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| Low Latitude: Early Bloom, Gentle Ripening Santa Maria Valley is an appellation apart, 300 miles south of Napa Valley, 150 miles north of Los Angeles. Here, the mild winter and bright sun prompt flowering and fruitset earlier than at vineyards to the north. The interplay between the southern appellation sunlight and cool maritime temperature stimulates grapes to slow, perfect ripening. |
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| Remarkable Topography Extends Cool Growing Season Santa Maria Valley is formed by an uncommon east-west break in California's coastal range, with unusual direct exposure to the ocean. The California Current flows from Alaska until being diverted out to sea at Point Conception, making Santa Maria the southernmost coldwater coast in California. This cooling influence is reinforced by deep, cold ocean waters rising to the surface, a localized phenomenon caused by the unusual configuration of the land, the direction of wind and the ocean currents. Low-Vigor Soils: Intense Flavors, Deep Character Nutrient-poor sandy and sandy loam soils in selected locations in the valley are much sought-after. These restrictive, low water-holding capacity sites offer a classic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay soil profile. The Ultimate Place for Pinot Noir & Chardonnay These factors - early spring, cold summer and low-vigor soils - combine for early bloom, slow maturation and extended, dry harvests (long "hangtime'). Santa Maria Valley has one of the longest growing seasons in the world, a primary factor in achieving the highest quality, most intensely flavored wine grapes. |
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 History | Vineyards |
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| Byron > Inside Byron > Santa Maria Valley | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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