RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY
Celebrating Over 45 Years of Estate Wines
RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY has been crafting quality wines in small quantities for over 45 years. We grow over 300 acres of superb vineyards for our award winning estate wines.
OUR VINEYARDS
HERE AT RANCHO SISQUOC we grow over 300 acres of vineyards, with initial plantings in the late 1960’s. Our vineyards are situated in what is known as the transverse range of coastal mountains at the mouth of the Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County which creates unique microclimates and soils perfectly suited for growing several varietals. Each of our clones and rootstock were selected for compatibility with our soil, and for the complexity and balance of flavor imparted to our wines. Our vineyards grow some of the most sought after grapes on the Central Coast and only our estate grown grapes are used in crafting our estate wines.
OUR HISTORY
LOCATED IN NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY on the Sisquoc River 14 miles east of Santa Maria, Rancho Sisquoc is part of an 1852 Mexican land grant. The Chumash Indians called this area “Sisquoc,” which meant “gathering place.” Today Rancho Sisquoc is a gathering place for wine lovers. Warmer than vineyards in the lower Santa Maria Valley, Rancho Sisquoc is cooler than the Santa Ynez Valley only twenty miles to the south due to what is known as the transverse range, which are coastal mountains running west to the east that bring cool winds and fog inland from the Pacific Ocean. The winery is part of a 37,000 acre cattle ranch and farm, and was purchased in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs. James Flood of San Francisco, and remains Flood family-owned. The cattle business is the same as it has always been, but the beans and barley have been replaced with vegetables and grapevines. Because the area’s climate and soil compared favorably with the renowned growing regions of Sonoma and Napa, Flood decided to plant grape vines. The San Ramon Chapel marks the entrance to Rancho Sisquoc and graces our wine labels. The chapel was built in 1875 by Frederick Wickenden, at the request of his wife, Ramona Foxen Wickenden. The chapel became the first official landmark in Santa Barbara County in 1966. Mass is held every Sunday at the chapel, and many local community members are committed to restoring and preserving the chapel’s historical integrity.
OUR WINEMAKER
Sarah Holt Mullins grew up on the Ranch and spent her childhood in our winery and vineyards. Sarah has filled many roles in the winery over the years. Working her way from cellar crew to Operations Manager, and then from Enologist to Assistant Winemaker in 2009. Sarah became Winemaker in 2013 and has an innate connection to our vineyards bringing a fresh and sophisticated approach to winemaking. She manages over 12 varietals and blends, and works with her team to bring the high quality and distinctive wines that our patrons have come to know and love.
WE GROW MANY VARIETALS IN OUR ESTATE VINEYARDS, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petit Sirah, Petite Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvaner, and Syrah.
Sauvignon Blanc Our Sauvignon Blanc grows warm, long and happily, lingering on the vines to be harvested at full flavor potential. Honeysuckle aromas with ripe pineapple, baked pear tart and smooth sweet oak. Planted in 1970 Flood Vineyard. Clones 350 and 367. Fermented and aged in French oak.
Chardonnay Our estate grown Chardonnay has delicate oak aromas and balanced baked apple and pear flavors. Clean citrus finish with hints of lingering vanilla. Planted in 1999 Flood Vineyard. Clones Wente and Dijon. Fermented and aged in French oak.
Sylvaner Rancho Sisquoc is one of the only producers of Sylvaner in California. Crisp green apple personality with a beautifully clean bubbling brook mineral on the finish. Pairs perfectly with spicy Thai dishes. Planted in 1970 Flood Vineyard. 3.5 Acres. Stainless steel fermented. Residual sugar.
Riesling Our Riesling vines are over 45 years old and continue to deliver a uniquely mature wine. Juicy ripe peach and creamy honey flavors are balanced with a lively acidity. Planted in 1970 Flood Vineyard. 7 acres. Stainless steel fermented. Residual Sugar.
Pinot Noir Bold and supple with floral aromas leading to layers of wild berry and a hint of nutmeg. Well balanced and rich with lively acidity and complex tannins. Planted in 2002 Flood Vineyard. Clones 777, 114, 115, 12, 23, Pomard, Dijon, 2A. Aged 18 months in French oak puncheons.
Merlot One of our flagship wines, this Merlot shows the true aromas and flavors of the Ranch. A big aroma and a well structured mouth of fresh and clean oak with black cherry opens to an earthy and satisfying finish. Planted in 1974 Flood Vineyard. Aged 21 months in French and American oak.
Syrah Aromas of dark espresso and toasted sugar with intense smoked oak. Powerful yet smooth tannins fill the mouth with thick berries and cocoa. Pair with a rosemary encrusted roasted leg of lamb. Planted in 1998 McMurray Vineyard. Clones Estrella, 877 and Noir. Aged 21 months in French oak puncheons. Blended with Pt. Sirah planted in 1999.
Sisquoc River Red This fan favorite is a blend of each of the red grapes grown in our estate vineyards. Aromas of clean cedar and black cherry with hints of molasses and layers of soft tannins on the finish. Best enjoyed with Santa Maria Style BBQ Tri-tip with all the fixings. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese and Pt. Verdot. Aged 16 months in French, American and Hungarian oak.
Malbec Cherry cola and sweet, spicy fruit hit the senses up front. Fresh sage, ripe berries and round, mature oak flavors combine with a quick, clean finish that does not disappoint. Planted in 2002 Flood Vineyard. Clone 595. Aged 21 months in French oak.
Cabernet Sauvignon Velvety tannin and a jammy texture that is all Cabernet. Dark berries and chocolate truffle with a bold, smooth finish. Pair with a filet mignon topped with Gorgonzola cheese followed by a rich coffee bean gelato. Planted in 1998 Flood and McMurray Vineyards. Clones 15, 10, 8 and 337. Aged 21 months in French and American oak.
Cellar Select Meritage A labor of love builds this Meritage, utilizing tight French oak, highest quality fruit and special blending practices. Layers of dark and dense fruit on the aromas, polished tannins and sweet lingering oak for an intense finish. Aged 28 months in tight-grained French oak. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Pt. Verdot.
RANCHO SISQUOC WINERY 6600 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA 93454 805-934-4332 www.ranchosisquoc.com