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Grapes were first planted at Santa Margarita Ranch by Franciscan missionaries in 1780. We recently replanted a small vineyard in the same location as the original Mission vineyard, in honor of wine’s storied legacy in California and in celebration of our ranch’s rich history.

Santa Margarita Ranch enjoys a long and illustrious cultural pedigree, beginning with the Chumash and Salinan Indians more than 10,000 years ago. In the early 1770s, the ranch became part of Father Junipero Serra’s famed Mission trail, culminating with the establishment of Santa Margarita de Cortona, a sub-mission of Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, in 1774. This historic structure, known as the Asistencia, remains a centerpiece of the ranch.

In addition to wine grapes, the Friars raised cattle, grain, fruit and produce at Santa Margarita Ranch.

In 1841, the ranch was granted to 24-year-old Joaquin Estrada, a colorful character known across California for his lavish parties. During hostilities between the Mexican and American governments several years later, the property was used for strategy meetings led by Mexican Governor of California Pio Pico and General Jose Castro.

In 1861, Estrada sold the ranch to the Murphy family of San Jose. In 1889, the town of Santa Margarita was christened with a grand barbecue attended by more than 2,000 people.

Today, Santa Margarita Ranch and Margarita Vineyard are owned by three longtime local ranching and winegrowing families, the Filipponis, Rossis and Wittstroms, who also jointly own Ancient Peaks Winery.

We are proud of our ranch’s unique place in California history, and we are honored to be stewards of its winegrowing legacy.