Sonoma Coast
Carneros straddles Napa and Sonoma, sharing its western border with Sonoma Valley and its eastern perimeter with Napa Valley. California missions once colonized this region. This windy and fog laden area benefits from the cool maritime influence of the San Pablo Bay, imposing ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Trade flourished in Carneros given its proximity to San Francisco and the fertile lands for farming, orchards, and vineyards. In 1870, the first winery was established by William H. Winter of Indiana, named Winter Winery. After the repeal of Prohibition, Louis M. Martini and Ander Tschelistcheff were the first to purchase Pinot Noir grapes from Stanley Ranch in Carneros. In the 1980’s, Carneros saw an influx of sparkling wine facilities including Tattinger’s Domaine Carneros, Cordorniu, Gloria Ferrer, Mumm Napa and others. Presently there are 45 wineries with 9,000 acres under vine. Pinot Noirs from Carneros are evenly structured with dark macerated wild berries, black tea, cola and spices along with some earthy elements.
