Monterey Wine Country boasts nine designated AVAs, two-hundred vineyards and one world-class winegrowing region; we tend to agree. Saint’s Valley Winery’s beginnings may have begun in 2009, but its 180-acres of planted vineyards were originally planted in the heart of Monterey Wine County, the Thermal Rainbow, in 1991. It is here that the Saint’s Valley’s vineyards thrive, with varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache and Zinfandel.
The Thermal Rainbow gives a succinct visual representation of the Blue Grand Canyon’s influence on the temperatures and subsequent varietal selection throughout Monterey Wine Country. In the early morning, the entire region is cool and covered by a thick marine layer. As the sun rises, the valley starts to warm. The heat burns off the fog and begins the slow rise in temperature at the southern end of the county. The heat generated from the sun forces the warm air to rise and creates a low pressure effect. The cool air off the ocean is drawn and funneled through the mountain ranges.
Today, Saint’s Valley Winery’s Vista Del Lago vineyard is one of the few properties in the area that is now focused not only on viticulture but on winemaking as well. Saint’s Valley Winery continues the dream with wines of extraordinary character and its future looks bright in the Thermal Rainbow.
