This image was taken just off highway 101, in the Santa Maria Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) at approximately 500ft. elevation. Since the valley opens to the ocean, there is no opposition to the marine layer (sea fog) that moves in overnight engulfing lower lying vineyards and often lingering into mid-day creating a cool growing environment. This area features a long growing season and very little rainfall, meaning grapes have extensive time to build flavor on the vine.