California has a rich wine history and accounts for over 80% of US wine production. With a strong food and wine culture and ideal climate, California produces some outstanding wines.

To the north of San Francisco are the Napa Valley and Somona Coast. Inland to the East is Lodi where Zinfandel is king. To the south lies Monterey, a cool climate area heavily influenced by the coast. Running south from Monterey Bay is the Salinas River Valley.

With the Gabilan Mountains to the east and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west the Salinas Valley has a cool climate influenced by Monterey Bay. Under these waters lies the Monterey Canyon, a deep submarine canyon as large as the Grand Canyon. This brings cold ocean water to the surface cooling the air. The climate lengthens the ripening season for the grapes, developing more flavour.

In Monterey we work with Scheid family vineyards across three ranges. Their District 7 Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon offer remarkable value for California. The wines are a great blend of power and finesse with just a touch of oak to add complexity.

Ranch 32 is one of the Scheid vineyards in Greensfield located in the Salinas Valley. Ranch 32 Chardonnay has aromas of apple, citrus and tropical fruit, with a touch of caramel and flavours of butterscotch, creamy oak and mineral. The Pinot Noir has lovely weight with cherry, raspberry and savoury notes. It is velvety smooth with subtle oak on the long finish.