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Pam & Dick NinerOwners
Farming roots, a passion for wine, and an appreciation for the bounty and lifestyle of Paso Robles, led Dick Niner to invest in the wine business in San Luis Obispo County.
With desirable soils, ample water in
many areas, and growing conditions almost identical to the Napa
Valley, Paso Robles presented a unique opportunity for him to
finally invest in the wine industry.
Dick previously spent 30 years investing in a wide variety of
small businesses, in various parts of the United States. Most
were turn-arounds, in industries as diverse as air freight, men’s
toiletries, candy manufacturing, military electronics, medical
devices, garage door openers, electrical-utility cable, sunglasses,
and school supplies, to name a few. The common theme in all of
them was the need to find a new management team and motivate
them to develop the company’s full potential.
Over the years, Dick investigated buying several vineyards and wineries, both for himself and other investors. After purchasing a sunglass marketer and manufacturer in San Luis Obispo in 1996, he came to realize the potential of Paso Robles as a perfect environment for growing premium grapes and making fine wines. With growing conditions almost identical to the Napa Valley, ample water in many areas, and desirable soils, Paso Robles presented a unique opportunity for him to finally invest in the wine industry. When the property he calls Bootjack Ranch came on the market in early 2001, Dick jumped at the chance to buy it. A similar opportunity two years later brought the Heart Hill property into the venture. Together they represent over 360 acres, of which 125 are now planted to 11 varietals. An additional 85 are available for future planting.
Pam Niner has been an enthusiastic participant in Dick’s vision for Niner Wine Estates, from its conception. Although the descendant of Californians from the Mt. Shasta area, she was born and raised in a suburb of New York City, and educated at Smith College. She and Dick met by chance in New Hampshire in 1959, married 13 years later, and have lived since in Greenwich, Connecticut. They have two children; Andy, a graduate student at Cal-Berkeley, and Katy, a Princeton graduate working in New York City.
Pam has a passion for flowers, gardening, design, and style. She is excited about Niner Wine Estates, and particularly looks forward to working on the design and build-out of the planned winery and stone barn tasting room. When visiting, one may very well find her working in the extensive gardens that are currently being designed!
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