ABOUT JIM & MABEL BOND
I
n 1998, Jim & Mabel Bond searched all over the state to satisfy a dream. They wanted to plant a vineyard small enough that they could provide extensive canopy management and grow their favorite noble wine grape, Cabernet Sauvignon.
They chose beautiful Paso Robles because of its ideal climate (hot days and cold nights) and the soil, both of which they found are very similar to parts of the Napa Valley.
Jim & Mabel traveled numerous times to various European countries to study viticulture and enology practices. They also greatly enjoyed taking cooking classes while there.
A journey worth taking...
I n the early ‘80’s while Jim was practicing dentistry in Tustin, California, a dream started. On weekends he would visit the new wine region near Temecula, California. While picnicking, overlooking the beautiful Mount Palomar Winery Vineyard, the desire to own a vineyard and to make wine began. In 1996, while practicing dentistry in San Luis Obispo, Jim married Mabel (an accomplished chef and gardener). At the time, Mabel was the Executive Assistant to the CEO of French Hospital. In 1997, we found 5 acres of land just outside of Paso Robles that was perfect for that dream. We built our home and put in 4 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with one row of Syrah. We expanded the garage and put in a winery and cellar. Mabel and Jim retired in 2008.
Coming from a career as an Executive Assistant for hospital CEO’s, and then to the development of the vineyard, has been an exciting journey for Mabel. Mixing a career and the entirely different life of farming has been rewarding and fulfilling. After retirement, the vineyard remained foremost in her time as she added her long-time caring involvement in philanthropy through P.E.O. and other philanthropic organizations. Community has always been important to her and she began volunteering in different settings where help was needed.
Now 20 + years after the vineyard was planted, the dream has been successfully completed. The results on our Awards page confirms that our premium grapes consistently produce award winning wines year after year.
