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Ray, however, was intrigued by the hardships of this region and
took a leap of faith on the San Simeon ranch which was nothing
more than grazing land at the time.
Challenges notwithstanding, Ray is proud of the risk he's
taken. The result is a small lot production of distinctive Pinot
Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and cool climate Syrah from this
extreme region.
From this cool region, the Derbys expanded their plantings to
Paso Robles proper. On the east side, they acquired the 278-
acre Laura's vineyard in the Estrella District that is planted to
Bordeaux varieties. The vineyard was once part of the Estrella
River Winery, with its historical roots spanning over three
decades.
On the west side of Paso Robles, they added the 129-acre
property, in the cool Templeton Gap region, re-naming it Derby
Vineyard. The vineyard was already planted to 35 acres of Rhône
TOP: The Derbyshire Vineyard, located a mere one mile from the Pacific
Ocean, is the source of the Derby's Burgundian varieties.
Photograph by Chris Leschinsky
BELOW: The Derby Winery building was built in 1922 and "illuminated to
draw the admiration of the travelers along both the State Highway and
the railroad."
Photograph by Matthew Anderson
