Islay Hill is best known as one of the Nine Sisters in coastal SLO County. A series of volcanic peaks was formed over 20 million years ago in a period of geologic activity that defines our landscape. The Morros, as they are known, extend from north-western Morro Rock on the coast of Morro Bay to the southernmost Islay Hill, which is in the Edna Valley. On the lower slopes of Islay Hill, this vineyard was planted in the sloped granite soils that reflect their geologic origin. These soils are the defining aspect of this site as the combination of volcanic soils in coastal California is extremely rare. We are excited to learn what influences these soils have on the wines as they age.
Albariño is made famously in Galicia where the maritime Atlantic climate of Northwest Spain and Portugal suits this high acid variety. Similarly, the variety is well suited to our climate on the SLO Coast where regular fog and marine breeze cools the air temperature and creates a long and mild growing season.