Jack L.
Yelp
(I will try to not be so biased since I am a new member of this winery now)
The lady and I decided to take a day trip to Santa Barbara to escape our busy Los Angeles lives. Part of that is spending time within the city of Santa Barbara, but also driving up to Santa Ynez to do a wine tasting. We have done this a couple times before and have been to some good wineries, but nothing to give me enough to want to become a member (until Rusack).
Beginning with the ambiance, Rusack resides within the Ballard Canyon which overlooks the lush, green hills of pure nature with no other winery or home in view. Even better, Rusack has a canyon terrace deck with hundred year old oaks growing through the deck leading to a picturesque view.
In regards to the wines, we decided to to two flights of a wine tasting which includes eight, 2oz pours. The cost of the tasting depends on the wines chosen for each of the canisters that are chosen. We also decided to do a charcuterie with the wines for additional fees which was a nice touch. We loved a majority of the wines we tasted, which fared from Pinot, to Chardonnay, to Zinfandel, to Cabernet, to Rosé.
In regards to the service, we have had better. Yes, it was a Saturday. Yes, it was busy. However, we had a lot of waiting around which was luckily complimented by extra tastings. However, I had to initiate the desire to become a member after my very pleasant experience which I feel like I should not have had to do. Nevertheless, we were very observant of the other servers and how well they were doing which was enough for me to become a member.
Thus, I recommend a tasting at Rusack Vineyards!