The Monterey region is experiencing a viticultural renaissance. It's a renaissance driven by a new appreciation and understanding of the area's varied microclimates Today a new crop of growers and winemakers are producing Monterey wines that expose the creativity of the artist and the humility that comes from letting the soils and climate lead our efforts.

Cima Collina is part of this renaissance.

From the winemaker's perspective the Monterey wine growing region presents the opportunity to grow high caliber grapes of every type. From the north where the ocean creates a cool, windy environment adored by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, to the south Monterey region where warmer weather allows the cultivation of Cabernet and Merlot, we find a palate of Monterey grapes that allow us to indulge our stylistic desires. The Key is identifying the best vineyards from each area.

Hilltop Ranch Vineyard
Located in a well-protected area in the northwestern part of Monterey near the Carmel Valley appellation, our own Hilltop Ranch is one of those new, well-chosen sites designed to get the most from a specific climate and set of soils. Most important is the vineyard's protection from the winds that relentlessly flow off the Pacific Ocean.

Chula Viña Vineyard
Located on the northeastern side of the Salinas Valley in the foothills of the Gabilan Mountains, this small vineyard is planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is protected from the constant winds that cool the area and help make it perfectly suited for these two varieties. Its soils are made primarily of decomposed granite and are well drained. The Pinot Noir is composed of Dijon clones 115, 777, Pommard and a “mystery” clone. The Chardonnay is the Dijon 76 clone.

Cedar Lane Vineyard

This Arroyo Seco vineyard is located on an old rocky bench just west and above the Salinas River in the mouth of the Arroyo Seco canyon.  The site is characterized by an almost constant breeze that either comes down from the canyon itself or the Salinas Valley.  This makes for a very sunny yet relatively mild climate.

CoastView Vineyard
Located in a remote area on top of the Gavilan Mountains, just above the Chualar Canyon, on the eastern edge of the Salinas Valley, at the dramatic elevation of 2400 feet.  It is planted in very well-draining, decomposed granite and is organically farmed. The Chardonnay is Dijon 96 clone.

Tondre Grapefield
The Tondre Grapefield is located in the heart of Monterey’s Santa Lucia Highlands, with the elevation ranging from 175 to 400 feet. It has unusual soil for the Santa Lucias – mostly light gray clay. This Pinot Noir vineyard has the ideal terroir to grow a magnificent Pinot Noir grape.