Almond Hill Vineyard is a small family owned and operated Estate Vineyard located on a hillside previously planted in almond trees on the West side of the Paso Robles appellation, mid-way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Proprietors Dennis Van Westerhuyzen and his wife Nicole Cavier searched for many years, up and down the California Coast, for some land to plant a small vineyard to keep themselves busy during their retirement years, and also because they both enjoy wine. They bought the property in 1997 The first 2 1/2 acres of Syrah vines were planted in 2000. They were very fortunate to find a buyer for their first harvest in 2002, a great little boutique winery right next door. In 2004 they planted another 4 acres of Syrah and 1 acre of Petite Sirah grafted with budwood from the acclaimed Richard Sauret Vineyard near by.

Ancient Peaks Winery Vineyard stands alone as the southernmost vineyard in the Paso Robles region, tucked beneath the peaks of the Santa Lucia Mountains just 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here, the vines unfold along a rare array of soils amid one of the region’s coolest growing environments. The resulting wines express an unmistakable sense of place, with balanced structure and flavors that are native to Margarita Vineyard.

Harmony is a must stop every time I pass through Cambria and San Simeon! If you are hitting the Paso Robles wine country area and are up for a pretty drive, definitely include them! They have a beautiful location, visible as you drive under their ornate iron sign and up the hill - it's like you're invited to the party at the mansion on the hill! It's also a privilege to visit a town like Harmony - I believe on my last visit the population was listed as 17. It is an artisan town, the people who live here are all creators. And their homes aren't visible from the road at all - they are all in on some exotic secret. It's pretty amazing.