The winery name associates "Alma," the Spanish word for soul, with "Rosa," a reference to the site being part of the original 19th century Santa Rosa land grant. The Alma Rosa project is based on the principle of "nature and agriculture in sustainable harmony." Richard and Thekla Sanford are committed to sustainable farming, their employees and producing wines of extraordinary depth and balance. Careful environmental considerations are applied in the production of their wine, packaging and daily business practices. All of their wine bottles may be returned to the winery for re-use, as indicated by the recycling logo on top of the capsules and on their back labels.

The '09 Pinot Gris: Contrasts between dry and refreshing, that hint of cool ocean air, flowers and minerals, snappy and clean. Food-wise it'll be happy with almost anything from the sea, equally with spicy flavors from the South Pacific, Asia, or the Mediterranean. I'm thinking seriously about nigiri sushi here.