The property was originally homesteaded in 1846 by Col. George Porter, a hero of the Mexican wars. Porter chose a home site in a meadow nestled in a bend of the little stream that became known as Porter Creek, where the family remained for generations.

In 1941, Fred MacMurray, one of Hollywood's best-loved actors, bought the ranch from the Porters. There, he raised his family and enjoyed the natural wonders of Sonoma County and the rewarding lifestyle of a rancher. Fred was committed to farming the land. The Gallo Family purchased MacMurray Ranch in 1996. Working with Kate MacMurray and Backen & Gillam Architects, the Gallo Family carefully restored the homestead and the horse barn in 2003. Through the generosity of the MacMurray Family, many of the original furnishings remain at the ranch. Today, the ranch looks much as it did a century ago, surrounded by split rail fences and framed by oak and redwood groves. Now it is home to some of Sonoma County's finest Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir vineyards.