“There's a growing swell of interest in foods grown biodynamically among consumers who view it as organic 2.0 and are seeking out foods grown this way as a healthier, more sustainable choice.”
Specialty Food Magazine “Biodynamics 101” March 2010
Martian Ranch & Vineyard
Winery
9110 Alisos Canyon Road
Los Alamos, 93440 United States
Phone: 805.344.1804
admin@martianvineyard.com
http://www.martianvineyard.com
About Us
Martian Ranch is the creation of Massachusetts native Nan Helgeland, who found her inspiration in the world-class vineyards and wines of Santa Barbara County. After years searching for the perfect property, she purchased this 102-acre parcel on Alisos Canyon Road in 2006, and named it Martian Ranch – the combined nickname of her two adult sons: Martin and Ian.Today, Martian Ranch & Vineyard is a Demeter Certified, biodynamically farmed Estate winery, with 20 acres of vines planted to 10 different grape varieties, each perfectly suited to the climate of the ranch. The vineyards were planted in 2008 under the guidance of biodynamic consultant Philippe Armenier, with the first Estate vintage in 2011. Martian Ranch is known for carefully farmed, vibrant and lower-alcohol wines, with Eric Bolton now at the helm as winemaker. Estate varieties are Albariño, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Clairette, Gamay Noir, Mourvèdre, Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Tempranillo - about 2 acres planted of each.
Biodynamic principles, which take organic farming to the next level, strive to create a diversified and balanced ecosystem while focusing on the health and fertility of the soil. Lunar, solar, and cosmic rhythms are followed for all farming practices, which create an optimum environment for the vines. Each part of the growing process revolves around four elements: root, leaf, flower and fruit. Together, these elements create the highest expression of harvest. While these farming methods may be more labor intensive, the quality shows in each bottle, carefully crafted between the earth and the cosmos.
The tasting room opened in October 2014 and offers a wide selection of estate wines. Each wine is named after a celestial notion, from the Stellar Viognier to Local Group Grenache Noir and Mothership Grenache Blanc.
Featured in the New York Times, SF Chronicle and Jon Bonné’s book, “The New California Wine.” Experimental and eclectic, Martian Ranch & Vineyard is dedicated to the journey, “from sky to ground to grape to barrel to bottle and straight into your glass.”
Located on Alisos Canyon Road between US 101 and Foxen Canyon Road. Visit the tasting room Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bocce courts, horse shoe pits and dog friendly picnic areas. UFOs welcome!
Certified Products
Crops
Fruit
- Grapes for wine
Features
- Wine Tasting
Acreage
Cropped: 20 acres planted to vines. Acres
Total Acreage: 102 total acres to the Ranch. Acres
Hours
Monday: CLOSED except for 3 day Holidays. Please call 805.344.1804 for more information.
Tuesday: CLOSED
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Thursday: 11am - 5pm
Friday: 11am - 5pm
Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
How We Sell Our Products
- Club
- Farmers Markets
- Restaurants
- Tasting Room
- Website