Holman Ranch: The Best Organic Wines You're Not Drinking (But Can)

The integrity of a product normally hinges on the values of its creator. If a contractor rushes through the construction of a home, the whole thing could come down. If a programmer is not meticulous with code, the app might never work. The same mindset applies to wines.

Today the US is facing a decline not only in the quality of food, but our wines as well. In fact, Edible Skinny recently learned on a Bulletproof podcast that many Californian wines are not allowed to be sold in Europe because of the toxic additives deemed unsafe for European consumption. In the United States, many vineyards are using more and more additives and pesticides, as well as increasing the about of chemicals to improve taste and mask other impurities. In this day and age it is important to know what’s in your wine and how its made. Choosing an organic wine is just as important as choosing grass fed meat or organic veggies: quality food contributes to quality health.

Holman Ranch, a 400-acre, family-owned, vineyard in Carmel Valley is Edible Skinny’s favorite for high quality organic wine at an affordable price. Producing three different labels: Holman Ranch, Jarman and Will’s Fargo, Holman Ranch showcases a consistent commitment to quality- treating each individual bottle from start to finish with craft and care. Holman uses a number of green practices that allow them to operate with ethical and ecological integrity.

One of the most impressive things about Holman Ranch is that their vineyard has received a Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification. SIP is a rigorous sustainable vineyard and wine certification with meticulous, non-negotiable requirements. Achieving this title is no easy feat. SIP standards require a commitment to standards based on science and expert input, independent verification, transparency, and absence of conflict of interest. It makes sure that vineyard practices and procedures from growing to distribution are earth friendly and non-harmful to consumer health. In short, healthier wine for healthy living.

Holman Ranch is small enough that they can control quality, but large enough that they have a variety of offerings. Producing 3,000-5,000 cases annually the winery has a number of different labels to fit any palate or preference. All of Holman Ranch labels are made with 100% estate grapes meaning everything comes from the Holman Property, including their watering source, recycled rain water, as well as their natural cooling source- underground wine caves. All Holman’s grapes are hand picked with love and care to make sure each and every part, no matter how small is of the highest quality.

Holman’s first of three labels is Holman Ranch wines. These wines follow a more European approach, and as always are earth friendly and use sustainable practices. The Holman label highlights the favorite varietals of the area, showcases the vineyard staple the Pinot grape. The Holman label hosts rich velvety Pinot Noirs as well as lighter bodied Pinot Grigio and everything in between. These wines are great for a hot summer day or a casual picnic. An Edible Skinny favorite from the Holman Label is their Brix, a white blend that is subtle and sophisticated, that has beautiful accents but won't overpower a meal.

Jarman, Holman’s higher-end label, drinks more like our traditional Californian wines. From Chardonnays to Pinot Noirs, the fruit use with this label is a little more manipulated or influenced. Many of the Jarman wines are bigger, with more Tannins and fuller bodies. The Jarman Chardonnay got two thumbs up from Edible Skinny. It had the personality of a creamy Californian chardonnay without a hint of buttery notes that don’t overpower.

Holman’s final label is named after the Holman Ranch’s newly purchased restaurant Will’s Fargo. This label, which makes a great Pinot Noir can be found at local restaurants or in lodgings like the adorable Hofsas House.

So how do our readers across the country (and globe) try Holman’s delicious wine? The best way is to join their wine club. And this isn’t just any wine club, the perks are through the roof. Members of the wine club receive the following benefits. First members received two shipments per year of 6 bottle that they can hand pick. They also receive complimentary tastings for them. and up to three guests (maximum of four people) They get exclusive access to "Wine Club Only" and new release wines as well as our Estate Olive Oil. They receive complimentary VIP tours of the Holman Ranch Vineyard and Winery, by appointment, as well as two free tickets to Holman Ranch's annual Fiesta de los Amigos, a huge party they throw every year. Lastly, they also get preferred reservation status to any wine education or hospitality event. In the past wine club members were also offered one free nights stay per year on Holman’s beautiful vineyard grounds, that play host to many parties and weddings. And that is only the wine club.

Holman Ranch does it all. There is so much more than wine. With a stunning 400-acre family-owned, property includes a fully restored historic stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards and wine caves, olive grove, horse stables and two tasting rooms where guests can sample wines, Holman Ranch is the your one-stop shop to experience the fruits of nature and the finest Carmel Valley has to offer.

