Heading west on Highway 246 and looking down to the right, visitors see the impressive vineyards of Rancho Santa Rosa. The 460-acre ranch is a former thoroughbred horse facility that - with its unique soils, elevations and cool climate - is ideally suited for wine grapes. As such, it has been included in the new Santa Rita Hills Appellation.

In the late 1990s the former stables were transformed into a modern production facility.After passing through the gated entry, the road winds alongside the extensive vineyards to the new tasting room and event center. A large lawn surrounds the facilities. Inside the 3,500-square-foot tasting room is an attractive oval tasting bar, as well as a fireplace surrounded by cozy leather chairs.

Gourmet foods are for sale in the boutique along with handmade earthenware pottery, clothes and wine accessories. Box lunches are also available. The 275-acre vineyards are subdivided into 59 micro-blocks that are farmed, harvested and vinified separately. Many clones of the same grape variety are planted and blended into very limited releases or bottled separately, resulting in a unique tasting experience. Wines produced include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Rhone-style Dry Rose, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Merlot.