The Santa Cruz Mountains Region of California represents a distinctive winegrowing area with a long tradition of premium wine production. Elevation, marine influence, and very well-drained soils yield grapes with an intensity of flavor. Additionally, the good acid structure of these wines make them capable of extended aging. Because the appellation has such mountainous terrain, most of the vineyards are less than fifty acres and produce less than three tons per acre. These smaller production levels allow winegrowers the opportunity to handcraft each wine.