Jim Efird

Principal and Vineyard Manager

Jim grew up on a Fresno County cattle ranch and family farm near the small town of Caruthers. It was here that Jim’s grandfather pruned his own vineyards in the early 1900’s before turning to a successful cattle ranching career in 1920. Years later Jim’s father would return to vineyards and educate his son with first hand experience.

After graduating from the California State University of Fresno with studies in viticulture under Professor Vince Petrucci, Jim moved with his young family to San Luis Obispo in 1973. It was here that the planting of what is now the majority of the vineyards of the Edna Valley began.

Over the past 32 years these vineyards have been a source of grapes to more than 160 of California’s finest wineries. Working together and through the efforts of extremely talented winemakers several of the wines from these vineyards have been recognized as among the best in the world.

Jim has served as President of the Central Coast Wine Growers Association, a board member of the American Vineyard Foundation, and in 1998 was honored to have been recognized as the first recipient of San Luis Obispo County’s Grape Grower of the Year award.

Today, Jim and his wife Jeanette continue to live in the Edna Valley keeping a watchful eye on the vineyards and Tolosa’s future.