All of the grapes for Prodigal wines come from the Sta. Rita Hills appellation. This relatively small area is distinguished by its unique climate and soils. A typical day in Sta. Rita Hills starts with marine layer clouds and fog, which typically burn off by 10am. Two or three hours of calm sunshine then prevail until the on-shore wind picks up, once again cooling the vines. This maritime influence, combined with the sedimentary soils with patches of limestone is the perfect place to grow the appellation's hallmark Pinot Noir.

Our estate vineyard, Quinta Santa Rosa, is in the southeast portion of the appellation. About 20% of the grapes for our 2005 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills Appellation Blend came from Rio Vista Vineyard, at the eastern edge of the appellation and about 3 miles down Santa Rosa Road from our estate. In 2006, we received grapes from Fiddlestix Vineyard, which is about 4 miles west down Santa Rosa Road from our estate.