Traveling four miles southwest of Los Olivos on Ballard Canyon Road, visitors pass by horse and cattle ranches, vineyards, and olive orchards…then they see the flowers. Over 100 yards of beautiful roses grace the side of the road along the low rock walls, announcing the approach of Rusack Vineyards (formerly Ballard Canyon Winery).

Tucked beneath mature oak and pepper trees, the winery and tasting room look east over the vineyards and wooded canyon. Small – almost miniature – stainless steel fermenting tanks adjacent to the tasting room entrance are just the first indication of the small-batch winemaking and micro-vineyard practices used at Rusack.

Of the vineyard’s 48 acres of hillside property, 17 acres are planted with eight different - primarily Rhone - grape varieties in tightly spaced configurations. Inside the stylish and charming tasting room, gourmet foods, cheeses, marinated artichokes and olive oils are offered for sale. The attractive flagstone flooring continues outdoors, where a lovely deck with tables and chairs provides a stunning vista. Flower baskets hang from tree branches and antique wine equipment adds to the ambiance.

Wines produced include their estate-grown Syrah, Sangiovese, Petite Sirah, Grenache and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot blend. In addition, they produce Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a dry Rose made from Santa Barbara County grapes.