Hall of Fame for Richard Sanford

It’s Vintners Hall of Fame time for Richard Sanford, Santa Barbara County’s legendary winemaker who discovered that the Sta. Rita Hills might be the perfect place to grow pinot noir. The founder of Sanford Winery and currently the owner of Alma Rosa Winery, Sanford — who, at 70, is the youngest of the seven honorees in the class of 2012 — will officially be inducted by the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena on February 20, 2012. “I was just sort of dumbfounded,” said Sanford, adding that it’s quite an honor. “It is also a tribute to our maturing wine region, and I’m grateful for having played a part in the pioneering efforts to establish this unique place in the world of wine.”