An Ultra-Premium Winegrowing Estate
Rising to 2,450 feet above the Alexander Valley and first planted to vine in 1855. Tin Cross Vineyards is one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in California, and is the ultrapremium wine-growing estate for Tin Cross, Byington, and Four Seasons ESC. Our sustainable farming methods honor the legacy of this historic vineyard and allow the distinctive terroir to shine through.
The Vineyard
Situated well above the fog line, Tin Cross Vineyards enjoys warmer nights and cooler days than vineyards on the valley floor, giving our vines a long, consistent growing season for slow, full ripening of the fruit. While Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals struggle to establish roots in the rocky soils of our dramatic slopes, this beneficial stress yields smaller clusters of tiny berries with uncommonly concentrated varietal character. In addition to growing Chardonnay, this Bordeaux vineyard is made of domestic and French Cabernet Sauvignon clones with sufficient Cabernet Franc and Merlot vines to complete the blend, and rootstocks that are appropriate for the well drained and less rich soil.