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Holman Ranch Showcases Carmel Valley Winemaking At Its Best

by Tyson Scheumann

HistoryWhile initially part of Mexico, the land that now encompasses Holman Ranch was originally used by Mission San Carlos Borromeo del Rio Carmelo during the Spanish Era. Formally established in 1928, the modern, family-owned Holman Ranch resides in the Carmel Valley just twelve miles inland from the Pacific Coast. Historically, the ranch has served as a retreat for Hollywood celebrities including: Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, Vincent Price, Joan Crawford, and Marlon Brando. In 1989, the 400 acre ranch dedicated 19 rolling acres to planting a vineyard. Thomas and Jarman Lowder purchased Holman Ranch in 2006 and after completely refurbishing the property and repurposing the land, they realized their dream of producing estate grown and bottled wine and olive oil. Vineyard & WineryThe sun-laden warmth of the inland valley contrast with the cool ocean breeze and coastal fog, conveniently separated by the surrounding Santa Lucia Mountains, create a perfect micro-climate for the grapes grown at Holman Ranch. The sedimentary soils provide excellent soil drainage, which, combined with the elevation, proximity to the ocean, and valley configuration, greatly benefit each varietals' stand-out characteristics. Holman Ranch Wines include full bodied pinot noirs, fruity pinot gris, oaky chardonnays, and crisp sauvignon blancs.Construction of the 3,000 square foot estate winery completed in 2012. Located in The Caves, the winery is entirely underground to maintain the natural temperature and humidity for optimum destemming, pressing, and fermenting. Holman Ranch produces 3,000 to 5,000 cases annually.Events & RetreatsHolman Ranch specializes in weddings, private events, and corporate retreats. To ensure a personal, intimate event, the property only hosts one event at a time. The ranch contains ten guest rooms for overnight stays, pool, game room, carriage house, great room, conference room, and chapel, as well as multiple lawns, courtyards, terraces, and patios for outdoor events and meetings. The Holman Ranch Website lists a variety of fun packages that include themed meetings and organized retreats to make the scheduling process simple while catering to the individual needs of every group. Visit their websiteContactP.O. Box 149Carmel Valley, CA 93924Phone: (831) 659-2640Fax: (831) 659-6055Email: Info@holmanranch.com


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Tyson Scheumann - “One should always be drunk. That's all that matters...But with what? With wine, with poetry, or with virtue, as you chose. But get drunk.” -Charles Baudelaire

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