By Hana-Lee Sedgwick
In the Santa Ynez Valley, Roblar Winery and Vineyards shines as a gem for food enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. Here you can taste wine just steps from where the grapes are grown and savor seasonally inspired cuisine featuring ingredients grown on site. But what makes Roblar stand out is the fact that you can indulge in the fruits of its land and stay on the same property where the vines and gardens flourish. It all adds up to an immersive “agritourism” experience.
Spread across 40 acres adorned with majestic oaks, Roblar Winery and Vineyards (named after the Spanish word for “oak”) is a testament to the Gleason family’s commitment to celebrating the beauty and bounty of Santa Barbara wine country. Their journey began with the founding of their inaugural vineyard, Refugio Ranch Vineyard, from which they released their first wines in 2008. Years later, inspired to expand their wine and hospitality potential, they acquired Roblar Winery, Royal Oaks Winery, and the adjacent Royal Oaks Ranch — a 2017 acquisition that laid the groundwork for the family’s dream to create a holistic agritourism destination that seamlessly integrates wine, food, and sustainability. Together, the family — including Niki and Kevin Gleason and their two adult children, Max Gleason and Callie Gleason Bieszard — has been instrumental in realizing this vision, actively participating in all aspects of the business.
In 2020 the Gleasons welcomed head winemaker Max Marshak, infusing new passion and perspective into their winemaking program. Marshak, who joined after years on the winemaking team at Jonata Estate, now oversees production of the entire Gleason Family Vineyards Portfolio, including such Roblar, Refugio Ranch, and Royal Oaks wines as Sauvignon Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Grenache, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, to name a few. In 2021, driven to develop a more elevated hospitality program, the family hired executive chef Peter Cham, who created a locally minded food program largely influenced by the produce grown in Roblar’s own working farm.
The organic Roblar Farm, planted on the property in 2018, stands as a symbol of the Gleasons’ commitment to sustainable agriculture, boasting over 40 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Under the guidance of farm director Jorge Reyes, the farm has expanded to five acres, with a focus on enhancing regenerative practices. Roblar Farm provides a daily source of inspiration for chef Cham, whose ever-changing menus are a celebration of the region’s freshest and most seasonal produce. Though you can’t go wrong with anything on the brunch, lunch, and dinner menus (trust me, I’ve sampled my fair share!), my personal suggestion is to plan a visit around the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Special, which is only available on Thursdays.
Complementing the culinary experience are two fully stocked farmstands at Roblar Winery and Refugio Ranch’s Los Olivos tasting room. These stands offer visitors a chance to take a piece of the organic farm home with them, extending the Roblar experience beyond the property.
In recent years, as part of the Gleasons’ plan to transform Roblar Winery into a true destination for visitors to immerse themselves in the land, they’ve opened two rental homes on the property. There’s the charming three-bedroom Casita, which overlooks the tranquil property and farm, as well as a grander five-bedroom home, the Farmhouse, featuring a pool, hot tub, and horseshoe pit. With two more rental options in development, there’s a perfect retreat for everyone. And let me tell you from experience, you can’t beat having a comfortable place to retire nearby after eating and drinking all the delicious things Roblar has to offer.
The intricate dance between food and wine underscores the belief that what grows together, goes together — in the vineyard, on the farm, and on the table. And at Roblar Winery, the Gleasons have created a place that embodies the essence of Santa Ynez Valley’s local-minded ethos, offering a farm-to-fork, vine-to-glass experience that leaves a lasting impression of the region’s natural beauty and agricultural richness.
Roblar Winery and Vineyards is located at 3010 Roblar Ave., Santa Ynez. Refugio Ranch Vineyards Tasting Room is located at 2990 Grand Ave., Los Olivos. Visit www.roblarwinery.com and www.refugioranch.com to learn more.
