The area provides the proper temperature - enough warm days, a shorter frost season and less chance of unseasonable and damaging rains. The primary attribute of this singular climate is the cooling air of the Monterey Bay, which creates a longer growing season. As air in the southern part of the county warms at noon each day and rises, cool air from the Bay fills the void left by the rising warm air.

Grapevines in Monterey County tend to produce buds in the Springs, two weeks earlier than vines in other regions. Due to the cool growing season, the Fall harvest typically beings two weeks later than other regions. Thus, local grapes remain on the vine a full month longer, developing the characteristic intesity of flavor.

During this longer growing season, county viticulturists will encourage even ripening of the fruit by raising the canopy which covers the grape bunches. This canopy manipulation is prevalent in Monterey County, in order to balance the relationship between hang time and ripening.

This slowly matured fruit offers intense varietal flavors and an ideal sugar acid balance. These concentrated, true varietal flavors are the hallmark of Monterey County's quality wines.