Richard Sanford and the Hot Tub Time Machine Wine Fermenters

Background and Early Career

• Richard Sanford co-founded Sanford and Benedict Winery and planted the Sanford and Benedict Vineyard.
• Founded Sanford Winery and Alma Rosa Winery in Santa Barbara County, California.
• Background in sailing, merchant marine, and served as an officer in the United States Navy.
• Transitioned from a short business and education career to winemaking.

Winemaking in Sta. Rita Hills

• Sanford and Benedict Vineyard is located in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation.
• Notable for its unique geography with a transverse mountain range, cooled by Pacific Ocean winds.
• Initially planted Pinot Noir, a new endeavor for the area.
• Converted a barn into a winemaking facility, built fermenters, and organized the first grape harvest.
• Gained attention from local authorities and wine writer Robert Lawrence Balzer.

Business and Agricultural Challenges

• Discusses tax incentives for vineyard planting in the 1970s.
• Difficulties in dry farming and organic viticulture.
• Recalls meeting wife Thekla during a sail.
• Experienced a tough breakup with business partner Michael Benedict.

Influences and Collaborations

• Engaged with the Small Winery Technical Society, connecting with winemakers like Dick Graff and Josh Jensen.
• Social connections with culinary and wine icons like Julia Child and Robert Mondavi.
• Visits to Burgundy, learning from vignerons like Vincent Leflaive and Jacques Seysses.

Sanford Winery Developments

• Noteworthy increase in vineyard plantings by the time of Sanford Winery's establishment.
• Shift in vineyard ownership over time.
• Introduced Sauvignon Blanc alongside Chardonnay in the wine lineup.
• Constructed a sophisticated Sanford winery facility requiring a financial partner, ultimately leading to Sanford's departure.

Later Ventures: Alma Rosa Winery

• Founded Alma Rosa Winery with Thekla post-Sanford Winery.
• Located in Sta. Rita Hills, saw increased interest post-Sideways film.
• Eventually had to sell the winery but was involved in vineyard development.
• Continues to live and work in Santa Barbara County, recognized for its success with Pinot Noir.

Conclusion

• Richard Sanford's career marked by repeated resilience, innovation in winemaking, and impact on California’s wine industry.