For anyone looking for not only organic wines that have bright and rich flavors without added chemicals but a winery that will treat you like family and give the perks to prove it: look no further than Holman Ranch. 
For more information please visit: http://holmanranch.com/

Will Fargo’s: An Exceptional Eatery with Old-fashioned Integrity

By Kelly Grace Thomas

The best meals have the ability to take you back in time. And that’s exactly what Will’s Fargo, the steakhouse owned by Holman Ranch, aims to do,  remind people how amazing (and delicious) simplicity can be. 
Will’s Fargo, a rustic eatery in Carmel Valley, with its ranch-inspired ambiance and exceptional cuisine, whisks their customers back to a time where quality was key.  At Will’s Fargo food comes directly from the farm, or ranch, straight to the customers plate, and hospitality is always served with a smile. In a day and age where quantity is valued over quality, it is refreshing to see a restaurant that values preserving the integrity of the whole dining experience - from the first greeting to the last bite. It is no wonder Will’s Fargo is voted the Best Steakhouse in Carmel Valley, receiving numerous accolades by visitors and locals alike.

Edible Skinny was lucky enough to visit Will’s Fargo, owned by Holman Ranch, while staying on their gorgeous property. Holman Ranch is a local vineyard, and its jaw-dropping beauty and outstanding organic wines it has quickly become an Edible Skinny favorite. The owners of Holman Ranch used to be frequent visitors of Will’s Fargo, taking clients there for business lunches or after dinner drinks. Once the restaurant went up for sale Holman Ranch saw buying the restaurant as a natural extension of their service and offerings. Holman Ranch was already giving their guests breathtaking grounds to stay on, making exceptional wine at the highest standards, the only thing missing was a delicious meal to go with it.

And those meals come with some history. The Will’s building has actually been around since the 1920’s and served as a road house located on the “milk run” between Monterey and Tassajara. Later it became a dinner house named The Carousel before Will Fay established Will’s Fargo Restaurant in 1959. The name was inspired by what the then-owner called a “dressed up saloon” interior. The design merged the personalities of a Victorian parlor with a western “Fargo” way station to make customer feel like they in a past era, dining at the ranch.

Under the ownership of Holman Ranch the ambiance of Will’s Fargo has stayed the same but culinary creations and melt in your mouth meats has transformed their menu. Headed by Executive Chef Greg Karjala, Will’s Fargo seeks to strike a perfect balance between fresh flavorful concepts and honoring the traditional taste of Carmel Valley. Karjala emphasis the beauty of seasonal cooking using only the freshest ingredients and the finest detail.

Edible Skinny was blown away by Will’s Fargo. We were very impressed by not only the quality, but the ingenuity of simple dishes that combine one or two ingredients to create big flavors, flavors that compliment not overpower.
Edible Skinny started our meal with light appetizers that were refreshing and delicate. Our favorites were the sourdough crouton with paprika, a 6 minute egg, white anchovy, and arugula.

As well as the wedge salad trio, classic blue cheese, blue cheese vinaigrette, green goddess dressing placed perfectly in lettuce cups, with flavors that were bright and complex. For dinner we loved the braised short ribs that melted like butter in our mouths, which were served with goat cheese, polenta and pickled green tomatoes. 
Another standout was the rich and creamy, asparagus and asiago raviolis, with a soubise sauce and braised green, grana padano. We also enjoyed some of Will’s Fargo’s famous sides like their -sweet corn with cilantro and lime and roasted mushrooms, with tarragon butter and lemon. Ending the night on a sweet note, Will’s Fargo created simple and sweet desserts that are just the right portions for any sweet tooth. For dessert we enjoyed a white chocolate mousse with hazelnuts, brown butter, pineapple as well as roasted strawberries with pernod poached rhubarb, balsamic glaze, and sweet cream. Just remembering this meal makes our mouth water.

And no meal would be complete without an exceptional glass of wine. Especially when you have three outstanding Holman Ranch labels to choose from (more about that from Edible Skinny later this week.) Jarman, Holman Ranch’s, higher-end label has a tasting room next to Will’s Fargo, so dinner can sip on their various organic varietals while waiting for a table. Or they can enjoy one of Holman’s original label with a number a delicious options to choose from. Edible Skinny loved Jarman’s Chardonnay made from the finest local fruit, as well as Holman’s rich and velvety Pinot Noir. Will’s Fargo also has their very own label, featured at the Hofsas House, when guests get a wine and cheese plate upon check in.

