Estancia Winery

VINEYARDS:We’re convinced that the world’s best wines showcase the true essence of their origins. We grew the fruit for this Chardonnay in our Pinnacles Vineyard, on the east side of Salinas Valley at the base of the Gabilan Mountains. Cooled by morning fog and far enough from the Monterey Bay to get a long, daily dose of sun, this west-facing vineyard, planted at 300 feet in elevation, has proven itself to be an ideal site for Burgundian varieties, including Chardonnay. Known for its...

VINEYARDS:The biggest influence on the climate of Monterey County vineyards is invisible, yet its effects are undeniable. Under the surface of Monterey Bay lies a canyon that is two miles deep, sixty miles long, and filled with cold water. This canyon generates cool Pacific air, which is then funneled through the Gabilan and Santa Lucia mountain ranges. This natural air conditioning results in slow and gentle ripening—an ideal climate for Pinot Noir grapes.To preserve the delicate fruit and...

VINEYARDS: We’re convinced that in the world’s best wines can be found the true essence of the place from which they came. We grew the fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon in our Keyes Canyon Vineyard in Paso Robles. Hot days and cool nights, thin soils and stressed vines—these are the hallmarks of Keyes Canyon. Vines struggle to produce fruit here, resulting in tiny clusters with high skin-to-juice ratios that create deeply concentrated wines with intense flavors. This southwest benchland...