Discovering Paso Robles
When their children were young, Ron and Pam Harris liked to build mini-vacations around different winegrowing regions throughout California. One fortuitous day, while visiting Paso Robles, the Harris clan had a wonderful visit at Justin Vineyards and Winery followed by a stop at the JanKris Winery. There, owner Paula Gendron not only poured them wine, but took the family out to the animal barn to visit the chickens, cows and horses. As they stood looking out at the vineyards in the distance, Paula shared her story; a romantic story of leaving the big city to grow vines and make wine in Paso Robles. Paula’s hospitality was a fond memory for Ron and Pam. As the years passed, they often reflected about their chance meeting and dreamt about how one day they would craft wines from vineyards in the place that captured their heart, Paso Robles.
The Purchase
That fond memory became reality to the Harris family in 1998. That year, Ron and Pam purchased 80-acres of an undeveloped cow pasture just north of Paso Robles. They refurbished the modest three-bedroom house on the property that would become their home when the vines need tending. And when the vines are basking in the sun and need little attention, Ron and Pam tend to their day jobs in the San Francisco Bay Area. There Pam is a PE teacher and Ron is a painting contractor by day, but by night and on weekends they are wine growers.
Developing the land. Making wine.
Ron hired Dennis Byrnes in 2000 to spearhead the development of the land—planting of vineyards, building of roads, installation of underground utilities and a new support barn. Today, Dennis continues to manage the vineyards and property. The vineyard is planted to ten acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, five acres of Merlot and five acres of Cabernet Franc. These planted varieties are blended together or kept separate to craft the wines of Indian Valley Vineyards.
Ron “learned by doing” in creating the first vintages of Indian Valley Vineyard wines, which date back to 2002. Family and friends enjoyed these wines. Over the years, their feedback and encouragement pushed Ron and Pam to take the next step in their winemaking journey. In 2007 they hired Winemaker, Steve Glossner to help finish the 2004 and 2005 vintages. With his expertise and guidance they were able to take these wines to market for everyone to enjoy.
