Mikel Olsten, Judy Aron and Richard Sauret
“At AronHill,” says Judy Aron owner,
“we are a very close-knit family.”

Judy Aron says, “I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t riding or breeding horses. I’ve been fortunate to own and propagate the top bred horses in the country. My specialty is warm bloods in the European tradition and there’s nothing more thrilling to me than the elegant sight of a horse flying over a jump. They are poetry as they extend their limbs to sail effortlessly over the oxer.”  Training jumpers is a long process requiring great patience. But for Judy, it is a process that is deeply rewarding when grace, victory and excellence are attained. Judy is no stranger to accolades, blue ribbons and trophies for her steeds. “For me the thrill is in the process, from the birth of a new foal through the daily patience it takes to train a winner, and then watching as the majestic animal takes its first jump, succeeds and then goes on to even greater accomplishments.” For Judy observing her horses in all of their growth stages provides the satisfaction and fulfillment of knowing that all of her love, passion and dedication has paid off.

She does the same thing with her vines. Her grapes are grown and groomed with intention, dedication, careful oversight, precise attention and a deep passion for the art and science of wine making.

Of her grapes Judy says, “They are like my fillies, chosen from excellent stock and emanating from a substantive lineage.”  Her grapes are nurtured, protected, indulged, nourished and then selected at the precise moment of maturation for a perfect harvest. After years of growth and patient care the grapes are pressed, then barreled and aged. Like the winners they are, they come out of the gate with a sense of predestined victory. Similar to her horses, they sail over the hurdles with grace and elegance. Having been given the finest start in life, they seldom disappoint and most often surprise and delight.

Mikel Olsten

With nearly three decades of celebrated skills, Mikel Olsten is a spirited winemaker in the finest of European and Central Coast traditions. He says, “I like to let the grapes speak for themselves. I try not to manipulate the wine.” He believes in the integrity of the grape and letting nature take it course. It all began when  Mikel lived on a property in Atascadero in the 80’s.  He discovered grape vines in the back yard and independently made about 5 gallons of home-made wine. “It was the worst thing I ever tasted,” He said.

So, being a Cal Poly educated biology major with a minor in chemistry, he sought counsel.  He visited several winemakers at small wineries, told them his tale of 5 gallon woe and asked questions.  One of the seasoned winemakers had a remarkable suggestion, “How about trying to make wine from actual wine grapes, instead of dessert grapes.”  “Duh” said Mikel as he slapped his palm to his forehead.  He immediately planted bonafide wine grapes and in his first harvest produced a gold medal award winning wine. This got him serious attention.  “I just like making wine, it’s fun” he says with humility and a big grin. He is college educated but self-taught and worked his way up through the cellars of some of the finest wineries on the Central Coast. For AronHill, Mikel hopes to produce many wines that will be remembered for their extraordinary taste and premiere vintages.

When he’s not making wine, Mikel likes a 12” fresh powder on the ski slopes or a nice motorcycle ride with a beautiful sunset. When asked what he considered to be his most triumphant day, he replied with his contagious smile, "It’s hard to pick just one.  Each day is a triumph when you overcome the simple, everyday obstacles.”  And Mikel is dedicated to the business in a forever kind of way, He says, “I can’t imagine not making wine. My life would be so meaningless without it.”  At AronHill, we can’t imagine a more dedicated and talented winemaker than Mikel Olsten. And even more that that, we are honored by and deeply grateful for his friendship.

Richard Sauret

One of the key members, Richard is a seasoned professional and highly respected on the Central Coast as a demi-god of vineyards. He is currently serving as the President of the IGGPRA (Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles Area) and was awarded “Grower of the Year” in 2007 by his colleagues at the Mid State Fair.

Sauret says of his orchard and farming beginnings, “I would go to school during the day and then come home to work in my parents’ almond orchard.”  Enthusiastically, he continues, “During the harvest I would work as late as 11 pm in the huller and cracking and processing plant.”  It became part of his blood. He transferred that nutty knowledge and dedication to grapes.

At the ripe old age of sixteen Richard started his first vineyard by planting a 10-acre nursery of grape vines. He convinced his dad to remove 90-year-old almond plants for his first zinfandel vines. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Richard Sauret’s 2002 Zinfandel was ranked 41^st best in the world and his 2003 vintage was ranked 30^th by Wine Spectator’s Top 100 List. He continuously adds awards and accolades to everything he grows and bottles. Richard has lent his wisdom and talents to AronHill vineyards since 2000. He is responsible for overall management, guidance and all of the viticulture practices which yield some of the finest fruit on the central coast.  He sits down at the kitchen table over looking the vineyards with owner Judy Aron and winemaker Mikel Olsten to taste the fruits of the harvest and create the perfect blends for the AronHill production. Richard is a rare gift to AronHill.  Judy and Richard work closely together in mutual respect and dedication to produce the finest product in excellent estate grown wines. Judy says of Richard, “I respect him so much for his kindness and willingness to share his vast knowledge. But most of all I cherish his friendship and his open heart. That’s what’s most important to me.”

Jose “Lupe” Lopez

If you meet him for the first time, he’ll tell you his name is Jose. But at AronHill, he’s “Lupe” to the entire family. Lupe started out as a horseman and caretaker when one afternoon Judy approached him in the stable and said, “Lupe, I think we’re gonna learn how to grow grapes.”  With his characteristic smile and gentle heart, he grinned back and said, “Okay with me.” And that’s exactly what they did. As a team Judy and Lupe planted the hillside and educated each other by trial and error and a lot of heart to heart conversations. Today, Lupe is not only an incredible horseman, but he is an accomplished vineyard keeper. “Whatever Lupe takes on,” says Judy, “he accomplishes with a vengeance. He’s incredible, invaluable and a lynchpin to our success. He watches over our grapes like a Mother Hen.  I just simply couldn’t do it without him.”

Lupe hails from a town just outside Guadalajara, Mexico and has the same loyal level of family and commitment as the rest of the team. He’s a star with the vines, a master horseman and the true beating heart of the AronHill family.

“When wine enlivens the heart,
may friendship surround the table.”
Oliver Wendell Holmes