FARMING

PHILOSOPHY

From the very beginning, Cris and JoAnn Cherry have approached farming and winemaking with passion and purpose—Cris with a focus on crafting exceptional wines, and JoAnn with a deep love for the land and a steadfast commitment to sustainable viticulture. Together, they have cultivated the MAHA Estate using organic and biodynamic principles, earning both CCOF Organic and Demeter Biodynamic certifications in 2015. In 2019, they introduced the MAHA Estate label, further solidifying their vision. Their dedication to regenerative farming practices led the winery to become the sixth in the world, and second in Paso Robles, to achieve Regenerative Organic Certification, a designation that reflects their emphasis on soil health, carbon sequestration, animal welfare, and the well-being of farm workers.

Their holistic approach stems from a simple but profound belief: the best wines are grown in harmony with nature. They refuse chemical herbicides and pesticides, relying instead on rainfall for irrigation and feeding their soil with farm-made inputs like microorganism cocktails, herbal teas, nutrient rich cover crops, and compost brews. The timing of their vineyard and winery practices aligns with the rhythms of the sun, moon, planets, and stars, while flowering cover crops support biodiversity by nourishing bees and beneficial insects. Vine rows are mown and crimped in late spring, providing a natural mulch that feeds the surface roots as it decomposes, while increasing water retention and lowering soil temperatures. By limiting irrigation, the vines are encouraged to root deeper, drawing strength and complexity from the earth. Though much of the magic unfolds beneath the surface, it is guided by the quiet, cosmic cadence of the natural world—resulting in wines that are not only meticulously crafted and well-balanced, but also a true expression of their vibrant ecosystem.

LOCATION

Perched where the Willow Creek and Adelaida Districts converge, the MAHA Estate is more than a vineyard—it’s a living, breathing landscape. Our sixty-acre (24.25 ha) farm rises from 1,500 to 1,800 feet (450 to 550 m), surrounded by oak forests and chaparral, nourished by mountain springs and seasonal rain, and touched by the cooling influence of the Pacific, just 14 miles (22.5 km) away, funneled through the Templeton Gap. Here, we don’t seek to tame the land—we listen to it. Through regenerative organic and biodynamic practices, we farm in step with its rhythms, with reverence rather than rule.

Beneath this vibrant surface lies an extraordinary geological foundation: an ancient seabed that once served as a whale-birthing ground some 14 million years ago. Its remnants remain in the form of scattered whale fossils and a rare limestone understory—a calcareous bedrock that shapes not only the soil, but the very soul of our wines. Found primarily on the west side of Paso Robles and Templeton, this limestone is among California’s most prized viticultural assets, drawing parallels to the world’s most revered wine regions.

The advantages of this ancient platform are profound. Limestone’s unique composition allows it to retain moisture without over-saturation, reducing the need for irrigation—even in drought years—and encouraging vine roots to grow deeper with time. These roots draw up not just water and micronutrients, but also a sense of place, year after year. Soils rich in calcium help preserve acidity late into the growing season, giving our wines energy, purity, and remarkable aging potential.

At MAHA, we are stewards of a landscape shaped by deep time and full of potential. Every vine we farm, every wine we craft, reflects our respect for this land—its ancient geology, its wild beauty, and its enduring promise.

GRAPES

Grenache is the cornerstone of the MAHA Estate. Our journey with this variety began in 2001, walking the vineyards of west Paso Robles, where it quickly became clear that Grenache is at home on these limestone-rich slopes. Here at MAHA, it thrives in harmony with our natural surroundings, responding beautifully to the land’s rhythm and resilience.

Carignan, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Clairette, and Roussanne each contribute with quiet distinction, playing eloquent supporting roles that enrich the character of our wines. Inspired by centuries of tradition from regions like Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, and Priorat, we choose to head-prune our vines rather than trellis them. As harvest approaches and the sun’s intensity peaks, the foliage on these head-trained canes provides natural shade, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly, evenly, and to its fullest expression.