“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness,” Thomas Jefferson
Wine grape culture has played a vital role in our valley’s economic and social ire almost from the time the first Spaniards viewed the foothills of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California.
Today, we visit Paul Hofer, III and explore his family’s beautiful Hofer Ranch – a National Historic Register Property surrounded by lush trees, vineyard and gardens, restored ranch house, barns and Quonset huts, all secluded from the neighboring Ontario Airport jetway and concrete industrial buildings.
Founded in 1882 by Sanford Ballou and his son Benton, Hofer Ranch encompassed 960 acres at its peak including apricot and peach orchards, raisins and premium wine grapes including reds; Grenache, Mission and Zinfandel, and whites; Chardonnay, Pedro Ximénez, and Rose of Peru.
Paul Ballou Hofer helped create the Cucamonga Pioneer Vineyard Association in 1934 as the valley’s first wine-producing and marketing cooperative controlled by local growers. Hofer’s sons, Paul, Jr. and Phillip continued their father’s leadership, and today, Paul, III farms a portion of the original ranch, proudly maintaining a remnant of a prominent viticultural heritage.
Recent plantings on the 40-acre site include Grenache, Mission and Zinfandel. Hofer Ranch is home to one of the area’s last Grenache vineyards.
For over a century, the Hofers have made noteworthy contributions towards enhancing the lives of many throughout our region.
Local vintner Donald Galleano is a lifetime friend and grape growing partner. “Paul and his family are synonymous with integrity. I greatly appreciate their ongoing preservation efforts at the ranch,” said Galleano. “Society must have a sense of history or we lose value.” Galleano’s family has known the Hofers for nearly 90 years.
Ron LaBrucherie, dairyman and farmer holds deep admiration for Paul, III and his family. “Paul is honest, genuine and truly beyond reproach. The Hofers are great farmers and they taught by example. From assisting with water delivery systems and soil conservation practices, it was always community first and they loved their neighbors. Many have benefited from their efforts,” LaBucherie said.
“One cannot walk onto the Hofer Ranch without experiencing a sense of peace and tranquility. When I go there, I get a feeling of what life was like when I was a kid, and a feeling of how I think life should be.”
Ginoffvine 