What is Pinot Noir?

Pinot Noir is one of the oldest grape varieties to be cultivated for the purpose of making wine. Ancient Romans knew this grape as Helvenacia Minor and used it to make wine as early as the first century AD. Recognized worldwide as a great wine grape, pinot noir is known by many other names and is grown throughout the world.

The best locations in California for Pinot Noir are the same as those found in Chardonnay, and they are: Santa Maria Valley in Santa Barbara County; Russian River Valley in Sonoma County; Carneros in both Sonoma and Napa Counties (this is the only appelation to hold the distinction of bounding two counties); Anderson Valley in Mendocino County; the Pinnacles in Monterey County and Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County.