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| Refugio Ranch, Santa Ynez Valley |
Nestled between the Santa Ynez River and the Santa Ynez Mountains lies Refugio Ranch - a four hundred and fifteen acre estate surrounded by some of the most spectacular landscapes in Santa Barbara County Wine Country.
On a perfectly clear spring morning, Central Coast Uncorked was treated to an amazing vineyard tour and wine tasting hosted by owners Kevin and Niki Gleason. Atop an oak shaded perch overlooking the entire estate and the Santa Ynez Valley, we tasted the full selection of estate wines offered by Refugio Ranch.
Refugio Ranch Vineyards was planted in 2006 to 26 acres and 9 varietals. Varietals include Malvasia Bianca, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Roussanne, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sangiovese, Syrah and Viognier. Each wine label features a silhouette of a member of the Gleason family.
Winemaker Ryan Deovlet brings his winemaking expertise to Refugio Ranch crafting estate wines from this rustic location in the Santa Ynez Valley. Deovlet is a talented winemaker who carefully oversees every step of the winegrowing and winemaking process with minimal intervention.
With glass in hand, we joined the Gleasons on their four-wheel drive utility vehicle for an afternoon vineyard tour. During our jaunt through the vineyards and along the Santa Ynez River, we savored the wine and views, including a glass of 2009 Barbareño and 2012 Agua de Dulce de Refugio. The estate is anchored by a live-in barn where the Gleasons can enjoy an afternoon entertaining or relaxing with family and friends.
The Refugio Ranch tasting room is located at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Highway 154 in Downtown Los Olivos. You can enjoy their selection of wines at the tasting bar or grab a seat outside. Inside, a pair of sliding doors opens into private room with a full-service kitchen for special events. No detail was overlooked in designing the tasting room
As you will soon discover, Refugio Ranch is emblematic of the enduring rustic lifestyle and emerging wine culture of Santa Barbara County.
2990 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos (intersection of Highway 154)
Phone: (805) 688-5400
Email: info@refugioranch.com
Hours: Thursday (11:00 am - 5:00 pm), Friday-Saturday (11:00 am - 6:00 pm) and Sunday-Monday (11:00 am - 5:00 pm)
Facebook: Refugio Ranch
Twitter: @RefugioRanch
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