Our Vineyard

Upper:

Planted in 2002 year this was half of the original vineyard set aside for Sea star when it was called ‘Morning Bay Winery’. Blasted out of the mountain side of Mount Menzies this 4-acre site is home to our estate blend portion of our Stella Maris as well as some of the Pinot Noir that goes into our Blanc de noir rosé. Our highest elevation vineyard gets full days of sun for the entire summer however grape development is tempered by its range of elevation and exposure to higher winds as well as its thinner soil. Elevation also fosters well drained soils, which places an optimal amount of stress on the vines to produce quality grapes without over stressing them and negatively affecting fruiting.

Soil type: sandy loam with granite out-cropping(s)

Elevation: 83 – 107 meters (272 – 351 feet)

Direction: south facing slope

Grape varieties: Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer

Planted date: October 2002

Lower:

With similar soil composition to our upper vineyard, our lower vineyard is a smaller plot at around 2 acres. This east facing vineyard then climbs from the ocean and is heavily influenced by oceanic, cooling breezes. This vineyard produces some of our highest acid grapes that are then blended with our Ortega, Intertidal rosé and our estate blend to aid in providing structure and balance. Like our upper vineyard, our lower vineyard has effective drainage however receives more early morning sun to help burn away the morning mists from the early morning moisture.

Soil type: sandy loam

Elevation: 33 – 62 meters (108- 203 feet)

Direction: east facing slope

Grape varieties: Maréchal Foch, Ortega, Schönburger

Planted date: October 2002

Clam bay:

Our largest vineyard at 5 acres, clam bay is home to our Siegerrebe as well as more of our Pinot noir and a majority of our Ortega. Located in the larger area known as clam bay, our vineyard is only slightly above sea level and has deeper sandy loam soil than our other vineyards producing grapes that contribute more fruit purity and a riper character to their respective wines.

Soil type: sandy loam

Elevation: 27 meters above sea level (88 feet)

Direction: flat, slightly north facing

Grape varieties: Ortega, Pinot noir, Siegerrebe

Planted date: June 2008

Vine clonal info: Pinot noir clones (Dijon) 114 and 115