Ancient Peaks Winery

History and Terroir

Ancient Peaks Winery sits on the storied Santa Margarita Ranch, where Franciscan missionaries planted California's earliest grapes in 1780 along the El Camino Real mission trail. In 2005, the Filipponi, Rossi, and Wittstrom families revived the legacy, naming the winery for the towering Santa Lucia Mountains that shape its unique terroir. The estate Margarita Vineyard is the sole property in its namesake AVA, the southernmost and coolest pocket of Paso Robles, just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Marine fog rolls in daily, paired with cold springs and only 29 inches of annual rain, fostering a late, extended ripening season. Five distinct soils—intermixed across the ranch—impart complexity to every vintage, from rocky alluvium to ancient seabed formations.

Winemaking Excellence

Founding Winemaker Mike Sinor and Stewart Cameron launched production with the 2006 vintage, earning instant acclaim for wines that capture Margarita Vineyard's essence. The portfolio spans whites like crisp Sauvignon Blanc, tropical Chardonnay, and Viognier, alongside robust reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir. Standouts include the approachable Ancient Peaks Cabernet Sauvignon ($25), the opulent Pearl Collection ($72), and the flagship Oyster Ridge Bordeaux blend ($60), all showcasing vivid structure, varietal purity, and marine-influenced elegance. Blends like Renegade add bold adventure.

Tasting Room and Café Experience

The tasting room in quaint Santa Margarita evokes a Wild West outpost, with daily sessions from 11 AM to 5:30 PM. Savor limited releases amid historic charm, then dine at the Ancient Peaks Café, partnering with Chef Cheyne Jackson of The Range for ranch-to-table fare. The menu highlights seasonal locals: Veggie Cheesesteak ($20), Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($20), Smoked Tri-Tip ($20), Margarita Burger ($22), and Chef's Special Burger ($25). Relax on the shaded outdoor patio or inside the cozy space. Happy Hour runs Monday-Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 PM. The café embodies Paso Robles' sustainable food culture.

Visiting the Ranch

Open daily except major holidays, the winery welcomes all to explore its legacy. Estate focus ensures authenticity, with wines reflecting the ranch's rugged past—from missionaries to stagecoaches. The marine climate and soil diversity yield balanced flavors: black fruits, sage, mocha in reds; citrus, tropical notes in whites. Collectors prize age-worthy Pearl and Oyster Ridge bottlings. Pair tastings with café bites for a full immersion in Central Coast viticulture.