Peake Ranch
Summary
Peake Ranch is a boutique Sta. Rita Hills producer founded by John and Gillian Peake, operating from the historic Buell property with approximately 50-80 acres of hillside vineyards where they focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that express the region's marine-influenced terroir. Under winemaker Wynne Solomon, this relatively new venture has quickly established quality recognition through small-lot production methods that preserve vineyard character, having invested significantly in both vineyard development and a new winery facility within a decade of founding.
Heritage & Leadership
Peake Ranch is a wine producer located in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA of Santa Barbara County, California. Founded around 2012-2014 by John and Gillian Peake, the winery represents the couple's second career venture after successful professional lives in other industries. The estate occupies land that was formerly part of the historic Buell property, connecting it to the agricultural heritage of the region.
The Peakes have invested significantly in developing their wine operation, culminating in the opening of a new winery facility around 2019. The winemaking program is led by Wynne Solomon, who oversees production of the estate's portfolio. Under this leadership, Peake Ranch has established itself as a focused producer within the cool-climate winegrowing region of Sta. Rita Hills.
Vineyards & Wines
Peake Ranch's primary estate vineyard is situated in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a region known for its marine-influenced climate that creates ideal conditions for cool-climate viticulture. The property is believed to encompass approximately 50-80 acres of vineyards set on hillside terrain with varied exposures that capture optimal sunlight while maintaining the cooling influence essential for their grape varieties.
The vineyard soils consist of marine-based compositions with sandy loam and clay components typical of the Sta. Rita Hills region. These soil conditions, combined with the cool climate, provide the foundation for the winery's focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—varieties that thrive in this environment. Peake Ranch also cultivates Syrah, expanding their varietal expression beyond the region's signature grapes.
The winery produces both estate wines and bottles from select purchased fruit, including grapes from the respected John Sebastiano Vineyard. Their portfolio features single-vineyard designated wines that express the distinctive characteristics of specific sites. The wines consistently display the bright acidity and balanced structure characteristic of the Sta. Rita Hills growing region.
Philosophy & Practice
Peake Ranch employs small-lot production methods that allow for attentive winemaking and the expression of vineyard character. Their approach to wine production balances respect for the cool-climate fruit with careful cellar practices designed to showcase the distinctive qualities of their vineyard sources.
The aging program for Peake Ranch wines incorporates French oak barrels, selected to complement rather than overwhelm the fruit characteristics. This measured approach to oak influence aligns with their focus on vineyard expression and regional typicity.
The winery maintains a boutique production scale, with annual case production estimated under 5,000 cases. This limited volume allows for the detailed attention that defines their winemaking philosophy while maintaining quality across their portfolio of Sta. Rita Hills wines.