The pride of our wines begins in the vineyard, as California is very dynamic. Climate, geography, topography and soil types change dramatically throughout the state. By mastering the vineyard, we can understand the vintage, embracing these subtle nuances to enhance color, flavor and aromatics. Explore the appellation while you enjoy true varietal character unique to the growing region.


The Monterey County AVA was established in 1984 and covers approximately 100 miles, with its most northern point being just north of the Monterey Bay to its most southern point boarding Paso Robles. There is roughly 40,000 acres of wine grapes are currently cultivated in Monterey County with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay amongst the mostly popular varieties grown.
Monterey's growing region is extremely unique with incredible diurnal temperature changes; the northern portion of Monterey is a cool growing region, but one with a very long growing season. Daytime temperatures rarely exceed 75 °F, while in the most southern part temperatures can reach 100 degrees at times.
 


The Santa Cruz Mountains AVA (American Viticultural Area) became a recognized AVA in 1981 and was one of the first appellations to be defined by its mountainous topography. Placed directly in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the region is bounded by the Santa Cruz Mountain range, from Half Moon Bay and Woodside in the north, to Mount Madonna and Watsonville in the south. The appellation encompasses some 322,000 acres extending through Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

The mountainous terrain, the Pacific Ocean, and the nearby San Francisco Bay have wide-ranging effects on the appellation, creating a plethora of micro-climates, ultimately defining the regions terroir. Vineyards in this region are not only influenced by the elevation of the land, but coastal fog, bright sunshine and vast soil types.
 

The Mendocino AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Mendocino County, California and is home to 11 unique smaller AVAs which are highlighted throughout the rolling hills and slopes the rugged region. The Mendocino AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate with the county as a whole covering a quarter million acres. The cooler climate in the Anderson Valley is widely known for its cultivation of Pinot Noir.

The Anderson Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) is located in Mendocino County, California and has come to rank with the top Pinot Noir regions in North America. Quality is no stranger to this region as the terroir produces soft yet powerful Pinots. Shortly after becoming a recognized AVA in 1983, the region quickly became established and now predominantly well-known for its Pinot Noir production. Located just a short distance of approximately 10 to 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the AVA is prone to wide diurnal temperature variation of between 40 to 50 °F, this enables Pinot Noir growers to keep acid development in line with sugar and flavor formation through long, warm Indian summers.