Roblar Winery: Vines & Vision

The Gleason family has transformed Roblar Winery into an immersive experience: part working farm, part restaurant, and now, part art gallery

By Maddy Sims

Photography Silas Fallstich

At Roblar Winery, rows of vines stretch across the land, punctuated by enchanting oak trees. As winemaker Max Marshak guides me through the golden-green maze, he points out something curious. There’s tape on the bottom of the vines: evidence of his skilled grafting work. By attaching new varietals to established rootstock, he’s cultivating young vines set to mature in just a couple of years. The process reflects a broader intention to reimagine what the land is capable of. “We’re pushing the property towards the best use it has to offer,” says Max Gleason, Roblar’s creative director and son of owner Kevin Gleason.

Roblar Winery

This spirit of transformation extends far beyond the vines. Since acquiring the Roblar estate in 2017, the Gleason family has meticulously reimagined the property into a multifaceted destination. A working farm lies just beyond the winery. There are also two wedding venues—a romantic courtyard and a sleek black barn strung with lights and flanked by a lawn. Encircling the grounds are newly-rennovated rental homes, from charming casitas to a sprawling five-bedroom manor with its own pool. And now, a new addition brings an unexpected creative dimension: an art gallery, thanks to Max Gleason.

The space, formerly a hay barn, lies just beyond the tasting room. Inside, vibrant artwork lines the walls, each piece refreshingly distinct from the familiar landscapes that often define the Santa Ynez Valley creative scene. Gleason curates work exclusively from local talent across Santa Barbara County (he even included his own pieces in the gallery’s inaugural show).

“I’m an artist at heart,” Gleason says. “I went to art school and lived in New York City for 10 years, so I was around artists and exhibitions all the time. And while Santa Ynez is a beautiful place to live, I missed that aspect of being in a big city.”

Indah Gallery

When Gleason first moved to the rural area, he assumed there wouldn’t be many artists around. “But over the years, I kept meeting more and more artists and they were doing interesting things,” he says. “So I thought I should create a place for them to show.” He approached his father, brother-in-law, and sister with the idea, and they embraced it enthusiastically. Since its debut in March, the gallery has been a resounding success.

“I knew that the artists were excited and eager to show, but I didn't know if people would actually show up,” he says. “There were easily over a hundred people at the first opening and every subsequent opening has been very well attended.” Open Friday through Sunday, the gallery attracts both visitors driving by and tasting room guests. “People feel like they're discovering this little hidden gem when they make their way back here,” he says.

For Gleason, the most rewarding part has been the enthusiastic response. “The amount of support and attention that it's gotten from the local community has been affirming,” he says. The art is selling as well. A smile spreads across Gleason’s face as he scans the room. “I wanted to create a space that felt like a New York City gallery.”

With its high ceilings and curated works, the space delivers on Gleason’s vision. As he speaks about the artists and upcoming exhibitions, pride flickers in his expression. “It’s a lot of hard work, but it feels like it’s towards something I’m personally interested in,” he says. “The gallery is an added value to the overall Roblar experience.” 

And an experience it is. Beyond the art gallery, rentals, wedding venues, and farm, Roblar offers something rarely found at wineries: a full-service restaurant. Where most tasting rooms settle for charcuterie boards or picnic fare, Roblar presents a thoughtful seasonal menu built around ingredients harvested directly from the estate.

I settle into the shaded dining area beneath a pergola laced with wisteria. Nearby, the chef’s garden overflows with color, and hummingbirds float between flowers. Sunlight filters through the greenery, casting dreamy shadows over the smooth wooden tables. My tasting begins with a crisp, fruity rosé paired with a little gem Caesar salad and warm focaccia layered with burrata, prosciutto, and sliced peaches. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc follows—a standout in Roblar’s lineup—before I sample a delicate Pinot Noir, with notes of black cherry, raspberry, and black tea. Then come the hanger steak tacos, dressed with garden-fresh pico and avocado salsa, perfectly paired with a pour of Sangre De Dioses (a tasting room favorite). It’s so good, I order a bottle to take home.

As a sweet sendoff, I’m served fresh-baked chocolate chip walnut cookies alongside a pour of sparkling rosé. Though it’s well past lunchtime, the patio still hums with conversation and clinking glasses. It’s the kind of wine tasting experience that encourages you to slow down—where guests can take in the scenery and savor both food and connection.

The Gleasons are often onsite at Roblar, yet their presence is most apparent in the way they’ve shaped the experience: thoughtful, welcoming, and built to bring people together. With grafted varietals flourishing in the vineyard, a lively restaurant, fully-booked rental homes, and a contemporary art gallery, they’ve steadily pushed the property toward its fullest potential. The result is a destination that redefines the wine tasting experience into something truly unforgettable. As I leave, I pass owner Kevin Gleason quietly sipping a glass of wine in the corner. He says he hopes I’ll come back, and I assure him I absolutely will.