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Legendary Vineyard, World-Class Wine

A California Icon in the Heart of the Santa Maria Valley

One of the oldest cool-climate vineyards in California and home of the world’s most single vineyard designations, Bien Nacido Vineyard has been an acclaimed source of world-class grapes and estate wine since its founding in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller.

Meaning “Well Born” in Spanish, Bien Nacido was planted on the historic site of the Rancho Tepusquet land grant, a plot of land that was granted to Tomás Olivera in 1837, when California was still a part of Mexico. The Olivera Family’s adobe, built in 1857, still graces the estate today – a majestic sentinel looking after the vines.

A California Icon in the Heart of the Santa Maria Valley

Purchased by the Miller Family in 1969, what is now Bien Nacido Vineyard began as the shared vision of brothers Bob and Steve Miller: to develop a vineyard that would be acknowledged as among the elite vineyards of the world. Four years of hard work and sweat equity led to the original vineyard plantings – 300 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay – in 1973.

Since then, under the Miller Family’s stewardship, Bien Nacido Vineyard has become one of the most coveted sources of cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah in California, if not the world. Celebrated as the most single vineyard-designated site in the world, the combination of remarkable terroir and an incredibly dedicated team who cares for the land, enables Bien Nacido’s legacy of exceptional winemaking and grape-growing to further grow with each passing vintage.

From the Experts

Bien Nacido’s Acclaimed Estate Wine

10 Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines

California’s Grand Cru Chardonnay Vineyards

The 17 Most Important California Vineyards All Wine Lovers Need to Know

A Distinct and Diverse Site

Interactive Vineyard Map

From Land Grant to Iconic Vineyard

The History of Bien Nacido Estate

1837
1857
1969
1973
1992
2002
2005
2010
2020
2021
2022
1837 - Land Grant
Land Grant

In 1837 Tomas Olivera received a Spanish land grant that stretched from the Santa Maria Mesa to the San Rafael Mountains. He called it Rancho Tepusquet after the nearby creek.

1857 - Adobe Built
Adobe Built

Olivera’s daughter and son-in-law, Don Juan Pacifico constructed an adobe in 1857 and lived there with their family, raising cattle, grain, and wine grapes. Over the years, Don Pacifico’s family divided up the property and the Rancho diminished in size until the two largest parcels were reconnected by the Miller family.

1969 - Millers purchase Bien Nacido Vineyards
Millers purchase Bien Nacido Vineyards

In 1969, brothers Bob and Steve Miller came together with one vision – to develop a vineyard that would be acknowledged as among the elite vineyards of the world.

1973 - Planting of Bien Nacido Vineyards
Planting of Bien Nacido Vineyards

The vineyard was planted in 1973. Bob and Steve called it Bien Nacido, meaning “well born” in Spanish, because of the passion and commitment they shared in bringing it to life.

Partner Named Winemaker of the Year

Jim Clendenen, founder of Au Bon Climat winery, was an early client of Bien Nacido Vineyard and instrumental in building the reputation and renown of the vineyard. In 1992 the Los Angeles Times named him “Winemaker of the Year”.

Vineyard Earns Worldwide Acclaim

In the Fall of 2002 Wine & Spirits magazine named Bien Nacido as one of the “Top 25 Vineyards in the World”, solidifying its place among the elite vineyards of the world. Similar acclaim and recognition continues to this day.

Estate Program Begins

The official estate wine program at Bien Nacido started with the 2005 vintage, which was given to family and friends. Two years later the program was opened up commercially with Bien Nacido Syrah.

CA Vineyard of the Year

Bien Nacido earned the distinction of being named the “California Vineyard of the Year” in 2010 by the California State Fair.

100 Point Score

In the Fall of 2020, Paul Lato’s 2018 il Padrino Syrah earned a perfect 100 point score from prestigious critic Jeb Dunnuck. Lato’s Syrah is the first vineyard designate wine for Bien Nacido to score 100 points.

Vineyard Acclaim

In January of 2021, Wine Enthusiast included Bien Nacido in “10 Vineyards Behind the World’s Most Famous Wines.”

Vineyard Acclaim

Soon after, in 2022, Food & Wine named Bien Nacido as “the Most Important Vineyard”, solidifying Bien Nacido’s status as a significant source of world-class grapes and further establishing the vineyard’s global reputation as an elite site.

Exceptional Estate Wine from Renowned Bien Nacido Vineyard

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