Soren Christensen became Hearst Ranch Winery’s winemaker in 2014. His expertise hails from working with some of the best vineyards in Paso Robles. While at Hope Family Winery, he worked on the winemaking team crafting Cabernet-based wines for Treana and Liberty School and later worked with the Rhône-variety based Alta Colina Vineyard.
Hearst Ranch Winery owners, Jim and Debby Saunders are in a partnership with Steve and Barbara Hearst. The main tasting room is in San Simeon but they also have a second one in Paso.
Soren first met longtime grape grower Jim Saunders some 20 years ago, when he was tasked with sampling grapes prior to the 2000 harvest. The fledgling cellar-hand became fast friends with the Saunders, who was selling his grapes to top wineries at that point. “Jim offered insight and expertise that I took to heart, so it was an easy decision to join his team,” Christensen said. “Making wine worthy of carrying the Hearst name is no small task. I am honored to join their team and will strive to exceed expectations as I embark on this new journey.
Soren told us that a new food purveyor, Field to Table, has just signed on to provide food at the San Simeon tasting room.