Alma Rosa Winery is situated on the north-facing slopes of the Santa Rosa Hills in Santa Barbara County, where the cool Pacific Ocean breezes funnel inland through the unique east-west transverse mountain range. The El Jabali estate vineyard — originally planted in 1983 by winery founder Richard Sanford, who pioneered Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara County — spans 628 acres with five distinct vineyard sites from the valley floor to 850 feet in elevation. The Elevado bottling blends fruit from the highest elevation blocks on the estate, where cool temperatures and rocky soils naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor.

The 2022 vintage began with cold mornings and warm afternoons, a trend that lasted through April. Ideal summer temperatures continued, with morning fog and persistent afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean. This steady weather resulted in a long, moderate growing season, which allowed the grapes to develop slowly and gradually, with small berries and clusters. A September heatwave provoked a fast and short harvest, yielding fruit with bright acidity and minerality, beautiful aromas and complexity — a spectacular and classic Sta. Rita Hills vintage.