The land of Six Sigma Ranch was first settled in the mid-1800s by about two dozen families, most of them living on 160-acre tracts. Several of the original family names are still connected with Six Sigma Ranch land or neighboring ranches: Asbill Creek, Copsey Creek, Hutchinson’s Range, Jim Dollar Mountain, Kouns Flat, Schwiers’ Flat.

The recorded history of Six Sigma Ranch dates to 1859 when William Daniel Asbill Sr. and his family settled close to our present gate on Spruce Grove Road. The family was of English heritage and had traveled in covered wagons from their former home in Dade County, Missouri. Over the years, the Asbills bought land from other settlers, and Asbill Ranch grew to 800 acres. Today this land covers the western part of Six Sigma Ranch. Both Michael’s and Else’s Vineyards were planted on former Asbill land.

KATHRYN FINN, WINEMAKER - Kathryn Finn embodies Six Sigma‘s most important principles: natural winemaking, love of nature and a passion for food and family. She has a master’s degree in Environmental Resource Management, which made for an easy transition into a winemaking career. Before taking the position at Six Sigma in May of 2021, Kathryn spent Six years at a neighboring Lake County winery, Steele Winery. During those years she worked closely with Jed Steele gaining the knowledge and experience required to be the winemaker she is today. To top it off, she also has winemaking experience at Mission Estates Winery in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand and a harvest at Conn Creek Winery in Rutherford, California. When she is not making wine, she can be found in the garden with her husband, young daughter and golden retriever. She also enjoys baking, cooking and canning with the fruits and veggies she grows.