Day 11 | Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, California

Coastal Elegance

Overview
Santa Lucia Highlands, located in Monterey County, California, is renowned for its cool climate and elevated vineyards that produce some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the state. This AVA benefits from its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, where cool breezes and fog funnel through the Salinas Valley, creating ideal conditions for growing these delicate varieties.

Why It's Special

• Cool Climate Santa Lucia Highlands is one of California’s premier cool-climate regions, offering wines with elegance, balance, and refined acidity.

• Elevation Advantage The region’s vineyards are planted on elevated terraces, benefiting from the altitude that enhances grape quality.

• Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Excellence The AVA is particularly celebrated for its world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, which are often characterized by bright fruit flavors, minerality, and complexity.

Interesting Fact
Santa Lucia Highlands was officially recognized as an AVA in 1991, but its viticultural history dates back to the Spanish missionaries who planted vineyards in the area centuries ago.

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Terroir Insights
The terroir of Santa Lucia Highlands is influenced by its unique position along the Salinas Valley, where maritime influences from the Monterey Bay bring cool breezes and fog to the vineyards. The region’s soils are primarily composed of decomposed granite, gravel, and loam, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the mineral-driven character of the wines. The elevation of the vineyards, ranging from 200 to 1,200 feet above sea level, allows for a longer growing season, which is crucial for developing the complex flavors in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Map provided courtesy of the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation. Download yours here.