The current Rio Vista Vineyard property was settled in the late 1800’s by Portuguese immigrants, many from the Azores. The farmhouse, recently restored, was built around the turn of the century. There have been a number of visits from early occupants who were born or grew up on the property. Their stories describe an original vineyard that was in the same location as block 7 of the present Rio Vista Vineyard. They also brought photographs of large catches of steelhead from the Santa Ynez River displayed on the front porch of the farmhouse.

1950’S: THE THORNE FAMILY ARRIVES IN STA. RITA HILLS

The Thorne family owns Rio Vista Vineyards, located on the south-eastern edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Santa Barbara County. The Rio Vista Ranch has been in the family for over sixty years of raising cattle and farming. Bobbie Thorne’s father Jack Wiester acquired the property in the mid-fifties and Bobbie and Graner Thorne were married in the area in 1958. Over the years the Thornes and their children, John and Karey, shared their time on the ranch with their city home in Palos Verdes. They rode horses, worked cattle, and earned their keep during the summers on the ranch. Over the years, the Rio Vista Ranch has continued to be a gathering point for the immediate and extended family.

2000’S: THORNE WINE

The vineyards were planted in 2000 and 2006 with 100% Pinot Noir on 65 acres with seven clones. In addition to our own production the vineyard has sold to a number of local wine makers including Brewer-Clifton, Ken Brown Wines, Fess Parker, Flying Goat Cellars, Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines, Koehler, Rusack, Skyenna Wines, Strey Cellars and others.

Although the vineyards have replaced the farming operation, the Rio Vista Cattle Company continues to run cattle throughout the ranch. Graner and Bobbie Thorne continue to share their time between the Southland and Sta. Rita Hills, though their active involvement with their vineyard and the new wine brand finds them on the Rio Vista property with increasing frequency.

20 years ago in 2001 we planted our first vineyards, all Pinot Noir. Pinot thrives in the Sta Rita Hills, producing elegant, structured wines.  The valley’s unique east-west orientation is the key to success with other cool climate varieties as well — namely Chardonnay.  In 2017 Rio Vista Vineyards planted its first Chardonnay Vineyard and Thorne Wine is excited to announce we will be releasing our first Estate Chardonnay vintage in early 2022!