Perched on the western edge of Sonoma Mountain, ranging in elevation from 300’ to 840’ above sea level, Gap’s Crown vineyard takes advantage of the steep Sonoma Mountain hillsides to promote natural airflow and drainage within the vineyard. As part of the Sonoma Coast AVA, the Vineyard is located on Sonoma Mountain where its surrounding southwest facing hills meet the Petaluma Wind Gap. To the south of the vineyard, the hills of the Sonoma Mountain turn southeast and channel cool breezes of the Petaluma Gap toward the San Pablo Bay. To the north, Sonoma Mountain gives way to Crane Canyon and the northwest hills which helps create a natural fog pocket around the vineyard. Typically, the coastal fog trapped in this pocket takes longer to burn off during the latter days of the growing season. This lingering fog at the end of the growing season allows the fruit in Gap’s Crown Vineyard to ripen slowly, developing sugar and phenolic ripeness in unison.

As part of the Sonoma Coast AVA, Sun Chase Vineyard peers above the Gap’s Crown Vineyard perched on a Southwest facing hillside at an elevation between 900’ and 1400’ feet. Located where the Petaluma Wind Gap meets Sonoma Mountain allows Mother Nature to draw invigorating winds and cooling fog from the coast toward the San Pablo Bay. Early morning fog rolls in to provide a cool cover until the sun breaks through for a short term warming influence and in the late afternoon the cooling winds return. Greatly influenced by these cool ocean breezes and sitting above the fog line, these winds reduce heat stress on the vines, which allows for slow and even maturation of the fruit. These factors combine for balanced fruit, crisp minerality, producing a rich Pinot Noir. Sun Chase has become increasingly popular with high end Pinot Noir producers and is one of the most sought after vineyards in the Petaluma Gap.

Nestled in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, the Soberanes Vineyard sits next to Gary’s Vineyard and is the newest vineyard of the Pisoni and Franscioni family partnerships. Deemed “one of the appellation’s most esteemed properties” by the Wine Enthusiast, the Soberanes Vineyard bears the family name of José María Soberanes, who marched from Mexico to Monterey Bay with the famed Portolá expedition, and his son Feliciano, who acquired the 8,900-acre land grant as repayment for his loan of forty horses, fifty head of cattle, four oxen and some sheep.

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA is part of the western mountains of the Salinas Valley, facing east, receiving the gentle morning sunshine. The valley is fundamental for it channels the cold climate conditions from the Pacific Ocean. Southeastern-facing bench lands sit in and above the morning fog and are cooled by these coastal winds funneled off Monterey Bay. The fog and afternoon winds combined with good sun exposure lengthen the growing season in the appellation. Grapes hang on the vines longer, developing complex flavors while keeping their crisp acidity. These conditions, and the sandy loam soils, which boast significant sub-soil boulders layered I to the alluvial fan, along with the meticulous farming practices overseen by Mark Pisoni, make the Soberanes Vineyard perfect for growing premium Pinot Noir.