Widely traveled and endowed with impeccable taste, Founder Bernardus (Ben) Pon could have chosen anywhere in the world to establish his namesake Bernardus Winery, with the intention of cultivating premier class wines. He selected Carmel Valley, with its west-facing orientation, hot days and chilly nights, and stunning beauty, confident his vineyards there could produce wines to rival the greatest on the globe. More than a quarter-century later, he accomplished that not only with his estate Bordeaux blend, called Marinus (after his middle name), but with a powerhouse portfolio of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
Fortunately for wine lovers and fans of Bernardus, Mr. Pon also had the foresight nearly 20 years ago to open the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, purchasing and converting the former Bank of America building into a venue for sipping and learning. Today, the Village is home to more than 20 tasting rooms. The Bernardus Tasting Room not only offers wines for tasting and purchase, but a beautiful and sunny outdoor patio, a private room suitable for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.
With Ben’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery will carry on with his business partner 100% at the helm. A fellow dutchman and champion of quality, Mr. Robert van der Wallen. He understood Ben’s vision and the importance to keep producing wines with the same passion. Robert created and built Bernardus Golf (www.bernardusgolf.com) and that encompasses the same philosophy as Ben, with innovation and quality at the forefront. With his love of fine art, golf and wine, he will continue to keep the Bernardus legacy moving forward long into the future.
Built upon lasting relationships with the region’s most respected growers, Bernardus sources its fruit exclusively from Monterey County vineyards. Throughout the years, Mr. Pon, winemaker Jim McCabe and Vineyard manager Matt Shea have worked tirelessly to cultivate strong relationships with local grape growers who set aside blocks specifically dedicated for Bernardus. Their top-quality fruit is the backbone of Bernardus’ single-vineyard wines, including Griva, Rosella’s, Garys’, Sierra Mar, Soberanes and others. “All of the vineyards we work with have similar farming practices,” Shea says.
Bernardus has one estate vineyard — Ingrid’s, located in the western part of Cachagua and planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir — managed by Matt Shea, a champion of sustainable practices, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to ensure vine and soil health. His goal is to produce the best possible fruit while caring for the land on which it grows. All that time and attention to detail mean the best possible fruit.
“My philosophy for farming comes from my background of spending 13 years in Oregon growing premium Pinot Noir organically, biodynamically and conventionally,” he says. “I have fused all of those types of farming into an approach that is as sustainable as possible and really tailored to this type of vineyard in Monterey County.” He farms a total of 54 acres among all of Bernardus’ three estate vineyards, which are all located in the Carmel Valley AVA.
Bernardus wines are crafted from hand-harvested grapes, during multiple passes throughout harvest. This meticulous process ensures optimal balance of sugars and tannins, yielding superlative wines. Harvest spans from late August or early September through Thanksgiving due to the diverse climate differences across the vineyards.
Located inland from Monterey in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Garys’ Vineyard is widely recognized for producing some of the finest Pinot Noir in California. Named after partners Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, the vineyard was planted in 1997 using obtained budwood from a famed vineyard in Burgundy Maritime climate with strong coastal winds blown in from Monterey Bay. Foggy mornings with sunny, breezy afternoons keep the southeast-facing slopes much cooler than the Salinas Valley just east.
Total Acreage:
Varietals:
Geography:
Climate:
Layout:
Cultivation:
Established on a handshake between two lifelong friends, Garys’ Vineyard was planted in 1997 and quickly rose to fame as a desirable source for quality Pinot Noir. This vineyard exemplifies the enduring friendship and farming partnership between Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, now carried on by their four sons. Standing a the foot of the vineyard, the fifty acres of rows progress in a “V” shape over the rocky alluvial soil, up toward the Highlands’ summit. Planted completely to Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard is known for bold, spicy aromatics and rich berry flavors that only improve over time.
Griva Vineyard is located in the Arroyo Seco AVA, and has vineyards that contain many elevation changes and border both sides of the Arroyo Seco River for over 7000 feet. All of the vineyard soils are Arroyo Seco Loam that contain more sand, gravel, and large stones when compared to elsewhere in the AVA, especially in the blocks nearest the river. The total vineyard acreage stands at 334 acres and appproximately 75% of the vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, with 7 different clones. In addition, a variety of rootstocks were used on this property. These rootstocks were selected based on their compatibility with soil type, proximity to the river, and wine grape variety.
All our Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from a block specially planted for Bernardus in the Griva Vineyard with the celebrated “Musqué” clone.
Total Acreage:
Varietals:
Geography:
Climate:
Layout:
Cultivation:
The Franscioni & Griva family, who have farmed on the Central Coast since 1868, purchased what is currently F&G Vineyard, LLC. in 1905. The land the vineyards are currently resting on has transitioned significantly in agricultural usage throughout the years, with crops ranging from dry land grain to dairy, then transitioning to field crops and vegetables, and now to wine grapes. The first vineyard block was planted here in 1998 and subsequent blocks have been added each year since that time. Many of these blocks were planted specifically for Bernardus Wines. Mercy Wines, Martin Ranch, and Morgan are also some of the wineries who source fruit from this property.
Planted in 1999 to one acre of Pinot Noir and six acres of Chardonnay, a portion of Ingrid’s was grafted from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir in 2006 resulting in its current planting of 3.75 acres of Pinot Noir and 3 acres of Chardonnay. The vineyards proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes Ingrid’s our coolest site, ideal for growing Burgundian varietals. Early morning fog gives way to mild, sunny afternoons.
