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Setting14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch, ancient marine terraces and fossil-rich soils
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ValueExceptional quality-to-price, one of Paso's best kept secrets
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VarietiesCabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay
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AccessWalk-ins welcome daily · $20 tasting fee
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About Ancient Peaks Winery
Ancient Peaks Winery at 22720 El Camino Real draws its name from the 14,000-year-old marine terraces forming the geological foundation of the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch. Founded in 2006, the winery farms sustainably on soils that were once a Miocene-era seabed, where fossilized marine life and calcium-rich limestone deposits create growing conditions unlike anything else in the broader Paso Robles appellation.
The Santa Margarita Ranch location places Ancient Peaks in a cooler microclimate than the warmer Paso Robles valley floor, with marine air from the Pacific moderating temperatures and extending the growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay benefit from this positioning, developing concentration and natural acidity that gives the wines freshness and balance that has consistently attracted critical attention well above the price point.
Walk-ins are welcome daily from 11am to 5pm with a $20 starting fee, making Ancient Peaks one of the best value tasting experiences in the Paso Robles area. The Santa Margarita Ranch setting, rolling hills, ancient geological formations, and working ranch infrastructure, provides an authentically agricultural and historically evocative backdrop.
"Ancient Peaks is Paso Robles heritage viticulture, 14,000-year-old marine terraces, sustainable farming, and wines that consistently overdeliver for the price point."
Featured Wines
Red · Flagship
Cabernet Sauvignon
Santa Margarita Ranch
Estate Cab from ancient marine terrace soils, structured, balanced, consistently overdelivering for the price point.
Red Wine
Zinfandel
Santa Margarita Ranch
Brambly and spiced with concentration from the ancient, calcium-rich soils.
White Wine
Chardonnay
Santa Margarita Ranch
Fresh and mineral-driven, the cool Santa Margarita microclimate preserves natural acidity and food-friendliness.
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Classic Tasting
A guided tasting of current-release wines at Ancient Peaks Winery. Contact the winery for current pricing, duration, and availability.
Contact winery
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Group & Private Experiences
Many wineries in Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles offer private tastings, reserve experiences, or seated tours for groups. Reach out directly to plan.
By appointment
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Vineyard & Cellar Tours
When available, vineyard or cellar tours offer a deeper look at how Ancient Peaks makes its wines. Check the winery's website for schedules.
Varies
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Events & Member Programs
Ancient Peaks may host seasonal events, harvest activities, or wine club member tastings. Subscribe via the winery's site for updates.
Varies
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