Forging a Better Way

Clay Shannon has always been a bit of a maverick. In 1996, he decided to buck convention and set out on his own to establish a progressive, pioneering winery and ranch in Lake County, California. Where others saw challenges, he saw opportunity—an open frontier for crafting wines that reflect the rugged land they come from.

Everything Starts with the Land

That same independent thinking now drives our approach to sustainability. What began as a desire to work with the land—not against it—has grown into a full-scale commitment to regenerative organic farming.

Today, Shannon Family of Wines spans over 2,000 acres of mountain property, with vines rooted in the ridges of ancient volcanic soil. Half the land remains untouched—preserved as wild terrain, home to native plants and wildlife. The high elevations and extreme conditions create wines of depth, complexity, and character.

But making great wine isn’t enough. With the earth’s climate under threat, we’ve committed to something bigger: Project Ovis, our transformation of 1,000 acres into one of the country’s largest certified organic, regenerative farming systems. From no-till farming to wildlife corridors, every decision starts with the health of the land.

A man wearing a cowboy hat stands outdoors, accompanied by two dogs in the sunlit vineyard of Shannon Family of Wines. Rows of grapevines stretch toward the backdrop of rolling hills, creating a serene and golden atmosphere.

Life at Shannon Ranch

We’re surrounded by wildlife. Ducks, geese, deer, raccoons, quail, golden eagles, bobcats, and wild turkeys are part of our everyday lives, reminding us why our commitment to sustainability matters.

At Shannon Ranch, sustainability is practical. Our sheep manage cover crops. Drip irrigation and dry farming help us conserve water. We avoid chemicals, restore native plants, and let nature do what it does best. The land provides, and we protect it.

A flock of sheep stands closely together in a grassy field, all facing forward. The sheep have thick, woolly coats and appear attentive and curious, reminiscent of the joyful gatherings at Shannon Family of Wines. The background is a blurred expanse of green grass.

A scenic vineyard with rows of grapevines stretches into the distance, part of the esteemed Shannon Family of Wines. Two large trees stand prominently in the background, with rolling hills under a soft, early evening light.

We plant it. We grow it. We pick it. We make it. We own it.

With 1,000 acres transformed into a regenerative organic farming system, we are reshaping what it means to be a responsible winemaker. This isn’t about keeping up with industry trends; it’s about ensuring the future of wine, agriculture, and the land we call home.

Our hands-on approach allows us to create wines with integrity and character, from bold reds to crisp whites—all while protecting the land we love.

A close-up of two dogs, one with black and white fur, walking on a grassy hill near the Shannon Family of Wines estate. The foreground shows a person's legs in jeans and boots, while the background features a vineyard and lake under a dusky sky.

Sustainability isn’t some philosophical concept; it’s the way we live our lives.

Clay Shannon
read more about project ovis

Shop Our Best Sellers

Three bottles of Clay Shannon wine, from the renowned Shannon Ranch, are displayed on a stone surface with twisted branches in the background. From left to right: Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, and Pinot Noir 2020, each with a filled glass nearby.
Clay Shannon
Three wine bottles are displayed against a dark background. The central bottle, a Cabernet Sauvignon from Shannon Ranch, features a visible label with the text "OVIS." The bottle to the left is dark, while the one to the right is lighter in color.
Ovis
A bottle of Buck Shack Red Blend wine from Shannon Ranch sits on a wooden slab, flanked by two deer antlers, creating a rustic and warm ambiance. The background is softly blurred, emphasizing the bottle and decorative display.
Buck Shack
Grilled lamb chops from Shannon Ranch, cooked medium-rare, are artfully stacked on a white plate. The meat is pink in the center with a seasoned crust, and the background is softly blurred.
Lamb