Carneros straddles the southernmost portions of the Sonoma and Napa valleys and lies north of the San Pablo Bay (an offshoot of the San Francisco Bay). Bay winds and fog, created when warm inland air meets cool sea air, keep temperatures relatively low, making this California wine region perfect for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Carneros wines tend to be crisp, the Chardonnays bright and lively with apple, pineapple and lemon flavors, and the Pinot Noirs spicy with cherry and red berry flavors. These varieties are also used to make sparkling wine at Carneros wineries and elsewhere in California, where winemakers prize Carneros’ cool-climate grapes for blending.
