The History of Atlas Peak Wine
The European Influence atop Atlas Peak
In 1887, Romain Camille Deboom made the first wine in the Atlas Peak region. Because the hills are so dry, only the most industrious and dedicated growers planted vineyards here. During the 1960s and 1970s, the region was slowly developed with houses, and Silverado Country Club was eventually established at the base of the hill. My grandparents live in this neighborhood.
Atlas Peak Vineyards was established by Pierre Antinori and his partners in the late 1980s. He is descended from a respected Italian family that has been making wine for over 600 years. Antinori pioneered the “Super Tuscan” style of wines that blend Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese. His heavy investment in Atlas Peak is indicative of the quality of the viticultural area.
Antinori’s vineyards are split relatively evenly between Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, and Chardonnay. This specialized viticultural area is an example of the increasingly terroir focused varietals being grown in specific microclimates throughout California. There are currently about 1,500 acres of vineyards in the Atlas Peak AVA.
> Atlas Peak Wineries
