There’s a new way for wine tasters to explore the rugged mountain terrain and winding paths that define Alma Rosa Winery’s El Jabali Estate without signing up for either of the scenic property’s two hiking tours.
In September, the sprawling estate—nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation—launched its first open-air tram tour, occasionally led by Tasting Room Manager Rebekah Boles.
“It’s great that we can offer this new experience for those who may not physically be able to hike the vineyard,” Boles said in an email interview. “I have experienced leading this tour a few times, and the views do not disappoint.”
Since its launch earlier this fall, Boles said, the tram has been popular with guests looking to view the 628 acres of vines on four wheels.
“In the first month, we had over 40 bookings for the driving tour,” said Boles, who was recently promoted from tasting room supervisor to tasting room manager.
Boles switched roles in August, the same month Megan Bravo joined the Alma Rosa team as its new director of business development. Like Boles, Bravo serves as the open-air tram tour’s guide every now and then.
“We felt it was really important to offer a more accessible way to see this beauty for those that did not want to take advantage of our hiking tours,” Bravo said over email. “It’s such a magical place that I’m lucky enough to be a part of.”
The tram tour begins at Alma Rosa’s historic Ranch House, located off Santa Rosa Road near Buellton, and takes patrons on a voyage that spans El Jabali’s pinot noir, syrah, and grenache vineyard blocks.
After the tour—open daily to reserve for up to seven people at a time—the tram circles back to the Ranch House, and the excursion concludes with some festive wine and artisan cheese pairings.
Bookending the event at the Ranch House suits the tour’s immersive vibe, Bravo explained.
“Since the Ranch House is on the vineyard, you really feel connected to the growing cycle of the vines and therefore more connected to the wine,” Bravo said. “You feel part of the cycle of nature when you’re there. … The Ranch House is a little piece of history, and you feel that when you visit.”
Boles vividly remembers her first day working at the Ranch House, as the venue’s tasting room lead in 2022.
“I had to pinch myself. I couldn’t believe how gorgeous the property was and was mesmerized by the peaceful energy the property emits,” said Boles, who currently manages day-to-day operations at both the Ranch House near Buellton and Alma Rosa’s tasting room in downtown Solvang.
Bravo also oversees projects at both venues. While the Ranch House is full of rustic appeal, the Solvang tasting room is “very chic and modern,” Bravo said.
With a Mission Drive address in the heart of Solvang’s downtown area, the tasting room is more available than its sister location for spontaneous walk-in guests who are “just walking around, taking in the charm of the town,” Bravo added.
“Our guests always comment on what a beautiful space it is,” Boles said of the Solvang room.
When working at the Solvang location, Boles appreciates “the community of businesses that surround us, which has something for everyone.”
“Wine, cheese, gelato, and boutique shops—we have it all,” Boles said.
While wearing many hats between her duties at both of Alma Rosa’s tasting locations, Boles finds the work to be “tremendously rewarding,” and treasures her peers at the company.
“I think what truly makes my job special is the dynamic team we have at Alma Rosa,” Boles said. “Everyone on our team is wonderful to work with, and I love how passionate they are about our wine region.”
Arts Editor Caleb Wiseblood wants to know what you’re passionate about at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 31 – Nov 10, 2024.