Where are the vineyards in Marin County? They are located in northern California and are bordered by the famous Napa & Sonoma wine districts to the north and the majestic Golden Gate Bridge to the south. Mostly on the far western side of the county, they are influenced by the frigid Pacific Ocean along Marin's rocky western coast and the foggy San Pablo Bay to the east. These powerful bodies of water frame our chilly weather patterns and contribute to one of California's coldest and most unique viticultural environments.

Marin's winters average temperatures are slightly are warmer than neighboring Napa and Sonoma because it is surrounded by these two large bodies of water and because of its heavy winter precipitation. Subsequently, bud break is (surprisingly) accelerated, but Marin's persistently cool weather spring and summer weather and complete lack of heat waves (especially on the coast), push flowering, "set" and harvest many weeks beyond neighboring areas and contribute to one of the longest natural "hang times" in the state.

Degree day summation data illustrates that west Marin vineyards are cooler than those in Santa Maria or Santa Rita Hills. This is likely a major contributing factor to the high quality grapes grown in Marin County. Because of this long growing season, Marin wines tend to display more balance, have superb natural acidity and many have lower alcohol levels than other wines produced nearby.

Marin has the potential be one of the finest and most diverse small wine regions on the west coast - especially for "cool-climate" varieties such as Pinot Noir and Riesling.