Santa Lucia Highlands
The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is on the western bench of the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. This region consists of a series of terraced, hillside vineyards that are known for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Summer afternoons are typically sunny, but are cooled by coastal winds from the Pacific Ocean.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are well suited to the area's climate. The limestone-based soils, wind, and fog in the best vineyards bear a passing resemblance to conditions in Burgundy’s Cote d’Or. The Santa Lucia growing season is also couple weeks longer than most other regions in the area, which allows grapes to ripen slowly and methodically.
Major wineries sourcing Santa Lucia fruit include Mer et Soleil, Paraiso Springs, Hahn, Talbott, Morgan and many others. Indeed, the region has garnered an extraordinary reputation in among the state's best vintners in a relatively short period of time.