The Mirassou family had grapes planted in Arroyo Seco a decade before Rich Smith and the old Mission Ranch Vineyard the family planted in 1961 is now owned by Steve McIntyre.

In another one of those circles repeating upon itself, I am buying fruit for our La Rochelle label (started by cousins in 2003) from the gentleman (Steve McIntyre) who bought the vineyard from the family in the early 2000s.

The family had a similar problem with the veggies, and, in fact, Anthony Blue wrote an article about the “Bell Pepper Problem at Mirassou.” But the family also did have the foresight to plant, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Blanc, decades before the region began receiving the accolades it deserves.