Ninfa Meza Mao
Ninfa Meza Mao’s story starts in the lively, untouched landscape of Rancho Sacramento, a treasure established by her parents in 1952. These South Californian pioneers weren’t just working the land; they were planting the roots of a legacy that would thrive for generations. As she reflects on her childhood, Ninfa describes it as an early awakening to a love of nature.
Her mother, a wise herbalist, infused their home with the healing power of the earth. From mud packs to soothe fevers to comforting herbal infusions, each remedy was a reminder of the natural world’s embrace. For Ninfa, this knowledge isn’t just a fond memory; it’s a genetic inheritance. She carries with her the steadfast belief that proper health and strength lie in the nurturing arms of the earth itself.
The ranch was not just a place of work but also one of affection. Ninfa remembers her father as a rough yet loving man who showered her with tender words: “my love, my goddess, my queen, my life.” This affectionate treatment, which favored her over her siblings, was the seed of a deep bond between 57 her and the land he entrusted to her.
She came to live alone on the ranch just over a decade ago. On those silent nights, accompanied only by the wind and the sounds of animals —such as the howling of coyotes, the hooting of owls, and the stealthy footsteps of wildcats —Ninfa discovered a conscious love for her environment. ‘In the silence of those nights, I learned to listen. Every sound spoke to me and reminded me that this place is my home,’ she shares.
The vineyard, filled with clusters of Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo grapes, became an extension of the family’s history. Ninfa talks about the grapes as if she’s introducing beloved family members. She shows their leaves, points out their shapes, and praises their beauty. “Each plant holds a piece of my history and that of my parents. By caring for them, I feel like I am keeping their memory alive,” she says with emotion.
For Ninfa, growing up on the ranch instilled in her a love and respect for the land, the animals, and the simple life. Today, that feeling translates into keeping her parents’ legacy alive by breathing new life into the ranch through winemaking. She describes wine as capable of awakening emotions and memories, just like a childhood dish her mother used to prepare.
Rancho Sacramento is, for her, a treasured home with a history and affection.
