Chalone-Monterey Pinot Pioneers
As one of the first wineries to recognize the great potential of Monterey County, Chalone Vineyard began making their estate wines high up on the Gavilan mountain range in 1966. This eastern range, with the Santa Lucia mountain range on the west, flanks the 150-mile-long Salinas Valley, creating a wind tunnel that brings fog and cold air from the Monterey Bay. The northern half of the valley, with the most Pacific Ocean influence, is best suited for cool-loving, temperamental Pinot Noir vines.
