Learning Center

The consistently mild climate of the Central Coast is ideal with an average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm, clear days and cool nights characterize the spring and autumn months with foggy summers, and a distinct rainy season between November and April.

The consistently mild climate of the Central Coast is ideal with an average temperature of 57 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm, clear days and cool nights characterize the spring and autumn months with foggy summers, and a distinct rainy season between November and April.

Grapevines in Monterey County benefit from the cool temperatures and diverse soils,and long, protected valleys that are open to the Monterey Bay.  As air in the southern part of the county warms each day and rises, cool air from the bay fills the void left by the rising warm air. The resulting damp fog and wind slows the maturity of the grapes and toughens the skins, resulting in a smaller berry with very concentrated fruit flavors. Grapes in this area remain on the vine 30 to 90 days longer than other grape growing regions, with a spring bud break typically two weeks ahead and fall harvest typically two week behind other regions.

During this longer growing season, county viticulturists will encourage even ripening of the fruit by raising the canopy which covers the grape bunches. This canopy manipulation is prevalent in Monterey County, in order to balance the relationship between hang time and ripening. This slowly matured fruit offers intense varietal flavors and an ideal sugar acid balance. These concentrated, true varietal flavors are the hallmark of Monterey County's quality wines.