Jim Saunders and Steve Hearst’s friendship began in 2009. When they began Hearst Ranch Winery, their shared mission was clear: to create the best wines possible on California’s Central Coast.
Our hand-crafted wines have been brought to life by the collaboration of sound agricultural practices, impeccable wine-making and the continued philanthropic involvement of Jim and Steve in their local communities. Our Central Coast vineyards are among the finest in the world. Combine that with the talent of our wine-making team and you get Hearst Ranch Wines.

Jim Saunders and Steve Hearst’s friendship began in 2009. When they began Hearst Ranch Winery, their shared mission was clear: to create the best wines possible on California’s Central Coast.

A genuine love for the area and desire to be involved in agriculture is what prompted Jim and Debi Saunders to purchase the current Saunders Vineyard in 1994. Soil testing and site evaluations began immediately after purchasing the ranch, located in the Estrella district of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA). They found the clay loam soils of the south- and west-facing hills were ideal for wine grapes.
The vineyard consists of multiple blocks of Malbec, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo and Syrah with the addition of premium Cabernet Sauvignon in 2017. The vines are trained to a vertical shoot positioning to optimize vine vigor, capacity and interior canopy micro-climate. The vineyard has grown to 350 acres today.

A genuine love for the area and desire to be involved in agriculture is what prompted Jim and Debi Saunders to purchase the current Saunders Vineyard in 1994. Soil testing and site evaluations began immediately after purchasing the ranch, located in the Estrella district of the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA). They found the clay loam soils of the south- and west-facing hills were ideal for wine grapes.