In early 1972, Mr. Meador was headed home to be "an apple baron" but was induced first to install about 2,500 acres of vineyards in Monterey County--and then "go home." He quickly became fascinated with the industry--primarily with the problems of cold climate viticulture and winemaking-- and never left. He shortly acquired the property known since as "Ventana" and embarked on an over 20-year journey of research and exploration--essentially "mid-wifing" the birth of the great Monterey wine region and affecting world viticultural thought and practices in the process.

Throughout, Mr. Meador has made his research available to the industry through lectures and demonstrations, though in the first decade it was generally not well received by industry members--the conclusions being too deviant from the conventional practices and academic teachings. However, blind judging of wines at the various wine competitions forced issues and, commencing with the 1977 harvest, wines made from grapes grown by Ventana have been gold medal recipients every year since. In fact, the Ventana is the most award-winning single vineyard property in America! Mr. Meador is widely sought by consumers for speaking engagements, as he combines education, wide experience, and humor.