Monterey’s Cool Climate Santa Lucia Highlands
The rugged Santa Lucia Mountains frame Monterey's County's fertile Salinas Valley on the west, separating it from the Pacific Ocean. The vines of this unique hillside district enjoy cooling ocean breezes and fog from nearby Monterey Bay. The resulting slow, gentle ripening contributes to California's longest “hang time” — creating exceptional intensity, complexity, and balance in the grapes.

The Santa Lucia Highlands A.V.A.
The Federal Government created this American Viticultural Area in 1991, in recognition of the district's unique growing conditions. The Santa Lucia Mountains tower above the Monterey Coast; ancient glacial movement and erosion have created alluvial fans, perched precariously on the range's southeast-facing benches.

It is here that some of the industry's most famous names — Morgan, Pisoni, Talbott, Mondavi, Mer Soleil, Paraiso — have carved out hillside vineyards. Most of the SLH AVA is rated a true Region I climate, comparable in degree-days to Burgundy. Warm morning temperatures followed by chilling ocean breezes and clouds from nearby Monterey Bay provide one of California's longest, gentlest growing seasons. No wonder then, that the Santa Lucia Highlands has built its reputation on cool climate-loving Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Syrah — varietals that benefit from extra hang time on the vine.

The Vineyards Of Paraiso
Paraiso anchors the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Rich Smith began planting the 400-acre Paraiso Springs property in 1973. Today, almost 150,000 vines occupy the sixteen different vineyard blocks, situated in the hills and canyons of the estate's rough terrain. The vineyards, with their varying soils, elevations, and microclimates, produce grapes uniquely expressive of their site. Taken together, they offer the winemaker a painter's palette of complex, flavorful hues from which to choose.

The Smith's experience as winegrowers has translated into huge demand for the grapes grown at Paraiso. In addition to the fruit supplied for their own label, the family sells P.V. grapes, under contract, to several other ultra-premium producers.

Early bud break and fruit set are one of the advantages of Paraiso's highland location. Mid-season leaf pulling and other canopy management techniques help focus the vine's efforts. Harvest at Paraiso typically begins in mid-September and can run to late October. The Smith family employs sustainable agricultural practices at Paraiso, through the use of biodiverse systems and cover crops.