From the late nineteenth century, the ranch belonged to the Darms Family and produced prunes and other fruits. Upon the purchase by Wade and Mary Elizabeth Shifflett, in 1942, horses and cattle were added to the ranch environment. In 1980, Wade Jr., and his wife Olga, and their five children decided to plant grapes. Jeffrey, Kathryn, Michael, Steven, and Mary all helped with the project, but at the same time went off to start their own careers and families.

With the passing of the second generation, the five came back together as the new owners of the property. After much deliberation, they determined to put together a project befitting the heritage and unique setting of the ranch. New plantings of grapes, appropriate for its specific soils and terrain were cultivated. A 1902 olive grove was restored and supplemented with new plantings. New vineyard managers and consultants were brought in, along with on-site family supervision and financial management. Their experience as growers, first with a small number of contracts, and later many more, confirmed the quality of the fruit. Small production lots of wine from a few family members further convinced the partners that the property produced exceptional and uniquely flavored wines. More deliberation and study were undertaken, and a decision was made to proceed with their own label. A custom barn was converted to a small winery and up-to-date equipment was acquired and the SHIFFLETT label was created.