Two Hundred Years Ago - Franciscan friars, in the Spanish mission of Soledad California, planted the first crop of wine grapes over two hundred years ago. Those vines withered and, sadly, no trace remains today of what was to become more than 40,000 acres planted in vineyards.

Rediscovered in the '60's - It was not until the early 1960's that the full potential of Monterey County, as a wine-producing region, began. In 1960 Professor A.J. Winkler, a viticultural authority from the University of California at Davis, published a report classifying grape growing districts by climate. Monterey County was classified as Region I and II, comparable with the premium regions of Napa, Sonoma, Burgundy and Bordeaux.

New Vineyards Established - This discovery came at an opportune time. The demand for table wines had been steadily increasing, and established wineries had begun to seek out new land for their vineyards.

So, in the early 1960's, the first shrewd plantings of vineyards began. Among these were Wente, Mirassou, Paul Masson, J. Lohr and Chalone. From those early beginnings, Monterey Wine Country has grown to more than 45,000 acres planted in vineyards varying in size from sixty to several thousands acres, making it one of the largest premium wine grape growing regions in California worth over $200 million.

Unique Charactertistics of Monterey Grapes - All grapes grown in Monterey County are wine grapes, there are no table grapes or grapes sold for juice. Wines from these vineyards have unique qualities which make them easily distinguishable from those produced elsewhere in California or the world. All have intense varietal flavor, which means the true taste of the grape is reflected in the wine. In Monterey County, Chardonnay is an especially important grape as it comprises 40% of total grape acreage. Chardonnay grapes from Monterey County vineyards have become especially prized by winemakers throughout the state. Currently, the northern areas of the county are heavily planted in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Blanc. In the warmer southern areas, red grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon (the second largest variety), Merlot and Zinfandel are common.

Land, Climate and Growing Methods - The remarkable grapes which produce these distinctive wines are the result of three key elements - the land itself, the near-perfect climate and the blend of traditional and innovative methods used by growers and winemakers.