked into the southeastern corner of the Sta. Rita Hills with north-facing blocks, this vineyard is planted on hard, silica gravel and well-drained soils. Because of Richard Sanford’s legacy within the region both as a farmer and a gentlemen, we feel honored to be working with the fruit that he first planted.
Our rows come from the oldest blocks where the vine trunks are gnarled producing small amounts of beautiful, concentrated and textured fruit. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blocks are both from the Mount Eden selection, which is widely considered to be some of the first cuttings brought into California.
Planted in 1971 by the legendary and pioneering Richard Sanford, this site represents the oldest Pinot Noir plantings in all of Santa Barbara County and is largely synonymous with the creation of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.
Tucked into the southeastern corner of the Sta. Rita Hills with north-facing blocks, this vineyard is planted on hard, silica gravel and well-drained soils. Because of Richard Sanford’s legacy within the region both as a farmer and a gentlemen, we feel honored to be working with the fruit that he first planted.
Our rows come from the oldest blocks where the vine trunks are gnarled producing small amounts of beautiful, concentrated and textured fruit. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blocks are both from the Mount Eden selection, which is widely considered to be some of the first cuttings brought into California.