Carneros
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.
Chardonnay from Carneros is evenly structured with yellow citrus
fruits, fine tuned acidity and some savory elements.
