The winery is part of a 37,000 acre cattle ranch and
farm, and was purchased in 1952 by Mr. and Mrs.
James Flood of San Francisco. The cattle business is
the same as it has always been, but the beans and
barley have been replaced with vegetables and
grapevines. Because the area's climate and soil
compared favorably with the renowned growing
regions of Sonoma and Napa, Flood decided to plant
grape vines. The initial planting in the late 1960's
consisted of nine acres of Johannisberg Riesling and
four acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Current
acreage is 320 and growing.

Visitors to our tasting room often ask: “What is the
history of the chapel at the entrance to the ranch and
on the label?”

The San Ramon Chapel was built in 1875 by Frederick
Wickenden, at the request of his wife, Ramona Foxen
Wickenden. He drove 5,000 sheep to Redwood City,
California.  He sold them, using the money to
purchase redwood boards to build his home and the
chapel. In 1879 the Chapel was officially dedicated as
the San Ramon Chapel and services were held once a
month.  Because the chapel’s structure stood on
stilts, the services were often disrupted by cold and
wind. Attendance dwindled, and eventually the chapel
was only used for special ceremonies and baptisms.
In 1972, then ranch manager Harold Pfeiffer
produced the first wines.  By 1974, wineries wanted
more grapes and 141 more acres of vines were
planted. In 1977 Rancho Sisquoc became a bonded
winery and the tasting room was built.

Ed Holt became the ranch manager in 1987, and has
expanded the vineyard and winery operation.  Today,
the winery produces 20,000 cases per year.  
Throughout the history of the winery, one thing has
remained constant: we produce high quality wines,
in small quantities, and offer them at a reasonable
price.
In July 1966, the San Ramon Chapel became the first official landmark in Santa Barbara County.
On August 31, 1975 the chapel was dedicated as State Historical Landmark #877. Following the
dedication, Mass was celebrated by Father Bartin Foxen. This dedication marked the Chapel’s
100th birthday. In November 1976, Father Anthony Runtz, then Pastor of St. Louis de Montfort
Church, agreed to restore regular services. Since that time, Mass has been held every Sunday at
10:30 AM.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the community, the chapel has literally been brought
back to life. In 1979 the San Ramon Preservation Committee was formed and incorporated as a
non-profit organization. Their job is to maintain the chapel and to preserve its historical integrity.
6600 Foxen Canyon Road Santa Maria, CA 93454 ~ 805-934-4332 (tasting room)  / 805-937-6601 (fax) ~ email us at: sisquoc@ranchosisquoc.com