09/07/2021
Mount Veeder is a place of great natural beauty and diversity, with a most unlikely combination of circumstances. 85% of the land remains dense natural forest, with homes, roads and about 1,000 acres of vineyards making up the rest. Soil and sun exposure vary greatly.
Terrain
The steep , winding slopes render shallow topsoil - a mere 12” to 24” - with minimal water retention in many areas, and low nutrient content, due to the steep runoff.
Climate
Daytime temperatures on Mount Veeder are the coolest and most temperate in County, with the exception of Carneros. Its position - the only mountain district that adjoins the cool region - makes for a significant marine influence, producing milder summers and a more even growing season than most other locations.
The cool temperature also lengthens the growing season, usually making Mount Veeder the last to in , sometimes into November.
Diurnal and Tannins
Red wines from Mount Veeder are well known for assertive yet fine tannins, the cause of which is not fully understood. Some mountain winemakers conject that the minimal “diurnal swing” on Mount Veeder may be the reason. That is, the early morning sun brings warmth to the mountain, but the maritime breezes and shady afternoons minimize heat in the peak of the day. Night time chill is moderated by the proximity to the bay. Thus, the 24-hour temperature swing is narrower than other districts. This may have a moderating effect on the in the , leaving them assertive but fine, smooth in texture.
Soils
is primarily an island of ancient seabed, pushed up in the mountain’s formation five million years ago. Within the marine soils lies a complex tapestry of fractured shale, sandstone, volcanic dust, and other various constituents. Thus, soils on the mountain vary greatly from site to site. CREDIT
