The Cameron Family

The Cameron Family traces its roots to 1853, when Alonzo Meacham purchased 480 acres west of Fulton in what is today’s Russian River Valley. The property was part of the historic Rancho San Miguel land grant. Around the turn of the 20th century, Meacham’s daughter, Elvira, married the Reverend Donald C. Cameron, a native of Scotland, and together they purchased the property from her father. In its early years, the ranch flourished with diversity. Eighteen acres were planted to Zinfandel, Riesling, and Chasselas grapes. Over time, the ranch diversified, producing hay, wheat, corn, tobacco, Gravenstein apples, Cling peaches, and prunes. Livestock operations included 400 head of Southdown sheep, cattle, horses, and 1,500 chickens. By 1905, the family planted 58 acres to hops and constructed two large hop kilns. These were leased to Grace Brothers Brewery until 1915, when the family then resumed the operation. As decades passed, shifting markets brought change. When hops and apples were no longer profitable, the Cameron’s adapted once again. In 1960, French Colombard grapes replaced the fading crops, setting the stage for a renewed focus on viticulture. Today, the 6th and 7th generations of Camerons, representing three branches of the family, continue to farm along River Road, cultivating Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and French Colombard. The ranch remains a testament to resilience, adaptability, and deep agricultural heritage—still family-run after more than 120 years.