The Arroyo Seco appellation, which literally means “dry riverbed,” begins in a steep, narrow gorge at the foot of the Santa Lucia mountain range. Moving east, the topography widens and eventually opens up to the Salinas Valley.
The district shares many of the same climatic influences and conditions as the neighboring Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. The Arroyo Seco’s close proximity to Monterey Bay makes for a very cool, Region I type climate – perfect for growing world-class Pinot Noir. Morning fogs and afternoon winds off the Bay mitigate daytime temperatures; the growing season in the Arroyo Seco is one of California’s longest. Bud-break in early spring and harvests into late fall are not uncommon. This extended growing season provides for gentle ripening and excellent flavor development in the grapes.