In 1989, well ahead of the Paso Robles vineyard boom Bob and Jan decided to plant a small vineyard. Pebble Smith, wine and vineyard expert and the father of world-famous winemaker Justin Smith, owner of Saxum, selected an entirely south-facing rocky hillside situated 1800 feet above sea level. Ten acres were ripped to four feet, yielding large calcareous rocks laden with whalebones and other marine mammal fossils – thus the origin of the vineyard and winery's name. The calcareous treasures trapped in the vineyard's broken shale and limestone were left behind after the underwater canyons and basins retreated, and when the earth shifted and folded during the Miocene some six million years ago. On this hillside reminiscent of a moonscape, the Simpson Family planted this distinctive property exclusively to Cabernet Sauvignon. Our friend, noted cattleman Rex Swan, has an entire baby whale thorax and vertebrae intact in a rock now centered over his fireplace. The graphic on the back label was produced from that specimen. It became apparent to the Simpson’s that they had a very special vineyard. For over a decade, grape buyers have raved about the vineyard and its fruit. The terrain and coastal influence create a synergy that yields fruit that is crafted into rich and substantial wine. This distinctive area is no longer a secret, as evidenced by the purchase of an adjacent ranch by the Perrin Brothers of Château de Beaucastel and Robert Hass, after two years of combing California for the perfect spot to grow Rhone varietals.

Today, James Ontiveros represents the ninth generation of the Alta California Ontiveros family, continuing the tradition of farming in the same valley that his ancestors have cherished for centuries. For wine lovers who enjoy California wines and visit its wineries, the wines crafted here tell a compelling story about the resilience of truth, the people, and the land itself. In the face of a cold, windswept coastal desert, the vines stretch deep into the earth, seeking water and nutrients from the depleted soil. Coupled with intentional farming practices in the cool Mediterranean climate, Santa Maria produces exceptional raw materials for winemaking. The singular goal at Ranchos de Ontiveros is to create wines as complex and rich as the story of their heritage.