| Monday, February 28, 2011 wine tasting at Roblar Winery – Wineries and Vineyards. |
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| We went looking for some vineyards to do some wine tasting in and around the Santa Ynez Valley. As we were driving down highway 154, at Roblar Avenue, we came across Roblar Winery and although the sign looked a little worse for wear, we decided to stop and go for a tasting. We pulled into the parking lot, which was very well kept. We parked in front of a vineyard easily accessible to the general public. So, we took a stroll in between the vines (not sure if that’s allowed) and got a feel for the ground, which was moist and soft beneath our shoes. We also noticed branch cuttings from the vines in the center. We would learn when we went inside that Roblar Winery tries to re-use everything and be as environmentally friendly as possible. They even have sheep to eat in between the vines, where they grow legumes, which are used as source of nitrogen for the soil and the plants. So, they don’t use synthetic nitrogen. We were impressed. We were also impressed to learn that they hand pick their grapes instead of using machines. After, taking a few great pictures strolling in between the vines, we decided to head inside to see what they had to offer. As we walked towards what appeared to be the front door we guessed that this must be where the wine tasting takes place. There weren’t any small signs to help guide us in, which could be helpful. But, we went inside and were really impressed with what we saw. At the center of the room was the primary tasting area where we found our host. We were the only ones in the room. We arrived quite early (at 11:00), so they had just opened. This gave us a lot of time to ask questions about Roblar Winery. After talking with the sommelier (wine tasting host), we decided to try. |
 Wine Barrels |
Included in the tasting for $14.00 you get to keep the glass and try 5 wines – three whites and two reds. I’m more of a red wine drinker but I’m always game to try some new wine. The wine host was very knowledgeable and very friendly. Unfortunately, she was interrupted by the phone in the middle of our tasting. Immediately, her discomfort could be felt. She apologized a number of times and I wasn’t sure that she was meant to take calls at the front. She mentioned that they were short staffed and apologized some more. She handled herself magnificently in the situation. I asked about the membership, which costs nothing to join and gives many benefits including 30% off the price of the wine and some free tastings. The wine is shipped (or you can pick it up) monthly with three bottles of wine, one bottle must be white as they like to offer a variety to their customers. There were also great benefits for events at the vineyard, which really excited us. I was almost sold. I wanted a tour. The sommelier (wine host) had mentioned that the facility was fantastic with Bocce Ball courts and an upstairs patio with a wine tasting facility upstairs too. So, I asked for a tour. Although, the sommelier would have loved to give me a tour, she was unable to because she was helping other customers that had arrived and she had to stay in the tasting room. And, there didn’t appear to be anyone else around to help her. So, I asked is she would mind me walking around and taking some pictures. She encouraged me to go anywhere that I wanted to. She clearly had an affection for the place and a love for wine. Here’s some of the photos we managed to get while we walked around. |
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Roblar Winery Roblar Winery Roblar Wine Tasting Barrels of Wine Wine California Bums, telling you what’s hot and what’s not in California!
Our Opinion
Things we liked
1. The grapes are handpicked and they don’t use pesticides. They really have a strong focus on the environment and a quality product.
2. Great seating arrangements and ample space to relax inside, outside and upstairs overlooking the vineyard. We didn’t get a chance to sample from the menu but we’ll be back.
3. New wines come out regularly with a good range of prices.
4. There’s more than just a focus on wine, involves the meal and preparing the meal which is a great compliment for the wine.
Things we’d like improved
1. We’d like to see at least a freshly painted sign when we come out next time but better yet would be a new larger sign.
2. We’d like to know why calls get directed to the front instead of to a back office? And, if they have to get directed to the front, we’d really like to have enough staff to help with the phones and the tours.
3. The website needs some minor improvements mostly in getting it into the current decade. We’d like to see a facebook application and a twitter following would be great for business. Also, the information posted in the blogs needs to be current information not from 2008.
4. Three bottles of wine are sent monthly with a club membership, which could get a bit pricey for some folks. We’d suggest offering a membership with two bottles too.
Overall, the sommelier (wine host) made our day. She was polite and knowledgeable and identified that she was understaffed. She also let us tour the facility on our own when she couldn’t leave. As for the wine, we’ll let you discern for yourselves. However, we enjoyed both the Cabernets although I preferred the Cabernet Sauvignon over the Cabernet Franc and I am now starting to develop a liking for some of the white wines. The Sauvignon Blanc was quite fruity and didn’t come across as too dry. Overall, we liked the care that goes into growing the grapes and the environment. We definitely recommend a visit. We look forward to visiting when the leaves are on the vines and we’ll keep our readers posted as to any changes made at Roblar Winery and Vineyard.
