A Legacy of Five Generations
Founded by Giovanni Dasso in 1884, Mellor Ranch has evolved into a thriving vineyard.
Our Story
Welcome to Mellor Ranch and Woollē wine! We are a small, family-owned vineyard specializing in hand-crafted small production wines. Mellor Ranch is located in Linden, in the heart of the Clements Hills AVA, where warm days and cool nights influenced by inland coastal breeze, help us produce savory wines we hope you will enjoy.
The ranch is a testament to the enduring spirit of Giovanni Dasso, an immigrant from northern Italy. Giovanni founded the ranch in 1884 and began raising livestock, hay, and row crops. The ranch has evolved over five generations becoming the Mellor Ranch of today- producing almonds, walnuts, cherries, olives, and of course, wine grapes.
The addition of sheep in the 1960’s added a “woolly” charm to the ranch landscape and gave us the inspiration behind our Woollē label. Our patriarch, Kip, would say it was sheer chaos, but we think it was shear providence.
Today, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Malbec vineyards cover our rolling foothills. Woollē wine grapes are certified sustainable by the California Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance and farmed with careful thought toward protecting our natural resources.
As a family, we embrace the ebb and flow of agriculture. Every growing season is different, and these subtleties are reflected in every vintage of Woollē wine. Each bottle poured tells its own story of resilience and passion.
Thank you for considering Woollē. We invite you to raise a glass- or two- and savor the exceptional flavors we have worked so hard to create.
Our Family
Kip and Joan Mellor
It has proven incredibly difficult to give these two a title that adequately describes all they have been for us; leaders, teachers, counselors, mentors- they all fall short. In true Kip and Joan fashion, they prefer the simple title of “Mom and Dad.” Mom and Dad moved to the ranch in 1962 after Dad graduated from UC Davis and Mom from University Nevada, Reno. Dad took the reins of the farming and ranching operation and Mom taught middle school.
They raised two boys on the ranch, quietly and humbly, always fostering a sense of joy in their family despite the uncertain nature of farming. Their work ethic, discipline, responsibility, and perseverance shaped their sons and the trajectory of Mellor Ranch. Mom and Dad continue to positively influence the lives of their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We are truly thankful for this blessing!
Brian Mellor, Proprietor and Vineyard/Viticultural Manager
If there is truth that some individuals are born to work a specific job, Brian was born to farm. From the time he was old enough to reach shift levers and tractor brakes, farming is what he has been doing. After graduating from California State University Fresno with a degree in viticulture, he returned to the farm to work alongside his father, Kip.
Brian has been the visionary behind Mellor Ranch for the last 30 years. You cannot farm successfully by just sitting in your pickup truck; he has worked every job and task there is to work on the farm. He is a “boots on the ground” farmer through and through. With a respect for tradition and an appreciation for innovation, he farms the land meticulously- no detail is ever too small. To this day, Brian is still happiest digging in dirt.
Greg Mellor, Proprietor and Wine Development
The primary reason Greg began the process of developing wine was to honor his brother. “I have seen Brian work so hard and, until now, there has not been a tangible way to assess the outcome of his efforts. Making our own wine brings this process full circle and I am excited to see how it continues to evolve.” Greg’s passion for wine and winemaking has been greatly influenced by his father-in-law Sonny, who helped Greg develop a palate of appreciation for wines from all over the world.
Greg graduated from California State University Fresno with a degree in Biology and Nutritional Science and from UC Davis and has practiced medicine as an orthopedic Physician Associate. Like people, wine is a living, breathing entity, influenced by weather, soil, and growing practice(s). Winemaking, like medicine, is both science and art- the corollary between the two is unmistakable.
Our Mission
Our mission and promise is to produce the most exceptional wine grape we can by farming…exceptionally! We follow the most sustainable viticultural practices to ensure the highest quality fruit is produced. All wine begins in the field, but exceptional wine demands great farming practice. The wine we produce reflects our dedication and attention to detail.