Folded Hills
A working organic ranch built by USA Polo captain Andy Busch and his wife Kim, Folded Hills was named 2026 USA Winery of the Year, farming Grenache, Syrah and Rhone whites on biodynamic ground shared with sheep, ladybugs and a camel named George.
A polo captain’s working ranch
Andy Busch, son of August A. Busch Jr. and grandson of the family that opened Grant’s Farm to the public in 1954, fell in love with Santa Barbara in 1998 while captaining the USA Polo team at the World Cup. He and his wife Kim built Folded Hills as a working ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, planting Grenache, Syrah and Rhone whites after studying the property’s soil and microclimate.
The vineyards are certified organic and farmed on the biodynamic calendar: sheep graze cover crops between the vines, ladybugs arrive from the mountains each February as natural pest control, and grapes are hand harvested, with many lots foot-tread during fermentation. Winemaker Angela crafts the wines with minimal intervention.
Award-winning small-batch wines
Folded Hills was named 2026 USA Winery of the Year, and its wines regularly earn Double Gold and Best of Class honors. The 2025 Lilly Rosé scored 99 points from the International Women’s Wine Competition, the 2024 Cloud Ten Red Blend 97 points, and the 2024 Wilder Red Blend and Roper Reserve Syrah both 96 points. The range centers on Grenache, Syrah and Rhone whites like Marsanne.
The wines
2025 Lilly Rosé99pts Best Rosé, Double Gold, IWWCView at the winery ›
2024 Cloud Ten Red Blend97pts Double Gold, International Women’s Wine CompetitionView at the winery ›
2024 Wilder Red Blend96pts Double Gold, Best of ClassView at the winery ›
2024 Roper Reserve Syrah96pts Double Gold, Best of ClassView at the winery ›
2024 Sundance Reserve Grenache95pts Double Gold, Best of ClassView at the winery ›2024 Estate Marsanne94pts Gold, USA Wine RatingsView at the winery ›
2024 Beauty White Blend94pts, Wine EnthusiastView at the winery ›
2024 August White93pts, Gold, SF ChronicleView at the winery ›
2023 Brothers SyrahBest SellerView at the winery ›
2022 Estate GrenacheSanta Ynez Valley estate GrenacheView at the winery ›
2023 Clyde Red BlendSanta Ynez Valley red blendView at the winery ›
2022 GSMGrenache-Syrah-Mourvedre blendView at the winery ›Visiting Folded Hills
The Homestead Tasting Room pours daily from 11am to 4pm, indoors or out on the patio. Beyond tasting, the ranch offers private experiences from lakeside tastings to hikes and time with the resident animals, including a camel named George.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Folded Hills?
2323 Old Coast Highway in Gaviota, in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County.
Who founded Folded Hills?
Andy and Kim Busch. Andy is the son of August A. Busch Jr. of the Anheuser-Busch family, who opened Grant’s Farm to the public in 1954. Andy and Kim fell in love with Santa Barbara in 1998 while he captained the USA Polo team at the World Cup, and later built Folded Hills as a working ranch and organic vineyard.
Do I need a reservation to visit?
Reservations are encouraged for the Homestead Tasting Room, open daily 11am to 4pm, and required for private ranch experiences.
Is Folded Hills organic?
Yes. The vineyards are certified organic and farmed on the biodynamic calendar, with sheep grazing cover crops between the vines and grapes hand harvested and often foot-tread.
What grapes does Folded Hills grow?
Grenache, Syrah and a collection of Rhone whites including Marsanne, chosen after studying the ranch’s soil and microclimate.
Has Folded Hills won any awards?
Yes. It was named 2026 USA Winery of the Year, and its wines have won Double Gold and Best of Class honors from competitions including the International Women’s Wine Competition and Sunset International Wine Competition.
What is the ranch experience like?
Beyond tasting, Folded Hills offers private experiences including lakeside tastings, a behind-the-scenes hike, and time with the ranch animals, including a camel named George.
Who is the winemaker?
Angela, who studies the vines to choose optimum picking times and makes the wine with minimal intervention, following the biodynamic calendar from vineyard to glass.
Nearby and related
- Santa Ynez Valley the AVA around the ranch.
- Santa Barbara County the wider region and its sub appellations.
- California Red Wine the Grenache and Syrah blends Folded Hills is known for.
- California winery directory every producer we cover.
Information sourced from the Folded Hills official website, checked September 2026. Always confirm hours and availability before visiting.