Our Story

Runway Vineyards is a family-owned business founded by Abel Maldonado, Jr. and his daughter Erika Maldonado. For three generations the family has farmed vegetables and strawberries, but became captivated by the beautiful Santa Maria Valley AVA. In 2008 the family planted the vineyard in order to cultivate quality grapes and wines. Abel and Laura have deep roots in the Santa Maria Valley, as this is where they were born and raised and have raised their four children, Erika, Nick, Marcus and Dino. Abel and his daughter Erika both attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where they studied Crop Science and Agri-business. They operate the vineyard together, which creates an ideal balance at Runway Vineyards.