In 1997 John York and Paula Payne bought
land in the San Diego County backcountry a few miles outside of Ramona, California and carved Hellanback Ranch out
of the wild chaparral. In the beginning, there were no roads, no electricity, no neighbors - nothing. Real
pioneers!
Hellanback Ranch Vineyard was established
in the Winter of 2006. Ranch operations were limited to raising cattle and a few pigs before the idea of planting vineyards
took root. Collecting (and drinking) wine at the ranch was always a favorite pastime, but when dedicated winegrape growers
in the area managed to get the Ramona Valley designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA), the dream of creating a winery
seemed like the logical next step.
Ramona actually has a long history of growing grapes and
making wine, dating back to the early Spanish missions. Ramona is located between the front range of the coastal mountains
of Southern California and the Pacific Ocean, enjoying hot days and cool nights influenced by the coastal marine layer.
The area is ideal for growing quality warm weather varietals such as Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel,
Merlot, Sangiovese, Viognier, and others.
John and Paula are members of the Ramona Valley
Vineyard Association, whose mission is "sharing of viticulture experience, methods, and innovations which produce quality
fruit and promote the Ramona Valley as a premier wine region." John is the association's President, and he
offers his time to members of the RVVA and the wine grape community at large to promote sustainable vineyard practices and
quality wine making.
