We're celebrating 120 Years!!! (Wine Special & Movie Stars too!)

We're Celebrating 120 Years!

Beltane Ranch

Since 1892

Beltane Ranch was founded in 1892 by Mary Ellen Pleasant, a legendary figure of old San Francisco. She was born 1814 as the daughter of slaves, and rose to a position of considerable financial and political power during a very exciting period of San Francisco history. Mary Ellen Pleasant, the Founder of Beltane Ranch She is credited with helping abolitionist John Brown before the Civil War and with guiding the Underground Railroad. Financially astute and socially well-connected, Mary Ellen Pleasant managed boarding houses, arranged marriages, operated brothels and numerous other business ventures. Pleasant designed and built our landmark ranch house as it exists today. The influence of her New Orleans heritage is evident in the building's graceful and airy architecture.

Effia and Ralph Heins

Following her death in 1904, and after the house had fallen into disrepair, Ralph and Effia Heins, Rosemary's Aunt and Uncle, acquired the property in the 1930's to raise turkeys. Beltane Alexa in the vineyard in the early 80's Ranch has since been home to sheep, cattle, hogs, chickens, vineyards, gardens, fruit orchards, olive groves, the Heins/Miller/Wood/Benward Family and 32 years of Bed & Breakfast guests!

HERE'S TO 120 YEARS!

Clydesdales in Denver

Our friend Tony drove a very handsome team of Castagnasso Clydesdales in the National Western Stock Show in Denver, including two previous residents of our front pasture. Looking good!

Ramon and Victor working on the new parking area and retaining wall

We're Getting Polished.

Alex, Victor and Ramon have completed a gorgeous new retaining wall and parking area for Bed & Breakfast guests. It is built entirely of stones collected from our vineyard: Feel the Terrior? The new parking area will keep visitors mud-free and properly lit at night.

Movie Stars!

We won't say why, but we suggest checking out Universal Pictures' upcoming film The Five Year Engagement, starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt, and from the producer of Bridesmaids! Coming April 27th.

Where do you enjoy Beltane Ranch?

Our friend Nancy enjoys a glass of Fumé Bob on a trail ride behind the ranch!

Send us a photo of where you enjoy Beltane and See them all here!

Spring Gardens

We're enjoying a lovely crop of asparagus this season and expecting lots of raspberries next month. Our fruit trees are blooming and we're looking forward to summer favorites like heirloom Indian peaches and nectarines!

TIDBITS:

Sommelier's Guide from Find.Eat.Drink names us as the place to stay when visiting Wine Country!

New Friends: In February we hosted a delegation of 20 Eurasian wine professionals for a visit to the ranch as part of the US Department of Commerce SABIT Program.