Santa Maria, Calif.—Veteran Central Coast winemaker Ken Volk announced he plans to retire and is selling his brand and winery.

Kenneth Volk Vineyards is located in what was the original Byron Winery along the Tepusquet Creek in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County. Volk purchased the winery in 2005 after he sold Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards to what was then known as Peak Wines International, a subsidiary of Jim Beam Brands Wordwide.

According to the statement announcing Volk’s retirement, he was the first President of the Paso Robles Grape Growers Association in 1982. He also served as Chairman of the Board of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, 1997-2001. Upon establishing Kenneth Volk Vineyards, Ken served two terms on the board of directors of the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association.

Volk helped fund the pilot winery at his alma mater, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and served as the chairman of the industry advisory council for 10 years.

“It’s really two-fold,” Volk said of his retirement. “After suffering a stroke three years ago, I continue to face some on-going challenges with my health that prevent me from going to the winery on a daily basis. Additionally, like many of my colleagues who started family-owned wineries, my children have their own successful careers outside of this industry. I look forward to seeing a buyer take the brand to the next level.”

In addition to the winery and tasting room, the Kenneth Volk Vineyards property includes native gardens, event areas, a commercial kitchen and extensive office space. There are over four acres of fallow vineyard land which is ideally suited for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.