Our 125 acre vineyard estate is located at an elevation of 900 to 1000 ft at the apex of the southern end of Chiles Valley. The soils mostly consist of Pleasanton Loam which is a fertile soil with silty-clay composition of marine origin. The vineyard's geological formation experiences unique microclimates created by its soil, elevation, the tunneling effect of two valleys, and its distinctive influence caused by the Pacific Coastal Effect.

• The spring bud break is later than other Napa Valley AVA's, sometimes as much as two weeks. This, along with the higher altitude, produces a fog inversion layer during late summer resulting in a later fog burn off compared to most areas of Napa Valley helping create a slower and longer ripening season.


• During the growing season, the day time high temperature is reached a little later in our location of Chiles Valley than it is in most other parts of the Napa Valley AVA's. Coupled with higher elevations, our night time lows are lower as well. Each afternoon, the northwest opening of the valley acts as a funnel for wind. In combination with the region's elevation, these winds decrease humidity in the vineyards. As the dry air cools quicker than moist air, the temperature of Chiles Valley decreases quickly when the sun goes down.


• Because of our elevation, the climate in Chiles Valley stays moderate later into fall allowing grapes more time on the vine to develop before harvest. Sunny days develop sugars while cool winds keep acidity up.