Terlato Wine Group Purchases Iconic Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills

06/11/07 Terlato Wine Group (TWG) Chairman Anthony Terlato announced the purchase of the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard from Robert and Janice Atkin. Located in northern Santa Barbara County, in the significant Sta. Rita Hills viticultural area, it is considered by many to be a 'gold standard' vineyard and one of California's top five vineyards, as reported in Wine Enthusiast magazine in June 2005.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to purchase Sanford & Benedict," said Terlato. "It is one of the flagship vineyards of our Sanford Winery Pinot Noir as well as a number of other fine wineries, including, among others: Bonaccorsi, Au Bon Climat and Longoria. We intend to continue to supply fruit to those wineries."

Currently 66 acres of the vineyard are planted to Pinot Noir, 51 acres to Chardonnay and smaller amounts to Viognier and Pinot Gris. According to Terlato, in the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard "greatness is possible," as the soil historically produces wines that many consider to be as close as one can get to Burgundian wines.

TWG Vice President of Winemaking Doug Fletcher and Sanford Winemaker Steve Fennell believe this prize vineyard can be the "Chambertin of California." Both express excitement at the prospect of what will develop at Sanford & Benedict during coming decade.

The Sanford & Benedict vineyard is contiguous to Sanford Winery's 110-acre La Rinconada estate vineyard, also renowned for producing outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

"The Terlato family is committed to producing exceptional wines at all of their properties and the purchase of this great vineyard is a further demonstration of that commitment," said TWG Vice President of Winery Operations Willis Blakewell.