Whether you want a great glass of red wine and steak so tender you could cut it with a spoon, or a glass of Chardonnay and wedge trio that is light and tangy, Will’s Fargo has something for all palettes passing through. Will’s Fargo, hands down one of the best, can’t-miss eateries in Carmel Valley, owned by an exceptional winery with uncompromised taste only offers the best service and most delicious dining, guaranteed to bring you back in time.

For more information about Will's Fargo visit http://wfrestaurant.com/

Hofsas House: Comfort and Care in a Home away From Home

By Kelly Grace Thomas

There aren’t many hotels that greet their guests by first name. Or many that can host a family reunion equipped with meeting halls, family suites and kitchens. And even less that offer saunas, fireplaces, ocean views and wine and a cheese plates upon check in. The Hofsas House in Carmel-by-the-Sea does all of this and more. The Hofsas House, one of Carmel-by-the-Sea’s most beloved hotels, offers a personalized stay while making sure each and every one of their guests feels like family. 

The Hofsas House located in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea has all the amenities of corporate establishments while still maintaining a family feel. The pretty-in-pink hotel which is owned by the Theis family has been in business for over six decades and offers a variety of options to accommodate all groups large to small. 

The Hofsas House has 38 different guest rooms that range from standard singles, to queens with in-room fireplaces and ocean views, to a two bedroom suites with private balconies. The Hofsas House has something to fit any need and provides the benefits of an AirBnB without the fuss. They take the worry out of booking and cleaning fees, providing guest with comfortable stay and a prime location, walkable to all Carmel-by-the-Sea’s amenities. They are a one-stop-shop, selling tickets for many of the local sights and attractions. 

The Hofsas House even starts your day off right with a complimentary morning breakfast, hearthside fire and newspaper, another finishing touch on their outstanding and sincere customer service, where guests are always greeted with a warm smile.

“It’s a family place, that’s why people keep coming back,” said Scott Theis. This family-run business cares about their neighborhood. Each co-owner is highly involved in the Carmel-by-the-Sea’s community, they love their town and want their guests to feel the same. These values are apparent and reflected in the way they tailor and personalize each guests experience to ensure a restful stay.

During Edible Skinny’s stay we were impressed by how much Hofsas helped to make our experience enjoyable both in and outside the hotel. Hofsas always has a friendly face at the front desk to greet customers with recommendation of outstanding local eateries like Cafe Dametra and wonderful organic tasting rooms De Tierra and Windy Oaks. The Hofsas House can also help guest buy tickets for the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Wine Walk, both highly recommended by Edible Skinny. The Hofsas House made seeing Carmel-by-the-Sea a positive and hassle-free experience.

Hofsas goes the extra mile for their guests. Edible Skinny was greeted with a bottle of Will’s Fargo Pinot Noir, a delicious and velvety wine made by the always amazing and organic Holman Ranch, as well as a cheese plate from the local cheese shop. While wine and cheese aren’t included with every room, guests can order it for their arrival for a very reasonable fee. With a fine glass of wine and cheese and crackers,  Edible Skinny editors cuddled up by the in-room fireplace (Duraflame included)  to enjoy the quiet luxury of relaxation of (what felt like) a home away from home.

While all of these things help Hofsas standout against other hotels, we would remiss if we didn’t mention the funky style of this seaside institution. One thing Hofsas is known for is their unique decor This painted-pink hotel stands out as a kitschy neighborhood gem among the subue designs of the town's other lodgings. The Hofsas House has a vintage feel, like you are going back in time, ready for a cozy stay at your grandmother's house. It is an atmosphere of comfort and care, with a splash of hip funk. The standout style of Hofsas acknowledges how what was once old has become new again. One thing that accounts for the Hofsas unique style is the decorative eyes of Doris Theis. “A lot of newer hotels everything is white, that is not the Hofsas House,” said Doris, with a smile.

While staying at Hofsas, even though you are a visitor you feel like you’re part of the community, you’re part of the family. Whether it is the smiles and first name-greeting at the front desk, or settling in front of the fire after a full-day of wining and dining, Hofsas House is the perfect place to getaway while still enjoying the comforts of home.

Within walking distance to every amenity in Carmel-by-the-Sea the Hofsas House perfect for those doing the Wine Walk, Art Galleries or dining at any of the amazing eateries. Hofsas House is a must stay destination for any traveler who wants to an exceptional stay that goes above and beyond. For more informaion about the Hofas House please visit www.hofsashouse.com

Spread the Warmth Suggestion #3: Jarman Wines

 

When Edible Skinny was the Monterey/Carmel area in October we were able to spend a little bit more time with Miss Hunter Lowder President of the Carmel Valley based wineries Holman Ranch and Jarman.   

