Tucked into the rugged beauty of Paso Robles’ west side, Halter Ranch Winery is more than a winery—it’s a testament to stewardship, sustainability, and a deep-rooted respect for land. Here, amid rolling vineyards and ancient oaks, a legacy of California ranching meets cutting-edge, eco-conscious winemaking.

“We just want this to be a full-circle experience,” says Kelly Asuncion, Halter Ranch’s interim marketing manager. “You can come and drink on property, you can eat, you can explore—and most importantly, you can see how it’s all cared for.”

An Agricultural Legacy in the Hills

The ranch’s agricultural story begins long before vines were planted. In the late 1800s, the property was known as Smith Ranch. It was home to a Bay Area butcher who transported cattle over the Santa Lucia Mountains to San Simeon’s historic port. By the 1940s, it was the McGillvray family who took over> They farmed grains and eventually transforming the land into a hunting retreat—complete with a private airstrip still in use today.

In 2000, the transformation to Halter Ranch began when Swiss-born engineer and conservationist Hansjörg Wyss purchased the property. Named after Wyss’s mother, Alice Halter, the ranch has since grown into a renowned wine estate and hospitality destination. But it is also a living model of sustainable land management in San Luis Obispo County.

Winemaking With Integrity

Under the direction of winemaker Kevin Sass—who joined in 2011—Halter Ranch produces wine from 20 different varietals. These include Rhône and Bordeaux classics like Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as more unusual offerings like Vermentino and the Swiss varietal Haida.

“We do some head-trained, dry-farmed vines and a mix of trellised blocks, depending on microclimate and soil,” explains Kelly Asuncion. “We’ve got everything from rocky terraces to volcanic outcroppings and clay-rich valley pockets—it’s a winemaker’s playground.”

The estate covers 2,700 acres, with just under 300 acres developed for vineyard, tasting, and lodging, explains Kelly. The rest is left wild—part of Wyss’s lifelong commitment to conservation. “The other side of the fence is untouched,” Kelly says. “It’s meant to stay that way.”

A Billion-Dollar Commitment to the Planet

 As one of the world’s foremost conservation philanthropists, Hansjörg Wyss isn’t just thinking locally though, he pledged $1.5 billion toward global land and ocean preservation and has helped protect over 100 million acres worldwide. Halter Ranch embodies this philosophy on the ground.

The estate is powered in part by a solar panel array that offsets 100% of energy use for wine production and retail operations. Water is conserved through rainwater capture, greywater recycling, and efficient drip irrigation. And sheep graze through higher-trained vineyard blocks, reducing mowing and enhancing soil health.

“We use reclaimed water from our production facility and send it back out into the vineyard,” says Kelly. “We also have pollinator patches throughout—those little wild islands help support bees and other beneficial insects.”

From Vine to Table: Lunch at Halter Ranch Winery

A visit to Halter Ranch isn’t complete without lunch at Alice, their farm-to-table culinary experience open daily. Led by Chef Paul Arangorin, the kitchen sources hyperlocal ingredients. Ingredients come from nearby Pier 46 seafood and Windrose Farm produce to mushrooms from Mighty Cap and local estate-grown olive oil and honey.

“Our honey comes from Sierra Honey Farms and is featured in a lot of dishes,” says Kelly. “We also use our own olive oil, and many of the cheeses are from regional producers.”

The seasonal menu changes often but always reflects Central Coast terroir. Guests might savor a burger made from the estate’s own beef, house-made pasta with local vegetables, or a cheese plate highlighting California’s artisan creameries—all perfectly paired with Halter Ranch wines.

Taste and Stay

Tasting experiences at Halter Ranch Winery range from ranch flights featuring current releases to silver label flights with limited-production wines like sparkling La Belle Rosé or the flagship Ancestor, a Bordeaux blend named after the estate’s 700-year-old live oak.

Guests can elevate their visit with winery and cave tours. Or they can choose a Land Rover Defender vineyard tour, or seasonal experiences like culinary Fridays and train rides aboard custom Swiss-style locomotives. For those who want to linger, the property offers five lodging options. You can chooses from historic Victorian house used in Arachnophobia, to secluded vineyard-view homes and pilot-friendly cottages.

“Whether you fly in, drive in, or hike in, we want you to feel part of the ranch,” says Kelly. “It’s rustic and modern, wild and cultivated. And everything we do is with an eye toward the next generation.”

A Model for the Future

As the wine world faces growing climate challenges, Halter Ranch Winery stands as a shining example of what’s possible when luxury, agriculture, and conservation come together.

Of Wyss’ commitment to conservation Kelly says, “This is all of Hansjörg’s passions in one place. It’s a ranch, it’s a winery, it’s a habitat. It’s meant to be preserved, not just for now, but for decades to come.”

Plan Your Visit

Lunch at Alice is served daily, and wine tasting experiences are offered year-round. Reservations are encouraged, and lodging is available via Halter Ranch’s website. Whether you’re after a laid-back lunch, a deep dive into sustainability, or a luxurious stay in the heart of Paso Robles wine country, Halter Ranch Winery welcomes you.

Thirsty for More Halter Ranch Wines?

The Ultimate Guide to Wine Tasting at Halter Ranch in Temecula

Nestled in the heart of Temecula Valley, Halter Ranch’s tasting room offers a unique opportunity to savor the renowned wines of their Paso Robles estate. They also offer tastings of their limited-production selections crafted from local Temecula grapes. This Southern California outpost blends the rustic elegance of the Central Coast with the sun-soaked charm of Temecula. It’s an inviting setting for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. Guests can enjoy a diverse lineup, from crisp Viognier to bold Cabernet Sauvignon, all served by a passionate and knowledgeable team. Whether you’re exploring the scenic outdoor patio or engaging in a guided tasting at the bar, Halter Ranch Temecula delivers.

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This article was written by Alison Needham, @agirl_defloured, photos by Alison Needham and Meg van der Kruik for California Grown.