VINEYARDS & WINERY

Pietra Santa is located in the beautiful Cienega Valley, approximately 25 miles inland from the Monterey Bay. Warm, sunny days here are moderated by cool ocean breezes creating an ideal climate for grape growing. The Valley is crisscrossed by the San Andreas Fault whose subterranean movements over the years filled the soils with limestone and granite deposits. These rocky soils stress the vines and add interesting and unique flavors to the wines. The estate was first developed in the 1850s when Frenchman Theophile Vache recognized the site's potential and planted grapevines in the Valley.

The vineyards changed hands over the years but were revitalized in the 1980s with the replanting of many of the vineyard blocks and the addition of 30 acres of terraced, hillside vineyards. With elevations ranging from 1200 to 1800 feet and diverse microclimates within the valley, a number of varieties thrive from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese, to Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Only 130 of the estate's 455 acres are currently planted to grapevines, as some of the land is too steep for cultivation.

Pietra Santa is also home to 25 acres of olive groves planted with 5000 trees imported directly from Pistoia, Italy. Five varieties grow here including Leccino, Coratina, Frantoio, Itrana, and Pendolino. Olive oil is made using an Italian "Pieralisi" press housed in a special pressing room at the winery. Our Estate olive oil has a savory spiciness and rich texture and is made exclusively from the estate's olive trees.

Built in 1998 in the Spanish Mission style, the Santa Pietra Winery features oversized wood doors, a dramatic belltower, and an authentic bell custom forged for the winery. The magnificent building is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque vineyards that offer a spectactular view, especially from the second-floor tasting room. In spite of the traditional exterior, the winery contains state-of-the-art technology and was designed by our winemaker, Alessio Carli, to facilitate production of exceptional quality wines. In addition, the winery contains an olive oil pressing room with an Italian Pieralisi press.