The original property was purchased in 1972 by a group of ambitious investors. They planted the vineyard in 1973. With few other vineyards to learn from, the vineyard was originally planted with numerous varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Chardonnay, and Syrah. Zaca Mesa was one of the first wineries in Santa Barbara County since Prohibition. As the vineyard grew and viable production began, a winery was built on the estate in 1978 and later expanded in 1981. By the early 1990’s, they had determined that the varieties (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Viognier, and Roussanne) grow the best on the site. It was then decided to focus on the grape varieties of the Rhône Valley of France.