Folded Hills Winery, Ranch, and Farmstead, located on Old Coast Highway in Gaviota, combines a working ranch with a wine production and tasting facility. The 600-acre property in Santa Barbara County Wine Country, home to the southernmost vineyards of the Central Coast, provides tours where visitors can encounter exotic animals and taste wines.
The ranch is owned by Kim and Andy Busch, who moved to Santa Barbara in 1998. The Busches have roots in St. Louis, with connections to Budweiser beer, Busch Gardens, and equestrian activities. Andy Busch previously served as captain for the U.S.A. Polo team at the World Cup, which led to their move to the area. The ranch itself was founded over a century ago and was purchased by the Busches in 2004. It was originally built by the Morton Salt family in the 1920s, with parts of the surrounding acreage and farmstead previously owned by the Giorgi family, who were long-time local farmers and ranchers. The Busches considered renaming the property but decided to keep “Folded Hills,” finding it a fitting description of the terrain at twilight.
In 2014, grapes were planted on the property alongside existing organic row crops and stone fruit orchards. The initial intent was to sell the grapes, but a tour guide, Jill, stated that “the grapes were just too good, they needed to start a label.” This led to the launch of Folded Hills wine in 2017. The tasting room, which was formerly the Giorgis’ house, opened shortly after the label's launch. From the outset, ranch tours and organic and biodynamic farming practices have been integral to the brand.
During ranch tours, visitors can meet animals such as the Budweiser Clydesdales, which share a pasture with polo ponies and enjoy organic carrots. The tour also includes encounters with George the camel and Zazu the zebra, the latter of which is featured on the 2024 Folded Hills Wilder Red Blend. The animals are visible from the family’s private polo field and a lake dock, which offers views of the mountains, vineyard, polo field, and ranch animals.
Further animal encounters occur at the Farmstead Market, located across from the tasting room. This area hosts chickens, Kunekune pigs, goats, miniature donkeys, llamas, sheep, and a mini Jersey cow named Peaches. The Farmstead Market sells small-batch staples, homemade baked goods, and fresh produce. Adjacent to this is a U-Pick field featuring heritage fruit trees including Blenheim apricots, peaches, apples, pears, persimmons, and olives, all cultivated under the supervision of farmer Tom Shepherd.
The tasting room offers a selection of wines on its patio. Options have included the Lilly Rosé, which is described as perennially sold-out, and the Madre Chenin Blanc, noted for its crisp, slightly melony profile. Other featured wines include the just-released 2025 August White, made from 90 percent grenache blanc, the 2025 Cluster Grenache with a light fruitiness and spice, and the 2025 Syrah with a peppery finish. The Estate Grenache has been served with on-site wood-fired pizza. Complex blends like the 2024 GSM, featuring Zazu the zebra, and the 2024 Roper Reserve Syrah, known for its boldness and soft tannins, are also part of the offering. The setting for tastings is described as a pleasant place with an ocean breeze and family-friendly atmosphere.
Folded Hills also engages in philanthropic efforts. Ten percent of the proceeds from every bottle purchased directly supports patients and families with immediate financial relief following a glioblastoma diagnosis, a brain tumor that Andy Busch experiences. Additionally, the winery hosts “Philanthropy Friday” partnerships on the last Friday of each month, dedicating 100 percent of gross sales from that day to a community nonprofit partner.