In 1996, Judy Aron joined the proverbial “boy’s club” of Paso Robles winegrowers at a time when the region was only beginning to make a name for itself.

She planted her small vineyard along the steep slopes surrounding her family’s hilltop home on the westside of Paso Robles, in an area that would become known as the Templeton Gap—so named for a providential notch in the coastal mountain range. She recognized that her land’s limestone, shale and clay soils, coupled with cooling Pacific breezes flowing through the gap, had immense potential for fine wine.

In addition to planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Judy took the unusual step of planting Primitivo—the European sibling to Zinfandel, Paso Robles’ heritage variety. She was also an early proponent of dry farming at a time when heavily irrigated vineyards were the norm. Along the way, she collaborated with veteran viticulturist Richard Sauret and consulting winemaker Mikel Olsten to maximize the potential of her fruit—forming a team that remains intact today.