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Anyone traveling to, or living near Santa Barbara should definitely put Sustainable Vine Tours on their "to do" list. This tour highlights the region's rich history and covers farming the grapes, walking through the vineyards and, of course, wine tasting. Door to door service from Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez, tours of 3 vineyards and a gourmet organic picnic lunch are included. You're in the capable hands of a guide who knows the winemakers personally and has a deep knowledge not only of the area but also the wine making and farming processes.
More and more wineries are using organic and bio dynamic farming methods. This makes for a healthier wine and ultimately a healthier planet because grapes are among the most pesticide- laden produce.
Organic wines range from being 70% to 100% "organic." 100% organic wines contain only naturally- occurring sulfites whereas wines labelled "Made with Organic Grapes" may have artificial sulfites and cannot qualify for the organic USDA seal. In bio dynamic practices, the wine is not only 100% organic but the farmer goes above and beyond-- making their own compost, using knowledge of the stars and planets to time what they do, and bringing the farming process more closely in tune with nature.
The Santa Ynez wineries featured in the tour all produce remarkable wines, maintain a high level of personal service and practice sustainable agriculture. If you can't take the tour, visit the wineries directly or at least treat yourself to some organic bio dynamic wine delivered to your door.
Coquelicot has some beautiful pictures on their website of their vineyard, tasting room and the grape harvest.
Wine Ratings
Alma Rosa – Robert Parker 90 points 2005 Chardonnay, El Jabali Vineyard
Ampelos – Wine Spectator 91 points 2005 Pinot Noir "Rho"
Beckmen – Wine Spectator 91 points 2007 Purisima Mtn. Vineyard Block 6 Syrah
Demetria – Wine Enthusiast 94 points 2005 Pinot Blanc
Presidio – LA Times #1 Cool Climate Syrah 2004 Artistic License
Sunstone – Wine Enthusiast 90 points 2003 EROS
Alma Rosa (Certified Organic Vineyard)
Demetria Estate (Bio Dynamic Vineyard)
Sunstone Winery (Certified Organic Winery)
To book a tour check out the Sustainable Vine Tours site here.
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