 

Hunter is a fantastically sassy woman (when asked if she was married to Nick Elliiot, Guest Services Manager at Holman Ranch, she quipped “Actually, Nick’s married to me…”) who runs their family’s boutique wine empire (4,000 cases total) with the perfect Bossy Girl attitude (to quote Amy Poehler).  Now ES readers will most definitely remember that we are super fans of the fantastic Holman Ranch (as Kelly says they make wines that “taste like I want to dance in them”) but for this Spread the Warmth we want focus on their newer brand: Jarman.

 

Holman Ranch’s Jarman label reflects the family’s dedication to quality through smaller quantities with only the best 100 percent estate-grown grapes used during an artisanal, small batch winemaking process and aged in exclusively French Oak barrels.

 

With a higher price point (their Chardonnay runs $45 while their Pinot Noir is $75), this cost is reflected through Jarman’s vintages being held in limited supply and not available anywhere outside of the tasting room.  

But one of the best aspects of Jarman is its Do-Gooder dedication.   With a personal connection to the dreadful disease of Alzheimer’s (Hunter’s mother Jarman, for whom the label is named after, passed away due to complications to the disease), $1 from each bottle sold will go to the  Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.  The funds are used on Alzheimer’s drug research to help find effective treatments for this dreadful disease that touches millions.

 

So if you’re looking for that perfect special occasion Pinot that helps spread the warmth through helping a spectacular cause make sure to grab a bottle of the Jarman!

Hoping your days are full of fantastically sassy women and your Holidays are delicious!   

 

Hello Fishes!!! Edible Skinny Does the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

Hello Fishes!!!  While up in Monterey a month ago Edible Skinny was lucky enough to experience the watery wonder of the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

While there Edible Skinny discovered the extraterrestrial world of kelp forests, granite reefs and the open sea tanks filled with hammerhead sharks, sea otters, penguins, octopuses, jellies and countless other creature.

Rated the #1 aquarium in the world by TripAdvisor, the famous educational fish tank is located bayside on the site of a former sardine cannery on Cannery Row (made famous by one Mr. John Steinback…).  Showcasing the wildlife and habitats of The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary the aquarium has an attendance of more than two million visitors a year.

 

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's 28-foot Kelp Forest is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world.   It allows a scuba diver’s eye into the world of sardines, sharks, and eels as they bob and weave through swaying fronds of kelp!   We were on site to experience not one but two fish feedings:  the Open Sea and Kelp Forrest. 

During our the Open Sea feeding we learned that that the Monterey Bay Aquarium has the oldest recorded Hammerhead shark in captivity, a female that's thirteen years old.  This same shark is also the largest on record, clocking in at twelve feet long (something you definitely don't want to encounter when scuba diving...). 

Fun fact, they actually have the feed these sharks separate from the tuna that share the tank with because the tuna, in their excited hunger state, might slam into the sharks gravely injuring them (shark's are pure cartilage so they don't do well with sixty mile per hour tuna charging into them...) 

I was once again delighted by the aquarium's Jellyfish exhibit (I adore Jellyfish!!!) which features native Jellies including the: sea nettles, moon jellies, and the nearly invisible crystal jellyfish.

Here's to never encountering a 12 foot Hammerhead or a tuna charging at sixty miles per hour, and to life being delicious!

  
 

 

Top Ten Things Edible Skinny Love Love Loves about California Market

By Kelly Grace Thomas

California Market, a gem of a restaurant, tucked away at Hyatt Carmel Highlands is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or brunch with friends. Built with breathtaking views of the Big Sur and Yankee Point, California Market offers a sophisticated and savory selections to be enjoyed on their open air redwood deck or snuggled inside by their cozy fireplace. Because there are so many wonderful things about this place, seriously, we could go on and on and on and on…. We want to give you, our fabulous readers, the top ten highlights of California Market

Top Ten Reasons Edible Skinny loves California Market

10. They’re latte that looks like layer cake. Edible Skinny noticed this deliciously decorative drink as it was being carried across the restaurant, it looked like the prettiest liquid tiramisu like decadence you’ve ever seen, in a glass. We just had to try it, fortunately they were able to give us coconut milk instead of whole milk. Even with our slight substitutions, it was caffeinated luxury.

