HISTORY:

Inspired by pinot noir and chardonnay grown in the maritime influenced Lompoc region, Ron Melville purchased the raw land that would one day become Melville Vineyards and Winery in 1996. His prior decade of grape growing experience was instrumental in the design and installation of the vineyard which was overseen by his sons, Brent and Chad, over the two following years. 

The family’s initial focus was to remain solely a grower; the Melville’s forged relationships with several of the area’s top wine producers who were immediately drawn to the property and the potential of its qualitative development. Through those encounters, the family met Greg Brewer, who was then hired in 1997 to design the facility and to be responsible for the eventual wine production which commenced with the 1999 harvest. 

During this same time frame, the Melville team played a very active role in the mapping and formation of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation which was granted to the region in 2001. The recognition of this special grape growing area was of utmost importance to differentiate it from the more viticulturally diverse Santa Ynez Valley and further concretized Ron’s election to devote his work within its borders in pursuit of his passion. They take great pride in their ambassadorial role representing the appellation throughout the world, and will always feel fortunate and privileged for the humble part that they play within its borders.

VINEYARDS:

Located in the center of the Sta. Rita Hills, Melville's vineyards benefit from the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. Cold Alaskan water currents offer tempering and stabilizing conditions which are ushered in through our east-west oriented mountain ranges. The result of such a geographic effect is a prolonged growing season which offers extended hang time for the fruit, heightening its flavor intensity while maintaining its acidity. Furthermore, their soils are largely marine based, characterized by sand and sandy clay loam, which typically create wines of great transparency and precision.

As growers, their commitment to producing premium wine begins by maintaining the vineyard according to the highest standards of soil and vine nutrition. This is carried out through sensitive analysis of our soil chemistry and subsequent implementation of restorative measures based on our findings. Examples of such include the planting of complex cover crops as well as the introduction of high grade fish emulsion to the soil and canopy in the pursuit of long term vine health.

ESTATE WINES:
Melville 2009 Estate Chardonnay
Melville 2010 'Clone 76 Inox' Chardonnay
Melville 2009 Estate Pinot Noir
Melville 2010 'Terraces' Pinot Noir
Melville 2010 'Carrie's' Pinot Noir