In 1952 Herman and Clara Nelson sold their ranch in what is now the Silicon Valley and headed north, landing in Southern Mendocino County near the town of Hopland.

The farm has evolved from plum growing and sheep farming to growing vineyards, bartlett pears, and Christmas trees.

The majority of the farm is underdeveloped rangeland with over 200 acres planted with eleven varietals of wine grapes, including Zinfandel, Carignane, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Petite Verdot, Petite Sirah, Orange Muscat, Riesling, and Merlot.