This is our first single vineyard designated Pinot Grigio (also known as Pinot Gris) from Esperanza Vineyard in the Clarksburg appellation. All of the grapes were grown at Esperanza, where the constant warm days are cooled by afternoon ocean breezes that follow the river from the San Francisco Bay, dropping the nighttime temperature by as much as 50 degrees. This cools the grapes and allows longer hangtime on the vine to develop intense flavors. The vines are essentially dry-farmed, which helps the grapes to ripen with good acidity, flavor and color. We blend a small amount of Viognier (a white Rhône varietal also grown at Esperanza Vineyard) with the Pinot Grigio to enhance the aroma and structure of the wine.