Cienega Valley AVA

A viticultural area established in 1982 in San Benito County, California. It lies about 25 to 30 miles inland from the Monterey Bay along the foothills of the Gabilan Range, which separates San Benito County from Monterey County. Almaden Vineyards once had a big presence here. Pietra Santa Vineyard & Winery grows zinfandel, sangiovese, dolcetto, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and small amounts of chardonnay and Pinot Grigio (pinot gris). DeRose Vineyards grows Zinfandel, négrette, viognier and cabernet franc.