Sta. Rita Hills

ampelos vineyards are in the Sta. Rita Hills appellation at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley in northern Santa Barbara County, CA.

As with all great wine appellations, it is the combination of climate and soils, elevation and aspect, select grape varietals and clones, farming and winemaking that make the area and its wines so unique. But perhaps the largest influence on appellation is the fact that it lies in two valleys that run east-west, and open out on to the Pacific Ocean. Mornings are typically blanketed by ocean fog, which keeps the morning temperatures in the 50's or 60's through the summer. When the fog burns off, usually around mid morning, the temperatures will warm up into the 70's and 80's. In the afternoon, a breeze arrives, which cools things down and by the time the sun sets the temperature is usually in the 60's. The cool region 1 climate of the area makes this one of the most exciting areas in the world for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

ampelos vineyard lies towards the eastern edge of the appellation, and generally slopes west, exposing the vines to the cooling influences of the ocean fog and ocean breezes. The vineyard soils are a well-draining mixture of sand, chirt and loam.