Get to know the mountains for which we are named—and how they shape every glass of Ancient Peaks.
Our estate Margarita Vineyard lies at the foot of the mighty Santa Lucia Mountain Range, which forms a striking silhouette of ancient peaks high above the vines. This unique formation not only influences our soils, but also the weather patterns that ripen our grapes.
The Ancient Peaks
The Santa Lucia Mountains form a rugged range on California’s Central Coast, stretching southeast from Carmel for 140 miles to the Cuyama River in San Luis Obispo County.
Our estate Margarita Vineyard resides near the tail end of this majestic range, which dates back more than 140 million years when the eastward moving Farallon plate began moving under the North American plate.
As you enter the vineyard, it’s impossible to miss the dramatic peaks that serve as the backdrop to our estate—and as the inspiration behind our name.
The Soils = Natural Complexity
Seismic activity remains common along the Santa Lucia Mountains. In fact, Margarita Vineyard is surrounded on either side by two active faults—the Nacimiento and Rinconada.
Needless to say, there’s no shortage of seismic micromovements (and the occasional noticeable quake) at our ranch. And as these faults have shifted and buckled over millions of years, they have blessed Margarita Vineyard with a rare array of five soil types—ancient sea bed, shale, granitic, volcanic and rocky alluvium.
This wide range of soils provides different expressions of the same grape variety, which ultimately translates to natural complexity in our wines.
The Weather = Elegance & Structure
The peaks also form a barrier between the cool San Luis Obispo coastline and the warmer interior of Paso Robles, creating a unique hybrid climate at Margarita Vineyard. It’s cooler here than most areas of Paso Robles, but warmer than the ultra-coastal climate of nearby Edna Valley. The afternoons get warm, but coastal fog regularly spills over the peaks and cools down the vines by evening.
This allows us to grow warmer-climate grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc in a style that is inherently balanced and structured with ripe flavors and fresh acidity. And the coolest areas of the vineyard are suited to cool-climate grapes such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
Now you know why we named our winery after these ancient peaks—and how they shape the quality and personality of our wines.
