Bien Nacido proudly claims to be the United States’ most influential single-vineyard source, with more than 160 producers over 45 years having used “Bien Nacido” on their labels. Only vineyards in Burgundy have been designated more, and I am certain that has something to do with their 700-year history. Having been inspired by this, Steve Miller’s youngest son, Nicholas (Below LEFT, now the fifth generation) decided to make some of their own small-production wines starting in the late 2000s
In the mid-1850s, the Ontiveros family was granted a deed to a parcel originally called Rancho Tepusquet, near Santa Barbara in California. This was a land grant offered by the then-Governor of Mexico as a homestead for his daughter and new son-in-law to create a future and family. From the first days of their time at Rancho Tepusquet, the Ontiveros family had raised cows, horses, and other livestock next to a small tributary of the Santa Maria River. With a crystalline water source and nearly 2,000 acres of pasture land, the family started building their home. Then came Bob and Steve Miller (Below CENTER), members of their own fourth-generation farming family, both of whom found this pristine property in 1969 when they were offered two contiguous parcels of land that were part of the original Rancho Tepusquet. With the chance to continue a tradition of farming sustainably and focusing on the highest quality, the two original parcels were reunited and rechristened “Bien Nacido.” Directly (and appropriately) translated as “well-born,” Bien Nacido is about as purebred as vineyards come.
Bob and Steve saw this land as a perfect home for wine grapes. Santa Maria Valley is technically classified as a “Winkler Region 1b.” This is as cold, in terms of average temperature, as Champagne; the Mosel Valley in Germany; Kremstal in Austria; and Burgundy’s Cote d’Or. Understanding this, the Millers planted the vineyard with the first certified virus-free clones of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from UC Davis in 1973—the “X Block” Syrah followed in 1987.
Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills Estate wines are made to showcase this sustainably farmed terroir by limiting the factors in the winery that would take away from that. All of the Estate wines from both Solomon Hills and Bien Nacido Estate are as traditional as one can get. All of the grapes hail from low intervention, organically farmed grapes, and are brought into a winery with the same model in mind. No yeast inoculations, no filtering or fining, only minimal Sulfur additions. All focused on bringing out the balance of carefully farmed fruit, with passionate winemaking.
THIS YEAR’S OFFERS ~ ALL PRICED AT WINE CLUB MEMBER PRICING
(30% off of retail & Flat Rate Shipping on 6 Bottles or More)
USE CODE “BD13” for Discounts
Buy Bien Nacido Estate Wines | Miller Family Wine CompanyPERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!! PERKS!!!For every full 12 Bottle Case Purchased, Tour for 4 with our winemaker, Anthony Avila with a full tasting and tour of the property and wines. $600 value.
For Every 6 Bottles Purchased, we will include a tasting for 2 at our tasting room for you or any friends. $40 Value.
- 2020 Bien Nacido Estate Viognier ~~~~ $24.50 - - - Under 14% alc, this sees mostly stainless steel and one neutral barrel. Only 100 cases made, but meant for Condrieu fans more than the traditional SB Viognier drinker.
- 2018 Bien Nacido Estate Chardonnay ~~~~ $31.50 - - - With a touch of bottle age, this normally tropical and mineral Chardonnay is starting to express more and more texture. It is about the VERY old vines planted on their OWN ROOTS in 1973 that make this wine so special.
- 2019 Solomon Hills Estate Chardonnay ~~~~ $31.50 - - - This is the wine that consistently is the company favorite. Across all wines, this Chablis inspired Chardonnay from one of the coldest vineyards in the region stands on its own. Under 13% alc. Ver limited new oak as well.
- 2020 Bien Nacido Estate The Bench Red Blend ~~~~ $31.50 - - - This is our 50/50 Syrah and Pinot Blend. Both saw no new oak, and are aged in large Foudre before being blended. Very much about mid week drinking. 14%ABV
- 2019 Solomon Hills Estate Pinot Noir ~~~~ $42.00 - - - IF you have had this vineyard from anyone else (Ojai, Daou, Paul Lato) you will know this is very much about secondary elements. Mint and Matcha Tea, Chinese Sausage and Crunchy Red Fruits. ABV under 14%
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2019 Bien Nacido Estate Syrah ~~~~ $42.00 - - - This is a super Northern Rhone inspired wine. Very much pink peppercorns and savory herbs with violet flowers. 14% Alcohol, and definitely leaner than many styles from the Central Coast.
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Captain, Old Vine and XO Syrah all sold out. MY BAD. ~~
All other wines in limited quantities will be available, but without discount.
Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estate - YouTube