ZACA MESA VINEYARD WITH AN EYE FOR EXCELLENCE

By Bonnie Carroll

The most delightful way to experience the ranches in Santa Ynez Valley is by taking a tour with Heritage Farmland Touring Company that includes visits to a variety of ranches, farms and wineries including a walnut farm, a cattle ranch and an award-winning wine maker like Zaca Mesa Winery, founded in the early eighties, and producers of some of the finest wines in the Santa Ynez Valley. Their commitment to sustainability practices was  quite impressive. 

Helpful Sustainability Information

I have been a devotee of their award-winning whites for ages, but enjoyed spending an afternoon touring the facility including beautiful outdoor vineyards, indoor barrel rooms, meeting areas, and just viewing the gorgeous expanse of their property.

Touring Zaca Mesa Barrel Rooms

The tour itself included the history of Zaca Mesa, with references to John Cushman, a founding owner and ultimately sole owner, with explanations on their standards, and mission. Following John Cushman's death several years ago the vineyard became the responsibility of his son, a hands on winemaker who is proud of their outstanding brand and reputation. The VP of Marketing who lead the tour was emphatic about Zaca Mesa's desire to focus on quality and not quantity in recent years and steps they have taken to insure this mission. Learning about the choices in aging and storing wine was very interesting as well.

Fabulous lunch and Wine Tasting by Bob's Well Bread

Heritage Farmland Touring Company arranged for Zaca Mesa Vineyard to be the last stop of the day so we might enjoy a delightful lunch in a wine tasting room where we could all savor delicious lunch favorites compliments of Bob's Well Bread with sips of the winery's fabulous white and red wines.

If you are planning a visit to the Santa Barbara - Santa Ynez area and want to experience a day of real ranch life with real California ranchers, farmer's and winemakers contact Mary Maranville, founder of Hearitage Farmland Touring Company, who will delight you and your friends with an amazing opportunity to meet real rancher's, savor healthy food wtih fine wines while having fun with people you like or love.

This unique touring company features local generational farms, ranches, orchards and wineries and is inspired by Mary's love of history, farming and Santa Ynez Valley. Contact her at 805-746-0606 to arrange your tour.

♦  ♦  ♦