9. They respect the vegetarians. Kat Thomas, editor-in-chief is Edible’s resident vegetarian. And while she eats lots of delicious food, sometimes her options are more limited, especially during brunch. Kat was excited to start the day California Market’s Zucchini & Cheese Frittata made with Gruyere, Goat, & White Cheddar Cheese, Tomato & Onion, Ciabatta Toast. A light and healthy option that was heavy on health.

8. They know how to make a real salad. When it comes to salads, restaurants have a tendency to go to extremes. We have all seen the garden salad with one cherry tomato or the chicken finger explosion covered in ranch. California Market is still health focused without skimping on flavor. We were delightfully surprised by how refreshing and satisfying their Seared Ahi Salad with Tatsoi, Haricot Vert, Chopped Romaine, Mandarin Oranges, Enoki Mushrooms, Pickled Ginger Vinaigrette was. We also sampled their  Monterey Salad with Shrimp, Jack Cheese, Cucumber, Avocado, Tomatoes, Pickled onions, House Vinaigrette but substituted Grilled Portabello Mushrooms for Shrimp. It was “light and fresh like something you should eat a la piscine, in France,” said Kat.

7. The fact that Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt had lunch here after they got engaged, according to Shelly Rodriguez, Catering and Events Manager. And who could blame them? California Market is the perfect romantic backdrop to celebrate life’s most precious moments.

6. Server Tony Lorenz!  Our server Tony Lorenz delivered excellent service. Knowledgeable and friendly, Tony went above and beyond sharing details about the dishes, hotel and Monterey’s wildlife. In the past Tony worked as a Naturalist for Monterey Bay Whale Watch where he invited us to whale watch the following afternoon. Thanks, Tony!!!  Best whale watching ever, Monterey’s marine life is something of a marvel.

5. The bacon. Oh the bacon... I am somewhat of a bacon connoisseur. Applewood, Hickory Smoked, Maple. You name it, I love it. The Hyatt Highlands side of bacon served with breakfast was the perfect savory compliment to our delicious Point Lobos dish. It was thick and plump, with a depth of flavor without being too rich. An A+

4. Point Lobos.  Perhaps the most decadent thing we have sampled before 9am. Point Lobos Dungeness Crab, Avocado, & Cilantro, English Muffin with Hollandaise. The light refreshing crab mixed with the rich and creamy hollandaise is the perfect combination to pamper your palette.

3. The insta-vacation effect.  Today we all lead such stressful jobs. And sometimes it is difficult to unwind. California Market is an instant vacation, after five minutes on their deck staring at the view and sipping their delicious Carneros Chardonnay by Rombauer Vineyards and you’ll think, “Stress? What stress?”

2. The indoor/outdoor versatility.  Some of us love the sunshine of the outdoors, the feel of salt air in our lungs, the breeze in our hair. While others love to snuggle up next to a fire and lazily sip coffee as we read the newspaper. California Market is the best of both worlds, you can dine with any backdrop of your choosing enjoying both beauty and comfort.

1. The view, how that pacific sparkles. When we stepped out on their deck, where we enjoyed both breakfast and lunch, I couldn’t help but hold my breath for a minute. This type of beauty stops you mid sentence sometimes, it is that powerful. It is rare that you get to dine this closely to nature, in all its awe and power. California Market has so many beautiful and delicious opportunities to soak in.

Thank you, California Market, for proving as always, life is delicious.

For more information about California Market visit http://highlandsinn.hyatt.com/en/hotel/dining/CaliforniaMarket.html

 

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands, a Location of Details

Welcome to living the High Life!  Edible Skinny was up in Carmel last weekend for a night at the Hyatt Carmel Highlands.  This charming rustic retreat is surrounded by the inspiring crisp freshness of pine trees (absolutely nothing smells cleaner, there’s a reason why we use this smell in all our cleaning supplies…) while overlooking the Big Sur coastline with epic views of the Pacific Ocean!

