Saunders vineyard
Rooted in the Estrella District of Paso Robles, Saunders Vineyard is the foundation of our estate wines and the heart of our winemaking philosophy.
rooted in paso robles
Saunders vineyard
a legacy of the land
Established in 1994, Saunders Vineyard is the foundation of Hearst Ranch Winery and a reflection of the Saunders family’s enduring commitment to agriculture and the Paso Robles community. What began as a vision shared by Jim and Debi Saunders—driven by a genuine love for the land—has grown into a 150-acre estate vineyard in the Estrella District of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area.
A Paso Robles native, Jim Saunders was part of the pioneering wave of growers who helped shape the region’s modern wine industry in the early 1990s. Transitioning from contractor to winegrower, he brought both determination and foresight to the land. Shortly after acquiring the ranch, Jim and Debi undertook extensive soil testing and site evaluation, identifying the clay loam soils of the south- and west-facing hillsides as ideally suited for premium winegrowing. These early decisions laid the groundwork for a vineyard defined by intention, precision, and long-term stewardship.
Today, Saunders Vineyard is planted to a thoughtful selection of Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, including Syrah, Petite Sirah, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each block is carefully farmed and trained using vertical shoot positioning to optimize vine balance, sun exposure, and the vineyard’s natural microclimate, allowing the fruit to develop depth, structure, and varietal expression.
Set at one of the higher elevations on Paso Robles’ east side, the vineyard benefits from warm days and cooling evening temperatures that help preserve acidity while encouraging full ripening. This dynamic growing environment contributes to wines of both power and balance—hallmarks of the Hearst Ranch Winery portfolio.
Beyond the vines, Saunders Vineyard serves as the operational heart of the winery, home to the production facility and Paso Robles tasting room. It is here that vineyard and winemaking come together, offering guests a direct connection to the land from which the wines are born.
Today, Jim and Debi Saunders, joined by their son Scott, continue to guide the vineyard with a multigenerational perspective—honoring a legacy rooted in hard work, thoughtful farming, and a deep respect for Paso Robles.
Jim and Debi Saunders
estate vineyard
Rooted in the Estrella District, Saunders Vineyard anchors Hearst Ranch Winery and defines the character of its estate-driven wines.
intentional farming
Each block is farmed with restraint and precision, allowing the vineyard’s natural expression to lead every decision.
from vine to cellar
Steps from the vineyard, our production facility reflects a direct and enduring connection between land, family, and craft.
Viticulture & Biodiversity
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where the vineyard comes to life
saunders vineyard tours
Step into the estate and discover the story behind every grape at Saunders Vineyard. Enjoy an intimate guided tour of the vineyard, explore our scenic slopes and clay-loam soils, and learn about the meticulous care that goes into growing the premium varietals that define Hearst Ranch Winery. Tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at our vineyard, winery, and production facilities, culminating in a tasting of estate-grown wines crafted to reflect the essence of our land.
