May 8, 2023, Los Olivos, CA — Family-owned Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards, a renowned winery with a 50-year history in Santa Barbara County, is mourning the recent loss of its founder, John C. Cushman III.
In 1973, Cushman, along with five friends, established Zaca Mesa as the third winery in all of Santa Barbara County. The winery gained prominence in 1978 when it became the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County, and was instrumental in launching the Santa Barbara Rhône movement through an unwavering dedication to Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and other Rhône varieties.
Half a century later, the pioneering winery is still owned by the Cushman family, with John’s son, Stewart Cushman, at the helm. Stewart has remained committed to continuing his father’s tradition of being a responsible steward of the land and furthering Zaca Mesa’s exceptional reputation as a leading producer of high-quality, California Rhône-style estate wines.
Cushman passed away peacefully at his home on May 4th, 2023 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, four sons, ten grandchildren, and two brothers. John’s memory will be cherished by his family, friends, and the countless individuals who benefited from his caring personality and generous philanthropic actions. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to thrive through his family and the entire Zaca Mesa team.
In lieu of flowers or other gestures, the Cushman family respectfully requests that individuals pay tribute to John’s life by visiting a national park site or making a donation to the National Park Foundation.
About Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards
Established in 1973, Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards is a family owned and operated estate winery with a long-standing history in Santa Barbara County. As the first vineyard to plant Syrah in the area in 1978, Zaca Mesa helped pioneer the Santa Barbara Rhône movement through an unwavering dedication to Syrah and Viognier. Throughout its history, Zaca Mesa has been a training ground for many great winemakers – at one point earning the nickname “Zaca University” – and vintage after vintage, the resulting wines have become benchmarks for Central Coast Rhône-style wines, regularly earning 90+ scores from top critics and publications alike.
Please visit www.zacamesa.com for more information.
