Eden Rift Vineyards

Planted in 1849, Eden Rift is among the oldest, continually producing estate vineyards in California. The vineyard is located remotely under the shadow of the Gavilan Mountain Range in the Cienega Valley AVA. The vineyard benefits from a maritime climate and calcareous soils. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive here along with a block of Zinfandel planted in 1906. Plantings per acreage include 89.71 acres of Pinot Noir (43 acres producing in 2017), clones 115, 667, 777, "828," Mt. Eden, and the heritage selections Swan and Calera. The history of Eden Rift is detailed on the website. There are 22.5 acres of Chardonnay (16 acres currently producing in 2017), including Calera, Wente 4 and 72 and Dijon clone 76. Additionally, there are 0.7 acres of own-rooted, head-trained Zinfandel and 3.3 acres of Pinot Gris, clone 9.

Proprietor Christian Pillsbury, a native of San Francisco, developed a fascination with wine while working at a wine store. He was mentored by Martine Saunier of Martine Wines. Winemaker Cory Waller was raised in Hollister, just a few miles from Eden Rift. His mentors in wine included Tony Soter, Josh Bergstrom and Jim Prosser. He experienced winemaking in New Zealand at Neudorf and Martinborough Vineyards and was an assistant winemaker at Calera.

Tasting is available at Eden Rift in Hollister Friday through Sunday or by appointment.