Harvard University's endowment fund sold the North Fork Ranch in Cuyama Valley for $5 million, a loss from the 2014 purchase price of $10 million. The vineyard faced groundwater overdraft issues, legal challenges, and a failed frost pond proposal.
The sale to new owners Dustin Noblitt and James Ontiveros occurs as the valley must cut agricultural pumping by 50% by 2040. The new owners have not disclosed their plans for the property.