For years, all you heard about was barrel-fermented Chardonnays. Then stainless-fermented versions became all the rage…

But at Ancient Peaks, we believe in blending the best of both worlds—stainless for energy and elegance, and oak for texture and complexity. Let’s talk about how we make Chardonnay the Ancient Peaks way!

The Fruit

It all starts with our estate-grown Chardonnay fruit from Margarita Vineyard, which occupies the coolest growing location in the Paso Robles AVA, just 14 miles from the ocean.

In fact, as the southernmost site in the region, we’re just over the mountains from the ultra-coastal Edna Valley, an acclaimed Chardonnay region. Because Chardonnay thrives in marine-cooled climates, this gives us a distinct advantage in producing a varietally true Chardonnay!

Our 2025 Chardonnay comes from blocks 26 and 37 at Margarita Vineyard. Block 37 occupies a northeast-facing flank of the vineyard, where the morning and afternoon temperatures are particularly cool. Here, brisk marine air settles after flowing through a mountain notch known as Trout Creek. These conditions provide a long growing period that nurtures vivid varietal character in our Chardonnay fruit. Block 26 unfolds along granitic soils and provides a tropical fruit-forward core to the final blend.

The Making

The 2025 growing season was one of the coolest and longest in recent memory at Margarita Vineyard, resulting in a brilliant alignment of flavors, freshness and structure in the fruit.

After harvesting and light pressing, 80 percent of the Chardonnay was cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks for the preservation of delicate aromatics and bright fruit flavors.

The remainder was barrel-fermented and aged on the lees in French oak to add roundness, texture and complexity. This oak-aged lot also underwent secondary malolactic fermentation and consistent lees stirring, which ultimately lent a touch of creaminess to the wine.

The Result

The 2025 Chardonnay is highly fragrant with notes of honeysuckle, pineapple, pear, guava and wet slate minerality. Luscious flavors of stone fruits, peach, poached pear and toffee are buoyed by clean, crunchy acidity. Stony textures and lingering citrus accents carry into a long, elegant finish.

This beautifully balanced Chardonnay makes a fine match for fresh shellfish, lemon butter scallops, creamy pasta, citrus chicken and goat cheese.

Visit our tasting room to try our latest Chardonnay marvel!