Our Story

In 2000, Jack and Dotty Hopkins were looking for a retirement job for Jack after his 30 years as an airline pilot, and being wine lovers and Napa Valley residents, vineyards naturally came to mind.  On a trip to Southern California to see their daughters, they stumbled upon the town of Los Olivos in Santa Barbara County and the tasting room of Andrew Murray Vineyards. A few sips of his Syrah and they were hooked! Deciding that Syrah was the most magical nectar ever tasted, and totally unlike Syrahs produced in Napa Valley, they began their search for vineyards or land on which to create their own Syrah. After some months of searching, 180 acres of cattle ranch land became available in the beautiful rolling hills of the Adelaida, in Paso Robles Westside. Blessed with the morning fog and ocean breezes of the nearby Pacific and the long sunny afternoons of  the Central Coast, the Hopkins felt they were approximating the same climatic conditions as the Napa Valley but with fabulous calcareous, Rhône type soils, the perfect terroir for Syrah!  And, indeed, it has proven to be.  Even the early grape yields received rave reviews, earning two of Terra Bella's grape buyers Parker ratings in the 90’s.  As the vines have matured, the fruit has gained in intensity of flavor and consistency of quality. In 2006, the Hopkins prevailed upon Andrew Murray to become their winemaker, since after all it was his Syrah that got them into the business. The marriage of Andrew’s skill with Syrah and the unique characteristics of Terra Bella fruit has produced an incredible wine experience and the December 2008 release of the 2005 Estate Syrah has brought excitement to Syrah lovers throughout California.  Though only released at the end of 2009, our 2006 Syrah  received 90 points from Robert Parker (August 2009) and it promises to be a truly remarkable wine.  The Hopkins are also excited to be adding famous vintners to their list of grape customers each year and to see the results of their efforts with Terra Bella fruit.