Pacheco Ranch Winery

Ignacio Pacheco settled in what is now Marin County in 1840. He is thought to have been the first to plant wine grapes in the region. He was originally given the Aqua Caliente Rancho land grant in Sonoma, but it was deemed unsuitable for agriculture and was exchanged for the Rancho San Jose grant which consisted of 6,680 acres in what is now Marin County. Today, Pacheco Ranch is comprised of approximately 70 acres of the original Rancho San Jose Land Grant.

The vineyards on the property were planted to Cabernet Sauvignon by Ignacio's decedents and winery partners in 1970. Additional plantings were added and today there are over 5 acres of dry-farmed vineyards. Many vines are over 25 years old.

Herb Rowland is Ignacio Pacheco's great-great-grandson and the manager of the vineyard, his wife heads up finance and distribution, his sister's husband, Jamie Meves, is Pacheco Ranch Winery's winemaker.

Production is about 800 cases annually. Pinot Noir is a newer offering. The wines are sold through the winery's website with limited retail distribution in the region.