Our Estate Vineyards benefit from the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA's maritime climate, but are protected from extremes of weather—both fog and cold, as well as high heat. Fog cradles the vineyards but never overwhelms them, and the maritime breezes often course down the slopes - perfect for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
In 1980 & 1981, three legendary Chardonnay blocks were planted and named the Spring Ridge Vineyard: Bee, Home and Amphitheater blocks.
In 1995, the Neely family took over stewarding the property, reimagining the commitment to viticulture and wine. By the early 2000s, Pinot Noir plantings—Hidden, Upper Picnic, and Picnic Blocks—completed the foundation for one of the most renowned vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation.
A new Sausal Creek Vineyard was planted in 3 blocks to: Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner + a field blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc in the last 10 years. Sausal Creek is planted at elevations of 510 - 540 feet, while our Spring Ridge Vineyard begins at 600 feet, reaching up to 1700 feet above sea level - both are adjacent to the Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, which was originally part of our estate.
A brand new Tasting Barn recently opened in March 2023, and we welcome you to come visit & explore our wines! We're just minutes from Stanford, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Woodside & Atherton, & just 30 minutes southwest of SFO Airport, or northwest of the San Jose Airport. www.neelywine.com/visit
