Chalone Vineyard, Historic winery in Monterey County, California, US
Chalone Vineyard is a winery located in the Gavilan Mountains at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, where limestone-rich soil and significant daily temperature swings influence grape growing. The mountainous setting creates distinctive conditions that shape the wines produced here.
The vineyard was founded in 1919 by Charles L. Tamm and continued grape production during Prohibition by selling grapes for sacramental wines to churches in the region. This practical adaptation to the laws allowed the operation to survive those restrictive years.
The 1974 Chardonnay from Chalone achieved third place at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, establishing California wines in international markets.
The best approach is via the mountain access road, which can be challenging to drive depending on weather conditions and requires careful, slow driving. Morning visits are recommended when visibility is clearer and the road conditions are safer.
The soil contains limestone and calcium carbonate mixed with decomposed granite, sharing mineral properties with the Champagne region of France. This rare soil composition on the American continent results from the particular geological history of this mountain area.
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