Arroyo Seco Wine

Located in the central Salinas Valley of Monterey County, California, Arroyo Seco (‘dry creek’) has a transitional climate. Cool, foggy weather prevails in the north-west of the AVA, while the warmer south-west, where a steep, narrow canyon slices into the Santa Lucia mountains, is more sheltered from the wind. Soils in the canyon are not very fertile, forcing the roots of the vines to dig deep for survival. As a result, excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah wines are produced. This part of Arroyo Seco also has high humidity, enabling botrytis-infected dessert wines to be made in favorable vintages.

The canyon widens and ends in the north-east of the AVA, in the more fertile Salinas Valley, where old riverbeds have left distinctive gravelly and sandy loam soils. Large river stones aid drainage as well as retaining warmth from the sun during the day, which is absorbed by the vines during the much-cooler nights. The stones are part of the secret of the fleshy fruit flavors and fresh acidity found in Arroyo Seco's renowned Chardonnay, Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines. Pinot Noir also thrives here.

The quality of the region's grapes has prompted outside wine producers to source their fruit from Arroyo Seco.