Vintage Conditions in Santa Maria Valley Differ From "California" and "Central Coast"

SANTA MARIA, Calif., May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There is only once place in the western United States where valleys run east to west, and that's Santa Barbara County.  Quietly tucked into the hills and valleys of California's transverse range of mountains, the Santa Maria Valley's vineyards experience a direct channel to the nearby Pacific Ocean.  This geographic anomaly results in hundreds of mini-micro-climates and a diverse portfolio of wines grown. "Unfortunately, though, information on vintage conditions throughout California are consolidated into one or two statements in the media," states Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association Executive Director Jim Fiolek. "But the fact of the matter is that our vintages are often very different than Northern California regions. The 'Central Coast' region is very broad and we repeatedly don't fit into that profile either. We are uniquely different here due to the transverse valleys."

Riverbench's Vineyard Manager Jim Stollberg noted that the recent frost damage across the coastal regions of the state spared most vineyards in Santa Maria Valley.  "The vineyards I manage did not see any abnormally low temperatures or dew points - our normal frost damage preventative sprinkler applications protected the tissues. I was surprised to hear of the broad damage in Paso Robles and some areas of Santa Ynez and Santa Rita Hills because it was just another night for us."  

Examples abound of Santa Barbara County wines not treading the vintage line. 2010 was fraught with weather challenges, yet Riverbench's Consulting Winemaker Chuck Ortman is extremely pleased with the early results.  "The Pinot Noirs from the 2010 vintage are very extracted, with gorgeous black and red fruit flavors.  These are some of the best Pinots from Riverbench to date.  Yet all you hear is that the California 2010 vintage wasn't so great.  Sure, it was long, and we had to make careful harvest decisions, but overall the quality is impressive."  

For more information on Riverbench wines or Santa Barbara County's diverse climates, please visit www.riverbench.com or www.sbcountywines.com.

SOURCE Riverbench Vineyard and Winery