Purchased originally in 1952 as a ranch, the initial planting in 1968 consisted of nine acres of Johannesburg Riesling and four acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In 1972, then ranch manager Harold Pfeiffer produced the first wines. "The reason I started making wine was to show what you could do with the grapes. Of course I didn't know what I was doing," he says. They currently have 320 acres planted with plans for more.

Now, Rancho Sisquoc is a beautiful winery situated on the edge of a picturesque valley. They have plenty of room for picnics and a charming tasting room.  

Directions:

From the north, exit US101 at Betteravia Road in Santa Maria and head east. Betteravia Road will become Foxen Canyon Road and make a series of right and left turns. Just follow Foxen Canyon Road until you reach San Ramon Chapel, then follow the signs to the winery.

From the south, exit US101 at Alisos Canyon Road; turn left when it dead-ends into Foxen Canyon Road, got to the San Ramon Chapel and follow the signs into the winery.