Located in the Green Valley sub-appellation of the Russian River Valley AVA Cresta Ridge Vineyard was planted by Gary Farrell in 1999 to 10 acres of Pinot Noir and four acres of Chardonnay.  It is situated on a gentle, west-facing slope of Goldridge fine, sandy loam soil.  Unique to the Sebastopol/Forestville hills, these sandy loams are made up of decomposed granite ocean floor and lend soft tannins to our wines.   

Green Valley is a low spot in the greater Russian River Valley appellation and consistently has the coolest climate in the region.  Cresta Ridge Vineyard is the most coastal of our vineyards and sits 12.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean and is heavily influenced by coastal fog.  Long fog hours lend briar, herbal and vegetal qualities to the vines.  Though fog plays a major role in the microclimate of Cresta Ridge Vineyard, the westward orientation of the Vineyard allows for maximum sunlight on the vines—an important element in the development of full flavors in the grapes during the site’s long ripening period.

The soils, made up of fine sand that originated as an ancient seabed, are exceptionally well drained, and offer little in the way of nutrients to the vines.

These factors limit vigor and produce small berries. The combination of soil and climate here are ideal for the production of exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the fruit from this site is consistently some of the most highly coveted in the region.

Cresta Ridge Vineyard features three blocks of Pinot Noir and two of Chardonnay.

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