Fog in the morning, Dancing winds in the afternoon – Our Vineyards Thrive Here

Our vines benefit from the natural air conditioning of the fog and the dancing wind, creating wines of exceptional balance and complexity

Stewart Johnson - Winemaker

Stewart Johnson - Winemaker

94 Points Jonathan Cristaldi` Decanter Magazine

The Petaluma Gap AVA's powerful, persistent winds distinguish it for Pinot Noir, surpassing Sonoma and Carneros. Acting as a natural wind tunnel, it channels cool Pacific air inland, crucial for vine development. The constant airflow dries canopies, reducing fungal disease risk and promoting healthier, more sustainable viticulture compared to the more humid conditions sometimes found in Sonoma and Carneros.

Wind stress in the Gap leads to smaller berries with thicker skins, a key factor for quality Pinot Noir. The higher skin-to-juice ratio concentrates tannins, color, and flavor precursors, resulting in wines with greater structure, depth, and complexity. Thicker skins, a direct response to the wind, further enhance phenolic extraction during fermentation. While Carneros has coastal influence, the Gap's wind intensity is often greater.

The cooling effect of these winds also extends the growing season, allowing for gradual ripening and full flavor development. This extended hang time enables the grapes to achieve physiological ripeness without excessive sugar, leading to balanced wines with brighter acidity, nuanced fruit, and greater elegance – often setting Petaluma Gap Pinot Noir apart from the sometimes richer styles of other Sonoma AVAs. The unique wind regime provides a significant advantage for cultivating exceptional Pinot Noir.

UNDERSTANDING THE PETALUMA GAP - Why it Makes Exceptional Wines