Where are Diora wines made?

Answered by Randall Whitlock

Diora wines are made in two distinct locations – the Santa Lucia Highlands and the San Bernabe estate in Monterey. These two vineyards have been carefully cultivated and nurtured over a span of more than thirty years, resulting in the production of exceptional wines.

The journey of creating Diora wines begins in the vineyards. The Santa Lucia Highlands, located in Monterey County, California, is renowned for its cool climate and ideal grape-growing conditions. The vineyards here are situated high above the fog line, allowing for maximum sun exposure and extended growing seasons. This unique microclimate, combined with well-drained soils rich in granite and limestone, creates the perfect environment for growing high-quality grapes.

At the San Bernabe estate, which is also located in Monterey County, a different terroir is embraced. The estate spans over 1,200 acres and is home to a diverse range of grape varieties. The vineyards here benefit from the cooling effects of the nearby Monterey Bay, which helps to moderate temperatures and preserve acidity in the grapes. The soils at the San Bernabe estate are also varied, ranging from sandy loam to shale, providing a rich foundation for the vines to thrive.

In both locations, meticulous attention is paid to the vineyard management practices. Sustainable farming methods are employed to ensure the long-term health and vitality of the vines. This includes practices such as cover cropping, integrated pest management, and conservation techniques. By taking care of the land, Diora is able to produce wines that truly reflect the unique characteristics of the terroir.

Once the grapes have reached optimal ripeness, they are carefully harvested by hand. This allows for the selection of only the finest grapes, ensuring that only the best fruit makes its way into the winemaking process. The grapes are then transported to the winery where they undergo a meticulous sorting process to remove any imperfect berries or unwanted materials.

The winemaking process at Diora is a true art form. The grapes are gently crushed and fermented in small batches to preserve their delicate flavors and aromas. Temperature control during fermentation is crucial to ensuring the desired characteristics are captured in the wines. The use of both traditional and winemaking techniques allows for the expression of the unique terroir in each bottle.

After fermentation, the wines are aged in French oak , adding complexity and depth to the final product. The length of aging varies depending on the specific , with careful monitoring and tasting to determine the optimal time for bottling.

The wines are bottled and labeled, ready to be enjoyed by wine enthusiasts around the world. Each bottle of Diora wine is a testament to the passion and dedication of the winemakers, as well as the unique terroir from which it originated.

Diora wines are made in the Santa Lucia Highlands and the San Bernabe estate in Monterey. These two vineyards provide the ideal conditions for growing exceptional grapes, which are then transformed into exquisite wines through a combination of careful vineyard management and meticulous winemaking techniques. The result is a collection of wines that truly embody the spirit of indulgence and craftsmanship.