Mesa del Sol’s unique location and stunning views have made it a desirable destination for almost 200 years.
Situated on a sun-filled mesa overlooking the sparkling Arroyo Seco River, the property was first established as a stagecoach stop in the late 1800s. Travelers headed overland to Carmel Valley or up the Arroyo Seco River to Mission San Antonio would stop to water their horses and stretch their legs. In fact, the stone water house still stands to this day.
Around the turn of the century, the property became a health center. The hot dry air of the Arroyo Seco Highlands was believed to soothe those ailing from tuberculosis and other maladies. Teddy Roosevelt himself, stayed here during that time!
Over the following decades, the estate changed hands a few times with each new steward leaving their own mark while lovingly tending to the heritage that had been bestowed to them. In 2021, Gary Lyons and Stacey Schrader became a part of this legacy as Mesa del Sol’s new owners.
Timeline
Late 1800s
Joaquin de la Torre was granted 16,523 acres, 4,000 acres of which was developed into Clark Colony at Three Mile Flat. Meanwhile, a stagecoach stop is established on the mesa overlooking the Arroyo Seco River. This way station offers shelter for travelers headed overland to Carmel Valley or Mission San Antonio.
1899
W.G.B. Moore acquired 78 acres from the United States Government and sold the mesa property to J.H. McDougall – a prominent businessman, tax collector, and banker. Capitalizing on the river and the dry air of the Arroyo Seco Highlands, McDougall develops the estate into a health spa. Old-timers tell of Teddy Roosevelt’s stay there. The stone building (presently the tool shed) was built in this period, making it the oldest building on the property today.
1917
McDougall sold his estate to Santo Wicker of Ohlone Indian heritage. Little is known of his eleven-year tenure.
1928
Fred Weybret – owner of the Salinas Journal and future California State Senator – and his wife Ethel take possession of the property.
1936
The Weybrets begin expanding the estate with the construction of the main house, cowboy house, water tower, and the cool room.
1945
The Weybrets sell the ranch to Stephen Rianda – Salinas lettuce baron and former president of Grower Shippers Association – and his wife Mary, a talented artist. The Riandas landscape the picnic area and extensive gardens, finally naming the estate Mesa del Sol (Spanish for “sunny plateau”).
1973
Upon Stephen Rianda’s death, the property is divided among the children with the 3.75 acres surrounding the main house being sold to Thomas and Noreen Green.
1999
The Greens sell Mesa del Sol to Jake and Ann Hougham (who also bought back 10 acres from the Riandas) and plant 7 of the acres in wine grapes. After Jake's death in 2000, Ann Hougham lovingly restored the estate while developing Mesa del Sol's award-winning wine.
2011
Ian Brand starts as Mesa del Sol winemaker.
2018
Ian Brand is named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year.
2021
Gary Lyons & Stacey Schrader purchase the property from Ann Hougham and begin an extensive renovation of the estate, enhancing and updating the historic structures while honoring the timeless legacy so lovingly created at Mesa del Sol.