Arroyo Seco Terrain (Back to overview)
Arroyo Seco wines are produced with grapes grown in deep, gravelly terrain on the Salinas Valley floor. The Salinas Valley runs southeast from Monterey Bay for about 85 miles and is about 10 to 15 miles wide.
The Effect of Terrain on Arroyo Seco Grape Growing
Arroyo Seco receives little rain but is extensively irrigated by the largely underground Salinas River. The AVA’s sandy, sedimentary soils are reminiscent of a time when an ancient river once ran through the region. Grapes are grown in the ancient bed of the Arroyo Seco River. Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer all do quite well in the viticultural area. There have been some very nice vintages of botrytis infected Rieslings.
Despite some impressive strides, Arroyo Seco is still far from reaching its potential. With some notable exceptions, the AVA remains primarily a grower and not a producer region. As small wineries continue to open in Arroyo Seco, more success will undoubtedly follow.
Monterey County Wineries
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