How Marin’s Vineyard was started… And where we are now

1978-1998

Brenda and Duane met in 1978, only a few miles from where they currently live in Lockwood. They married in 1983 and Marin was born in April of 1992. The 26-acre property was purchased in 1993 and called it the Black Diamond Ranch. The driveway to the house is so steep, that if it ever snowed in Lockwood, the driveway would be a black diamond ski run. Brenda started her career as a PCA for wine grapes and Duane worked for local school districts in their facility and fiscal departments.

1999-2017

In 1999, the Wolgamott’s entered into the wine growing business by planting 5.5 acres of Syrah in what will become the San Antonio Valley AVA. Marin still remembers pulling out the many and large calcareous rocks when the vineyard site was being developed. In 2002 they started their own label and brand - Marin's Vineyard. In 2010, they opened a tasting room at the Lockwood Store. In 2014, Marin graduated from Cal poly SLO with a degree in wine and viticulture and took over as winemaker. by 2018, the vineyard has been grafted and replanted with Viognier, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

2018-2024

Marin’s Vineyard has remained a small passion project producing 500-800 cases a year from the vineyard. Marin has developed thoughtful winemaking methods by working in various wineries in California, Oregon, Australia, and New Zealand. In 2021, Marin began working as the general manager of the custom crush facility where we make our wine in Paso Robles and it’s been a great shared space for many winemakers to collaborate. In 2024, Marin relocated the tasting room location in Downtown Atascadero. We welcomed Natasha to the team to work in the tasting room alongside Marin.

2025-Current

In January 2026, Brenda and Duane made the tough decision to sell the Black Diamond Ranch in Lockwood and have now relocated to Texas. But don’t worry, the Marin’s Vineyard brand isn’t going anywhere! We still have the opportunity to source the fruit from our vineyard and now also have the opportunity to work with other vineyard growers to expand our tasting line up. The tasting room in Atascadero really has become a dream come true and we love participating in all the events Atascadero throws downtown. It’s truly been a wonderful journey to bring to you these hand crafted wines and we hope you enjoy. Cheers!