The winery is located in Edna Valley, near Arroyo Grande in the southern corner of San Luis Obispo County.

Starting in 1985, John Alban planted grapes for other people until he bought an estate in 1989.

[2][3][4] On beginning to grow Viognier, Alban stated "I almost single-handedly doubled the world's acreage," referring to a time when its cultivation was reduced to 50 acres (20 ha) in two areas of the Rhône Valley, Condrieu and Château-Grillet.

[5] Alban's work, along with that of Josh Jensen of Calera Wine Company in San Benito County, helped to significantly expand plantings of Viognier in California at a time when the variety was near extinction.

5% botrytis grapes and aged in 50% new oak, named Rotten Luck.