About the Ranch

The Quail

The quail has long been a cherished symbol of Quail Ranch. Native quail continue to thrive throughout the ranch, reminding us each day of the enduring connection between the land, family, and the natural world.

For our family, the quail represents resilience, stewardship, and a deep appreciation for the land we are privileged to care for. It remains a quiet reminder of the values that continue to guide Quail Ranch and the enduring connection between family, the land, and the life we are honored to share with others.

The Ranch

Since 1933, Quail Ranch has been a place where the beauty of the land and the traditions of agriculture have been thoughtfully preserved. Nestled among the rolling hills of Ventura County, California, this historic working family farm is home to vineyards, avocado orchards, citrus groves, and the beautifully preserved Spanish Revival Ranch House that has remained the heart of the ranch for nearly a century. As only the second family to steward Quail Ranch, we are honored to continue its legacy while caring for the land and sharing it with others.

Established as a family farm and gathering place for the growing agricultural community of Simi Valley, Quail Ranch has grown and evolved while remaining true to its agricultural roots. Today, farming remains at the heart of everything we do—from caring for our orchards and vineyard to crafting estate wines and creating products inspired by the ranch. We believe the land has a remarkable ability to nourish, teach, and bring people together, and we hope every visit inspires a deeper appreciation for thoughtful stewardship, the future of agriculture, and the enduring connection between people, the land, and one another.

History

About Historic Ranch A Historic California Ranch
Quail Ranch and the surrounding area were part of a Spanish land grant given to Santiago de la Cruz Pico by the King of Spain in 1795. Pico named the land El Rancho Simi. Being close to the San Fernando Mission, El Rancho Simi served the population traveling to and from the Santa Barbara Mission and to nearby El Pueblo de Los Angeles during the California Mission era. In 1833, the Pico family sold the land to Don Jose de la Guerra, a prominent figure in the days of early California who imported cattle and continued to farm the area. The town of Simi was soon established. Robert P. Strathearn, originally from Scotland, purchased a part of El Rancho Simi and built his Victorian style home on the property in 1892. The Strathearn Family established the successful Strathearn Ranch which covered much of west Simi Valley and parts of Moorpark. Cattle ran on the surrounding hills and farms and ranches were established. By the 1920’s, Simi was a valley of orange groves, apricots and walnuts.

David Strathearn, the youngest son of R.P. Strathearn, served in the Army during WWI touring in Europe. He later returned home to marry and in 1933 built the Strathearn Ranch House on modern day Quail Ranch. He incorporated many of the images he saw in Europe into the interior design of the house. The hills were planted with citrus and flourished. The Ranch House was a special place where family and friends would gather and where the community could celebrate. David Strathearn’s youngest son would also live at the Ranch House where he and his lovely wife raised their family.

After the children were grown, the Ranch House was sold to neighboring landowners, the Seaton Family. The Seaton Family, of Scottish and Native American descent, named the property Quail Ranch. They assembled the acreage and replanted the orchards that are now thriving on the hillsides. Gary and Joanne Seaton continue to farm the land and live at the Ranch House where they have raised their children.

From the Land

Agriculture has long been part of California’s story, and Ventura County remains one of its most productive farming regions. For decades, our family has proudly grown California avocados, harvested by hand and enjoyed around the world. Many of our citrus trees were grafted from the original varietals planted here, preserving a living connection to the ranch’s agricultural heritage. Our estate vineyard reflects the same philosophy, with varietals thoughtfully selected for the character of the land and the wines they produce.

Our family is committed to the thoughtful stewardship of our orchards and vineyard through farming practices that promote healthy soils, responsible water use, and the long-term sustainability of the ranch. While we honor the traditions that have shaped Quail Ranch since 1933, we also believe stewardship means continually learning, adapting, and finding meaningful ways to share the beauty and value of agriculture.

We are honored to share the beauty of the land, its harvests, and the enduring spirit of California farming through the experiences we offer and the products we grow and craft at Quail Ranch.

Learn more about the benefits of California Avocados and visit www.californiaavocado.com