Winery Detail Pietra Santa Winery Pietra Santa is located in the beautiful Cienega Valley, approximately 25 miles inland from the Monterey Bay. Warm, sunny days here are moderated by cool ocean breezes creating an ideal climate for grape growing. The Valley is crisscrossed by the San Andreas Fault whose subterranean movements over the years filled the soils with limestone and granite deposits. These rocky soils stress the vines and add interesting and unique flavors to the wines. The estate was first developed in the 1850s when Frenchman Theophile Vache recognized the site's potential and planted grapevines in the Valley. The vineyards changed hands over the years but were revitalized in the 1980s with the replanting of many of the vineyard blocks and the addition of 30 acres of terraced, hillside vineyards. With elevations ranging from 1200 to 1800 feet and diverse microclimates within the valley, a number of varieties thrive from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese, to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Only 130 of the estate's 455 acres are currently planted to grapevines, as some of the land is too steep for cultivation. The Pietra Santa Winery was built in 1998 in the Spanish Mission style and features oversized wood doors, a dramatic belltower, and an authentic bell custom forged for the winery. The magnificent building is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque vineyards that offer a spectacular view, especially from the second-floor tasting room. In spite of the traditional exterior, the winery contains state-of-the-art technology and was designed by wine and olive oil maker, Alessio Carli, to facilitate production of exceptional quality wines. Pietra Santa is also home to 25 acres of olive groves planted with 5,000 trees imported directly from Pistoia, Italy. Five varieties grow here including Leccino, Coratina, Frantoio, Itrana, and Pendolino. Olive oil is made using an Italian Pieralisi Press that is housed in a special pressing room at the winery. Olivita, our premiere olive oil, has a savory spiciness and rich texture and is made exclusively from the estate's olive trees. Pietra Santa's Website Current Releases BevX.com has reviewed ten current releases from Pietra Santa Winery. Click here to view all of the reviews, all with a handy link that puts you one click away from being able to purchase these great wines. Don't miss the feature on Pietra Santa in the 2007/Q3 issue of our magazine The Aperitif Reviews for Pietra Santa Wines