The grapes come exclusively from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the cool-climate area of Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The unusual east-west orientation of the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains allows the cooling maritime breezes from the Pacific Ocean- just seven miles away- to flow over the vineyards, bringing them cooling morning fog. The afternoon breezes dry out any residual moisture, reducing disease pressure. Temperatures rarely exceed 27°C, at which point Pinot Noir tends to shut down temporarily. The marine-based soils in Sanford & Benedict Vineyards are a mixture of clay, loam, fractured shale and chert (rocky) soils, which force vine roots to dig deep for nutrients and hydration, resulting in naturally low yields and excellent small-berried, concentrated fruit with minerality and acidity. One-third of the vines are from the original 1972 ungrafted plantings. The Sanford & Benedict vineyard is planted with 11 different Pinot Noir clones. The vineyards are sustainably cultivated.