Los Alamos

Watch Hill Vineyard & Ranch is located in Los Alamos Valley, a relatively cool site about half-way between Santa Maria and Santa Ynez / Los Olivos.  This unique area is cooler than the Santa Ynez Valley but a bit warmer than the Santa Maria Valley. The ranch is located on approximately 122 acres of verdant and rich ground, surrounded by cattle ranching and other vineyards. 

Originally the ranch was built in 1990 by one of the area’s legendary Thoroughbred breeders / trainers, Jack Dempsey, as his main headquarters. He picked this spectacular parcel for his ranch, minutes from and easily accessible to the main north / south Hi-way 101, yet private and serenely quiet. On this land he expertly chose “the spot” to place his manor home. It takes in vistas of surrounding hills and vineyards and overlooks horse pastures, some of which are now planted in a premimum vineyard which has produced extraordinary grape. Various buildings that complement the ranch include: a large barn and office, two employee residences, a stallion barn, an enclosed training arena and a large pole barn.

The main home, constructed as a traditional manor house, has well over 4000 square feet of living space on one level, plus additional footage in covered porches and a large three car garage.

The current owner installed a large pool set in expansive grass lawns and heated with solar panels.

The entry foyer opens to a Great Room / Living Room of approximately 20 x 40 feet with fireplace and views to the pool. A wet bar room is accessed off this room.

A Formal Dining Room of approximately 12 x 20 feet has a unique, slightly curved east wall of windows which overlook a beautiful view of gardens and oak studded hills. The dining area opens to both the Kitchen and Living Room. 

Kitchen of approximately 20 x 14 feet features a cooking island, a fireplace, an informal eating area, and a pantry. A full complement of cooking appliances and a well laid out arrangement for storage complete this area.

These rooms provide for great entertaining and traffic flow.

A wood paneled office / den of approximately 17 x 14 feet features built in bookcases and views of the grounds and surrounding hills to the south and east.

Bedroom Wing:

Guest (2): There are two well-appointed guest bedrooms, one of approximately 12 x 12 feet and another of approximately 15 x 13 feet. Both are en-suite and look out to fabulous gardens and nearby hills through French doors.

Master: The Master wing includes a walk in closet, an attached office, views to the west and south and a large master bathroom.

Garage: The oversized three car garage opens to the mud room and laundry area which in turn flows into the kitchen.

The property was originally designed as a well-functioning Thoroughbred farm, with a large barn, a stallion barn, and a covered arena. There are miles of wood 3-rail fencing with non-climb wire, and ranch roads that weave throughout the property, providing access to all pastures and now through planted vineyards. 

18 Stall Barn: This wood structure of over 5,500 square +/- feet has 18 stalls, a tack room, wash area, vet room, and a large “lounge / office area” of approximately 1300 square feet currently functioning as a non-permitted apartment.

Training Barn/Arena: This provides a covered working arena of approximately 64x50 feet.

A Breeding Barn: now used as a Workshop of approximately 30x40 feet.

Storage Barn: of approximately 34x40 feet.

Pole Barn: of approximately 30x100 feet used for equipment and hay storage

Employee Housing: There are two employee housing residences. One has an attached garage is approximately 24x60 feet with 2 + bedrooms. The second is approximately 14x50 feet with 2 bedrooms and has a small barn near.

The Vineyard:

Vineyard: At Watch Hill there is a large main planting of about 20 acres and a smaller 2 acre steep hillside block called “Sam’s Vineyard.” The almost 20 acres was planted around 2002, mostly in Syrah varietals (see breakdown below) and is managed by Coastal Vineyard Care & Associates. In the ensuing years, the vineyard has developed a stellar reputation for outstanding fruit. Local growers have gladly been purchasing each year’s crop. 

Watch Hill Vineyard: Variety List 2009

BLK                VARIETY      CLONE        ROOTSTOCK          ACRES     # ROWS   SPACING     VPA

GR = Grenache

MS = Marsenne

RO = Roussanne

SY = Syrah