Walnut Tree Ranch Vineyard and Winery

About The Winery

Walnut Tree Ranch Vineyard and Winery is a scenic high-valley estate near Julian on Mesa Grande Road in Santa Ysabel, producing wines from one of San Diego County's most remote and characterful growing locations. The ranch setting and mountain-adjacent terrain give the wines a distinctly different character from lower-elevation San Diego producers — cooler, more structured, with genuine aging potential.

Highlights
Winemaker Name

Paul Hedtke (Owner & Winemaker) & Tammi Hedtke (Co-Owner)

Founding Year

2008

Vineyard Acreage

Estate vineyard at 3,000 feet elevation on Mesa Grande Road near Santa Ysabel — Sangiovese (Grosso clone from Montalcino), Zinfandel (old-growth Amador County lineage), and Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley top vineyard clone)

Know Before You Go
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Reservations: Reservation Required
  • Estate Type: Estate Grown
Awards & Recognition

Walnut Tree Ranch is the only winery in San Diego County growing Sangiovese from Grosso clones of the Montalcino region — home of the world-renowned Brunello di Montalcino. Zinfandel vines trace lineage to an old-growth Amador County vineyard. Cabernet Sauvignon clones sourced from the most sought-after fruit in Napa Valley. All grapes grown on the estate at 3,000 feet elevation. Winemaker Paul Hedtke is described by visitors as "very knowledgeable" with "evident love for his work." The winery also features handmade pottery and wood art objects for sale in the tasting room.

Private Event Availability

Walnut Tree Ranch is a premier boutique wedding and events venue in San Diego's backcountry near Santa Ysabel. Owner Paul and Tammi Hedtke host engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and wedding celebrations in a breathtaking ranch setting with vineyards as backdrop. The huge walnut tree and vineyard area provide a spectacular golden-hour setting. Weddings and private events by appointment — contact via walnuttreeranch.com.

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