Ancient Peaks Winery was founded in 2005 by the Wittstrom, Rossi, and Filoppini families, who all have deep roots in Paso Robles ranching and agriculture. Located in the far southwest of the appellation, the estate is the only winery in the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA, a small, uplifted zone 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. With the cooling sea breezes, 1,100+ foot elevation, and rare (for California) presence of oyster-fossil calcaire limestone, Ancient Peak’s terroir is truly unique.
The heart of the estate, and the Santa Margarita Ranch AVA, is the Margarita Vineyard itself. Under vine since 1999, the vineyard spreads across calcaire, shale, granite, volcanic basalt/serpentine, and rocky alluvial terroirs. The broad spectrum of soil types offers winemaker Stewart Cameron and vineyard manager Jamie Muniz a diverse palette to create their wines, with each varietal planted to the best terroir, exposure, and elevation. The marine influence provides one of the longest, coolest growing seasons in the Central Coast.
The Margarita Vineyard is certified sustainable. Practices include powering the estate with solar, providing wildlife corridors, natural cover crops, and minimal to zero-tillage.
For more information, please visit Ancient Peaks
