Our estate Margarita Vineyard is situated along the flanks of the Santa Lucia Mountains, in the heart of the historic Santa Margarita Ranch.
The terrain here is ruggedly beautiful, with oak savannahs that give way to mixed forestland as you ascend toward the mountain peaks. Not surprisingly, this land home to diverse habitats and an abundance of native wildlife, from bears to bald eagles, wild pigs to deer.
As proud stewards of this land, we are passionate about caring for the environment and its inhabitants. For this reason, in addition to subscribing to sustainable winegrowing and ranching practices, we are taking proactive measures to mitigate wildfire threats—as detailed in a recent story by the San Luis Obispo Tribune. (photo above courtesy SLO Tribune, showing Ancient Peaks co-owner Karl Wittstrom working with Cal Fire)
In additional to directing our cattle herds to graze the grassy fuel in open mountain areas, we are working closely with Cal Fire to map and maintain our fire roads for quick access during a wildfire event. Cal Fire is also allowed to our small airstrip and reservoir water when needed. We are also planning to work with Cal Fire on controlled burns that will clear out accumulated fuel while providing for regenerative forestland growth.
Fires often start along Highway 101 on the other side of the mountain range. By working with Cal Fire, we can help stop these fires before they crest the ridge and grow into wildfires that are potentially devastating for our ranch, our neighboring lands and our community.
Click here to read the full story in the Tribune, which details how Ancient Peaks and other wineries are managing potential wildfires threats in the Paso Robles wine country.