Ingrid’s vineyard boasts remarkably uniform soils, both in type and depth. These soils, derived from crushed granite, also contain a significant amount of organic matter. This unique composition allows the vines to root deeply, accessing essential granite minerals, while simultaneously providing ample nutrition in the upper layers. The result is a vigorous canopy and thriving vines.
Total Acreage: 7 acres
Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Geography: 9 Miles east of the Pacific Ocean
Climate: Cool climate with maritime influences and dry mild summers, Average rainfall 22 inches
Layout: Vines 3.5 feet apart, Rows 7 feet apart
Cultivation: Drip Irrigation, Cover crops, VSP Trellis, Low Yields
The vineyard was planted in two stages. One acre was planted in the fall of 1999 and the balance in 2000. A combination of 4 different rootstocks and 6 different clones was chosen to provide a balanced array of fruit to the winery. The blocks are divided into 13 different irrigation zones and all are managed specifically to the variety planted and the goals of the winery. In-row cultivation, cover crops, and vigorous canopy management are used in order to farm in the most sustainable fashion possible. The resulting wine is a true expression of the Carmel Valley AVA with crisp, mineral Chardonnays and elegant Pinot Noirs.
Planted in 1999 to one acre of Pinot Noir and six acres of Chardonnay, a portion of Ingrid’s was grafted from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir in 2006 resulting in its current planting of 3.75 acres of Pinot Noir and 3 acres of Chardonnay. The vineyards proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes Ingrid’s our coolest site, ideal for growing Burgundian varietals. Early morning fog gives way to mild, sunny afternoons.
Ingrid’s vineyard boasts remarkably uniform soils, both in type and depth. These soils, derived from crushed granite, also contain a significant amount of organic matter. This unique composition allows the vines to root deeply, accessing essential granite minerals, while simultaneously providing ample nutrition in the upper layers. The result is a vigorous canopy and thriving vines.
Total Acreage:
Varietals:
Geography:
Climate:
Layout:
Cultivation:
The 50-acre Rosella’s Vineyard rests along the benchlands of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. Owners Gary and Rosella Franscioni planted the vineyard in 1996 using the Pisoni clone from La Tâche and the Dijon “777” clone. Maritime climate with strong coastal winds blown in from Monterey Bay. Foggy mornings with sunny, breezy afternoons keep the southeast-facing slopes much cooler than the Salinas Valley just east.
Soberanes sits in the middle of the Santa Lucia Highlands, adjacent to Garys’ Vineyard. The land is made from an eastward-facing alluvial terrace that gently slopes five degrees to the valley floor. A dry creek splits the vineyard into three distinct parcels, covering 38 acres of premium wine grapes. The upper section of Soberanes is dotted with oak trees, the middle half is directly connected to Garys’, and the lower block is rocky with a rolling hill.
The soils are Arroyo Seco Sandy Loam, which drains well and allows for great root penetration. Annual rainfall is 10-13 inches. The row direction is set to true north, which provides more uniform sun exposure throughout the day. Morning fog and cool, steady winds from the Monterey Bay establish a long and steady season for the vines.
Total Acreage:
Varietals:
Geography:
Climate: Layout:
Cultivation:
Just south of Garys’ Vineyard, where windswept oak trees dot a rolling slope, lies Soberanes Vineyard. The vineyard is named after a local land grant that occurred the late 18th century, where nearly 9,000 acres were acquired for just 100 head of livestock. Another partnership between Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, it was planted in 2008 with row orientation set to true north, compared to 10 degrees west of north in Garys’ Vineyard. In the mornings you’ll see a blanket of fog here, and in the afternoon the steady winds from the bay continue to keep vines cool when the sun is shining
Sierra Mar is the southernmost site that our family owns and manages. It is our highest in elevation at up to 1,100 feet above sea level. In 2007, Gary Franscioni painstakingly planted it, and drilled a well which pumps water three miles up the hillsides to make irrigation possible. The heavily sloped terrain and thin soils encourage deep root systems and drainage. Its elevation often places Sierra Mar around the fog line, adding to its diversity and mystique. This slightly warmer site also experiences heavy winds in the afternoon along with cooler nights help retain natural acidity.
Total Acreage:
Varietals:
Geography:
Climate:
Layout:
Cultivation:
Owned by Gary and Rosella Franscioni, this vineyard is planted on land that has been in their family for three generations. Meaning “Mountain Sea” in Spanish, Sierra Mar sits at just over 1000 feet and is one of the highest altitude vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This high elevation paired with the naturally thin soils pave the way for low yields of highly intense fruit.
Bernardus owns 210 acres in the Cachagua region of the upper Carmel Valley on two sites. The Marinus vineyard comprises 36 acres. Of the 36 acres, 25 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 acres to Merlot, 1 acre to Cabernet Franc and 1 acre to Petit Verdot.
Total Acreage: 210 acres
Varietals: 25 acres Cabernet Sauvignon, 7 acres Merlot, 1 acre Malbec, 1 acre Petit Verdot, 2 acres Cabernet Franc
Geography: 13 miles east of the Pacific Ocean
Climate: Sunny inland climate moderated by marine influences
Layout: Vines 3.5 feat apart, Rows 7 feet apart, 1,550-1, 778 vines per acre, Slopes 5% to 15%
Cultivation: Yields about 1.5 to 2.5 tons per acre.
Planted in 1990, the Marinus vineyard lies on rolling hills with an elevation of 1200 feet. Close vine spacing is matched to the soil potential of each block or section. The vines are vertically trellised and careful attention is given to the orientation of the different varieties based on their individual characteristic needs.
Each block produces unique qualities derived from the soil and microclimate. The health and balance of the vineyard are maintained as part of the natural environment. This results in the least possible use of chemicals and artificial fertilizers.
