While it was Napa and Sonoma that first brought California winemaking to the world stage, California's premium wines are now grown as far north as Mendocino and as far south as Santa Barbara, a spread of roughly 500 miles. It is a vast wine region, marked not only by the diversity of its appellations but also by the differences within the appellations themselves.

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates California vineyards are equally as diverse. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, Conn Creek exemplifies the best of Napa Valley vineyards. Twenty-five miles separate Napa's cool southern edge from its warm northern border. Pacific marine air moves from San Pablo Bay into southern Carneros and up the valley floor, its effect gradually disipating as it travels northward. Villa Mt. Eden's 200-plus acres of Napa Valley vineyards are found in Yountville, about midway up the valley corridor. The vineyards are planted to Chardonnay and classic red Bordeaux varieties.

To the south, the winery's Distant Bay Vineyard, inland from Monterey, is planted adjacent to the Arroyo Seco river gorge and along the Santa Lucia Highlands bench. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive in this cooler climate influenced by Monterey Bay but tempered by the steady rise of the Santa Lucia Mountains.

Monterey stands in stark contrast to Paso Robles, where the ocean has no direct effect on the vineyards. In the spring of 2000 and again in 2001, Villa Mt. Eden will plant 200 acres of vineyards here, primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon.

For a map of California vineyards, click here.

For an overview of Villa Mt. Eden's vineyards, download this PDF.