Bien Nacido Estate
The Icon of Santa Maria Valley. One of the oldest cool-climate vineyards in California and home of the world’s most single vineyard designations, Bien Nacido Vineyard has been an acclaimed source of world-class grapes and estate wine since its founding in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller.
Meaning “Well Born” in Spanish, Bien Nacido was planted on the historic site of the Rancho Tepusquet land grant, a plot of land that was granted to Tomás Olivera in 1837, when California was still a part of Mexico. The Olivera Family’s adobe, built in 1857, still graces the estate today – a majestic sentinel looking after the vines.
The vineyard’s first 300 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay took full advantage of the Santa Maria Valley’s unique geography and maritime influence. Just 16 miles from the Pacific Ocean, Bien Nacido benefits from morning fog, afternoon sun, and cool evening breezes—conditions that, paired with meticulous, sustainable farming, yield fruit of remarkable depth, balance, and character. Over time, Syrah joined the portfolio, cementing Bien Nacido’s reputation as a benchmark source for Burgundian and Rhône varieties alike.
Bien Nacido Vineyard, one of Santa Maria Valley’s first and most renowned cool-climate vineyards, has been a celebrated source of world-class grapes and estate wines since its founding by 4th generation farming brothers Bob and Steve Miller. The vineyard’s name, meaning "Well Born" in Spanish, reflects its deep historical roots, having been planted on the historic Rancho Tepusquet land grant. The Miller’s planted the first 300 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in 1973, capitalizing on the region's unique geography, climate, and meticulously farmed, sustainable vineyards. These ideal conditions have made Bien Nacido Estate Vineyards synonymous with distinctive and expressive wines.
Widely acclaimed, Bien Nacido has been honored as one of the top 20 terroirs in the world by Wine Spectator and recognized by Wine Enthusiast as one of the 10 vineyards behind the world’s most famous wines. Known for its cool-climate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah, Bien Nacido continues to thrive thanks to its remarkable terroir and a dedicated team who uphold its legacy of exceptional winemaking and grape-growing with each passing vintage. With the fifth generation setting the tone for the future of excellence, the goal is to experience Bien Nacido as our own expression of our own land, highlighting the Bien Nacido Estate brand. Created in 2005, the Bien Nacido brand is a true reflection of the Miller Family’s enduring commitment to the farming and winemaking at the world-renowned Bien Nacido Estate.
Today, with the fifth generation guiding the future, Bien Nacido remains the heart and soul of Santa Maria Valley wine country. Every vintage is a testament to its remarkable terroir and the dedication of the people who farm it. The Bien Nacido wines tell a story—one of heritage, passion, and a place truly Well Born.
Philosophy
The quality, consistency and complexity of our estate wine is in large part due to the talented people that lead our team and set the standard for passion, dedication and excellence. They have all made their mark on Bien Nacido and in doing so, have furthered our mission of crafting exceptional world-class estate wine.
Biography
The quality, consistency and complexity of our estate wine is in large part due to the talented people that lead our team and set the standard for passion, dedication and excellence. They have all made their mark on Bien Nacido and in doing so, have furthered our mission of crafting exceptional world-class estate wine.
After joining the Bien Nacido family in 2013, Anthony swiftly began to leave his mark on our acclaimed estate wines. His talent for winemaking grew from a passion for fine food and wine that he developed while working his way through school at Cal Poly. This passion soon took him around the world, where he spent years harvesting grapes and honing his winemaking skills in California, New Zealand and Argentina. Now an integral part of Bien Nacido, Anthony leads our winemaking team, where he continues our long-standing tradition of crafting exceptional small-lot, high quality and terroir-driven wines.
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