Estate Vineyard
Wayfarer vineyard is organized around a primary ridge, King Ridge, which shares its name with the winding mountain road that leads to the site. The King Ridge dominates the slopes of the vineyard while smaller, more subtle slopes run perpendicular to it. The intricate structure of the main ridge with smaller under-ridges is the result of a long process of erosion, that has taken place over the past 50,000 years.
Wayfarer’s distinctive weather patterns are defined by both coastal influence and site elevation. At 1,100 feet in elevation, the vineyard enjoys extended sun exposure. It resides 4.05 miles – two coastal ridges – from the Pacific, and chilly ocean winds moderate vineyard temperatures as generous sunshine keeps the site warmer than its lower-elevation surroundings. This warm spot in an otherwise cool area allows our fruit to ripen slowly, evenly and fully – maintaining a balanced acidity while achieving remarkable concentration and complexity.
The area receives generous winter rainfall – typically 30-50 inches. Wayfarer’s well-drained Goldridge soil allows great permeability, forcing our vines to delve deeply for water, making them less vigorous and more drought-resistant. During the later stages of the growing cycle, evening fog often rolls up the ridge and blankets the vineyard through the night. By late summer or early fall, this fog may linger past noon, ensuring cooler temperatures and slow, steady ripening of the fruit.