Windsor Oaks Vineyards Company Profile

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History of the Estate

The properties of Windsor Oaks were originally a portion of Rancho Sotoyome, a land grant made in 1830 by the King of Spain to the relatives of General Mariano Vallejo. In the early 20th century, the estate was acquired by a European winegrower, who added orchards of apples, prunes, and pears to the estate. Devastated by Prohibition, the vineyards and estate were sold to a Chicago industrialist and transformed into his private retreat. Architectural elements constructed on the property during this era still remain, including a system of stone moats and bridges that are being preserved and restored by Windsor Oaks. In the mid 1970's, a group of financial investors formed a public corporation named Balverne Cellars to acquire the estate. Balverne Cellars improvements included a 50,000 case winery and a large barrel and finished wine warehouse. In fact, they were renowned for the quality of their wines, in particular their 1982 Cabernet Sauvignon, that was served in the White House during the Reagan administration. Balverne Cellars ceased operation and was acquired by the current ownership in 1992. The property was named Windsor Oaks, due to its close proximity to the town of Windsor, California, and the ancient oaks that are scattered throughout the vineyards. The original estate and vineyards are being transformed to include a boutique label winery and luxury estates.