Chalk Hill Estate

Since I arrived at Chalk Hill in 1980, I have learned to see our vineyard in smaller and smaller pieces. We have 13 different soil types and over 60 unique blocks, some as small as one acre. The imprint of this focused viticulture creates vines in harmony with their site and is reflected in every bottle of Chalk Hill wine. Site is everything. -Mark Lingenfelder, 13th Generation Grapegrower

Borrowed from the French, the definition of terroir goes beyond that of the often—used Anglicized word, "microclimate." In addition to the effects of climate above, it embraces the superficial characteristics of the soil— down through to the depths of the ancient geology below.

At Chalk Hill, each vineyard block has been delineated and planted based on the accumulated knowledge of soil profile and chemistry, aspect (orientation to the sun), slope (vertical degree impacting potential for drainage), and overall climate. Terroir divines our plantings, without regard to what may be fashionable today.