Preserving Nature's Splendor
The Santa Margarita Ranch AVA is home to just one vineyard, Ancient Peaks Winery’s estate Margarita Vineyard, which is home to an abundance of beloved wildlife.
The team takes great care to respect and facilitate the presence of their winged and furry friends through the preservation of Habitat.
Wildlife corridors are present through and around the vineyard to ensure animals have free and safe passage. Black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, wild pigs, turkeys, deer, and bald eagles are among the many creatures that inhabit their rugged land.
There is also aquatic life at the ranch, protected by creek setbacks and implementation of filter strips between the vineyard and waterways to keep the water healthy.
With all of this life on the property, not all of it is beneficial to the health of the vineyard crop. To help keep pests at bay, the ranch welcomes native predators with bat and owl boxes, and raptor perches. They even invite a herd of goats to feast on their vegetation, acting as a low-impact herbicide alternative!
Their affiliated Margarita Adventures is dedicated to nature and wildlife appreciation and education. The ranch’s naturalist, Jacqueline Redinger, offers a variety of guided tours to wildlife-loving guests:
- Nature Adventure Tours: explore native ecosystems.
- Eagle Tours (winter & spring): follow a day in the lives of eagles on the ranch.
- Foraging Tours: unlock the magic of the natural world.
- Photograph Tours: create beautiful art of your own!