The Santa Maria Valley AVA located at the northern end of Santa Barbara County, where the coastal valleys run east to west. The topography is unparalleled in other wine-growing regions within California. The positioning of the transverse mountain range allows ocean breezes to sweep eastward, channeled by the hills and slopes that ring the region. The valley’s foggy days attributed to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The oldest appellation in this region of California is the Santa Maria Valley and is home to vines dating back to the 1800's.
Bien Nacido means “well born” in Spanish. This cool-climate site is one of the oldest vineyard designates in California. Bien Nacido Vineyard has been an acclaimed source of world-class grapes since it was established in 1973 by brothers Stephen and Bob Miller. The soil comprised of Monterey shale loams with dolomitic limestone. The property sits at a high elevation and endures unrelenting, strong onshore winds.
The distinct site and soil are well known for creating bright, cool weather style wines. La Pelle is fortunate to source two unique blocks from Bien Nacido, Block I Chardonnay and Block X Syrah, from the original plantings in 1973. Pete Richmond, a La Pelle Wines Partner and the Founder of Silverado Farming Company, began his viticulture career working with the Miller Family farming the renowned Bien Nacido property.
Block X
Block I