Vineyard fundraiser benefits One Mind and Mental Wellness Center

Staff Report

The second annual Peace of Mind: 10,000 Steps in the Right Direction fundraiser at Alma Rosa Winery, raised $177,896 for mental wellness organizations. The funds will be dispersed to the two beneficiaries, On e Mind and Mental Wellness Center in Santa Barbara.

“We could not have had a more beautiful morning to raise funds for this important cause, while breathing in the fresh air and taking in the sweeping vistas of our gorgeous Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Grenache vineyards,” said Debra Eagle, general manager of Alma Rosa.

More than 150 participants gathered at the base of Alma Rosa’s 628-acre estate on the morning of Saturday, July 24, to hike to the top of the property and back, approximately 4.5 miles. Participants raised funds online prior to completing the 10,000-step walk.

Guests enjoyed a taste of Alma Rosa’s 2018 Estate Sparkling Brut at the summit of the hike, and upon completion of the walk, Winemaker Samra Morris was on hand at the Alma Rosa historic ranch house to pour tastes of her current-release Grenache Rosé, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Alma Rosa’s founder, Richard Sanford, chatted with guests as they enjoyed the post-walk reception. Often referred to as the “Godfather of Santa Barbara Pinot Noir” for being the first to plant Pinot Noir grapes in the Sta. Rita Hills in 1971, Richard is responsible for developing some of the region’s most revered Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, including Alma Rosa’s El Jabali estate vineyard, originally planted in 1983.

Alma Rosa’s owners Bob and Barb Zorich launched Peace of Mind in 2020 to support community services for mental health and research. In addition to the annual event, Bob currently serves as Chairman of the Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston and supports the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation in New York City. Of the $177,896, raised, $70,000 were matching funds contributed by the Zorichs. The first annual event in 2020, which was done virtually, raised $144,000.

“We are overwhelmed by the community’s support for our second annual fundraiser,” Bob Zorich said. “Since last year’s event was virtual, we were so happy to have participants come to the estate to walk through the vineyards in person while supporting these two organizations. The funds raised from the event will make a significant difference in the fight against anxiety and depression in our local community and beyond.”

For more information about Alma Rosa Winery, visit www.almarosawinery.com.