The deep rooted history of our coastal estate vineyard
For over a century, Jespersen Ranch has been a place of resilience, evolution and deep agricultural roots. What started as a humble hay and dairy farm in the 1800s has transformed into an exciting cool-climate vineyard. It’s located 30 miles south of our tasting room on the coastal side of the Santa Lucia Mountains, just four miles from the Pacific Ocean. This unique site in the Edna Valley AVA boasts dark clay soils and a maritime influence that make it ideal for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Albariño, and other cool-climate varietals.
Though the vineyard was first planted in 2006, its story began long before the first vine took root. From its early days under the Jespersen family’s stewardship to its modern-day role as a world-class vineyard, Jespersen Ranch is a testament to the power of place, persistence, and passion for the land.
Map of Jespersen Ranch in relation to our Tasting Room and Heart Hill Vineyard
land
Christian & Anna Jespersen immigrated to California from Denmark in 1867, eventually ending up in San Luis Obispo where they bought 342 acres of the Canada de Los Osos y Laguna Rancho in 1874. The Jespersen Ranch vineyard sits on 113 acres of the original holdings.
Over the next century, three generations of Jespersens farmed hay and dairy on the land. They were Christian, his son Martin, and Martin’s son Marvin. One of Martin’s sons, Chris N. Jespersen, became an influential state senator and revered local figure. He was an advocate for education and agriculture. He was a strong supporter of making Cal Poly San Luis Obispo a 4-year university and received the first honorary degree from the institution in 1948. There is a building on the Cal Poly campus named in his honor.
Early morning harvest of Pinot Noir at Jespersen Ranch
vines
Between the early 1970s and early 2000s the ranch continued to be farmed first by the Avila family and then by the Muscia family. Around 2002, a man named Andy Blodgett bought the property and the story of wine from Jespersen Ranch began.
Andy Blodgett saw the potential for a vineyard at Jespersen Ranch and planted the first grapes around 2006, despite being told that the site was too extreme for grapes. He worked closely with Bill Kesselring, local vintner and founder of Peloton Cellars, and their vision was rewarded. They planted seven different grape varieties that thrived in the challenging, but formative, environment.
While the Edna Valley AVA had been formed back in 1982, once planted, Jespersen Ranch became the most western site in the entire AVA.
Our Winemaker Molly Bohlman holding a bottle of the first wine produced from Jespersen Ranch made by Andy Blodgett
niners
In 2011 the Niner family bought Jespersen Ranch from the Blodgett family after Andy’s unexpected passing. Local winemaking legend Steve Dooley, of Stephen Ross Winery, made the first few vintages of wine from the site. In 2014 we were lucky to have Winemaker Molly Bohlman join our team to focus exclusively on making wines from Jespersen Ranch. She now makes Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Wine, Rose, Syrah and Grenache each vintage.
Fog rolling over the vines
the vineyard today
The current plantings at Jespersen Ranch include 22 acres of Pinot noir, 13 acres of Chardonnay, 6 acres of Syrah, 5 acres of Grenache, 6 acres of Albariño, 4 acres of Sauvignon Blanc, and 1 acre of Meunier. Since the very first harvest, Jespersen Ranch has proven to be a stellar vineyard in the Edna Valley, and we are lucky to be its current caretakers.
We are proud to continue the tradition of farming and land stewardship we inherited from those who came before us on the Jespersen Ranch.
Molly standing in Jespersen Ranch soil
