Our vineyard is true to its Fountaingrove AVA heritage as it is largely defined by its soil composition and high-elevation climate. Chelsea Vineyards’ soils are predominantly Sonoma Volcanics, the result of an eruption of the now-dormant Mount Saint Helena on the northern Sonoma-Napa County border more than 3 million years ago. This same eruption resulted in the Petrified Forest and Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga. The volcanic ash produced a variety of excellent, not overly rich, well-drained soils perfectly suited for growing high-quality grapes.
In addition to its distinctive soil, our vineyard also benefits from its unique high-elevation climate. Although Chelsea Vineyards is one of the most inland vineyards in the Sonoma County Fountaingrove AVA, the gap in the Sonoma Mountains at Santa Rosa allows for the maritime influence of cooler temperature to penetrate the Mayacamas Mountains. The vineyard also sees some warmer temperatures, however, because of its high elevation and proximity to Calistoga in the Napa Valley. This combination of cooler marine winds and more intense sun exposure leaves a lasting and memorable mark on whoever enjoys our wine.
Since our 2002 flagship vintage, we’ve been harvesting the grapes for Chelsea Vineyards wine from the same, premium bloc in the vineyard’s North Eastern corner. Sourcing from the same rows and the same vines, in combination with our focus on hand-sorting after harvest, helps us to ensure a high-quality wine that can be enjoyed for years to come.