So let’s get this out of the way: YES! The Highlands is definitely the perfect place for a small intimate sunset wedding ceremony.  It’s absolutely gorgeous during the magic hour!  And this is a venue that thrives on making each couple’s special day perfect (and their booking schedule reflects such…).  But there’s so much more to the Highlands than a fantastic place to wear a white dress…

There’s the award winning Pacific’s Edge restaurant (of which you’ll hear more about from Kelly).   There’s complimentary Bianchi bikes you can take down to Point Lobos (also more on this one coming up).  There’s S’Mores kits in the gift shop and fire pits every few steps.  Complimentary binoculars allow you to get a closer look at the seagulls drifting on the gusts echoing from the cliffs below.   The saltwater pool is heated to exactly 82 degrees and three outdoor Jacuzzis are strategically placed around the property for those chilly Carmel evenings. 

The Highlands is a location of details.  When we arrived at this picturesque hideaway we were quickly greeted with a welcome glass of Prosecco, not one but two roaring fireplaces, and a view you will never forget.  Each of the 48 rooms also has a fireplace (whose chimneys are the originals of the 100 year old property) with preset kindling in the hearth so all you need to do is light a match.  There’s intimate boardrooms with view inspiring vistas for an intimate corporate retreat of thirty or less.  When showing us our room our bellman recommended we leave our balcony open at night, allowing us to hear the Pacific’s melodic waves crashing below when drifting off to sleep. 

And with the potential for bottles of wine, plates of cheese, and fabulous Monterey Meringues strategically placed around the room, it’s the perfect retreat for a couple looking to drive up the coast for the weekend.  Or to return once again!  Along with the hotel, Hyatt offers a timeshare side of the property for those who want to return year after year, a popular choice for those wishing to celebrate their wedding anniversary in the same location they got married at!

The Hyatt Carmel Highlands, a great choice for a romantic getaway, an intimate corporate retreat, and yes a charming boutique wedding. 

Holman Ranch, Where the Past is Always Present

On our sojourn to the north Edible Skinny was delighted to be granted a night’s stay at the 400-acre property of Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California.  We’ve previously covered their tasting room and olive oil, but never had the opportunity to personally encounter this magical location where the past is always present.

Located in the world-class growing appellation of Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch’s enchanting stone hacienda offers old world style with its native gardens, the breathtaking vistas from every angle, olive groves, and vineyards.  It’s a Central Coast charmed place for weddings, family events, special events, family gatherings, and corporate retreats.  

The Ranch, which is approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast, has quite the past.  In 1928, a San Francisco businessman, Gordon Armsby, was attracted to the rich farmland and leisurely pace of Carmel Valley, and purchased 600-acres in the Valley, inclwuding what would be Holman Ranch.  Armsby hired architect Clarence Tantau, of Monterey’s Del Monte Hotel fame, to design the home that would reside on his new property.

Tantau and Armsby chose a classic Spanish-style hacienda, shielded by Carmel stone walls and adorned by handmade Mexican terracotta roofing and hand-carved oak-beamed ceilings.  The Hacienda sits atop a grassy knoll, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the Santa Lucia Mountains.  Nestled in a stand of mature oaks, nicknamed “Casa Escondida”, or “Hidden House”, the estate served as an exclusive hideaway for many Hollywood celebrities including Charlie Chaplin and Theda Bara.

 

In the 1940s, Clarence Holman, eldest son of Holman’s Department Store family purchased the Ranch and converted it into one of Carmel’s first resorts (including installing the first pool in Carmel Valley).  It quickly became the center of social life, hosting a plethora of “Who’s Who” parties and community events.  In the tradition of their predecessors, the Holman’s had the pleasure of hosting Hollywood’s finest: Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford and Marlon Brando (who’s cabin we stayed in!), to name a few.

In 1989, Dorothy McEwen stepped up to preserved the Ranch’s historic past as a private estate and event venue.  She planted vineyards, founded the stables, and outfitted the hacienda to accommodate celebrations of all kinds.

Thomas and  Jarman Lowder learned of the property, fell for its charms, and purchased Holman Ranch in 2006 and began restoring, refurbishing, and updating the Ranch to bring it back to its original grandeur, adding 17 acres of vineyards and wine caves.   Today the Lowder Family are fulfilling their dream of making estate grown wine and olive oil. 

Holman Ranch has always been a unique location, not only for breathtaking views and natural beauty, but also as a private estate that opens its doors to the public for their special events.  Their daughter, Hunter, who continues in the fashion of all previous owners, runs all of the property’s special events.  The Lowder Family updated the Ranch’s old-world charm, providing modern conveniences including heat, air conditioning, Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, abundant indoor and outdoor electricity, and an integrated sound system.

 

Holman Ranch is perfection for vistas, vineyards, and vows, a magical place where the past is always present.

Here’s to life being delicious!