Lupin Ridge Vineyard, Moon Mountain AVASonoma Valley
Way up at the top of a long and winding road above the city of Sonoma, you will find Lupin Ridge vineyards. It is among the highest-elevation vineyards planted at roughly 1,900 feet in the up-and-coming Moon Mountain District AVA on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains. It borders the famed Napa Valley AVA of Mt. Veeder and shares a very similar climate but for the western-facing exposure.
The soils of Moon Mountain are a dynamic mosaic, with variations that include rocky volcanic soils, well-drained gravelly slopes, and clay-rich pockets. These geological differences, combined with the vineyard's elevation, create a complex patchwork that fosters the cultivation of premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard is planted exclusively to clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon. Its rocky volcanic soils produce tiny, thick-skinned berries with intense flavor. The hot days and cool nights make it the perfect place to fully ripen Cabernet, while still retaining bright acidity.
Lupin Ridge Vineyard's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that these soils remain vibrant and healthy, allowing for the production of wines that capture the essence of this remarkable terroir.