Vineyards
At the Heart of the Dream – Our Vineyards
Dawn’s Dream Winery was founded with a simple but powerful intention: to craft approachable wines of exceptional quality and elegance. We thoughtfully source fruit from some of California’s most acclaimed vineyards, from the cool, coastal breezes of Monterey County to the sun-drenched hillsides of Carmel Valley and the renowned Santa Lucia Highlands.
With a focus on Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé, each wine reflects its origin while maintaining the signature style of Dawn’s Dream: bright, layered, and beautifully expressive. Our wines have earned public acclaim and industry recognition for their elegance, charm, and unmistakable sense of place.
Escolle Vineyards
When Honoré Escolle purchased a summer property for his family in 1878, he established one of the most desirable benches in Monterey County. Over 130 years later, three agricultural families developed the land with the intention of carrying on the property’s rich tradition through quality driven viticulture practices. The Caraccioli, Nunes and Hibino families focus on delivering a distinctive expression of northern Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.
Morning sun and afternoon maritime breezes allow for optimal development and acid retention throughout ripening. Making it an idyllic cool climate growing location. The fruit is highlighted through hand-touched practices from pruning to night-harvesting. A reduction of irrigation as the vineyard matures has strengthened efforts to force root growth to the water shed beneath the vineyard.
The dominant soil type is Chualar Sandy Loam which has allowed for great root distribution and development. As the bench rises in elevation there is a greater composition of decomposed granite with pockets of Parkfield Clay as well. Alluvial deposits of Oceano Loamy Sand are found in the lowest elevations leading to the Salinas River. The soils drain well and hold a proper amount of natural nutrients allowing for a healthy sustainable vineyard.
Other Vineyard Sources
Monterey County
One of the most notable ultra-cool-climate vineyards in Monterey County; one of the Vineyards that Dawn’s Dream sources fruit from grows in shale soil formed from ancient sea floor sedimentation, coupled with cooler weather driven by its proximity (6 miles) to the Pacific Ocean. Fog gently touches the vines, producing an ideal climate to nurture the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes to perfection. Wines made from the esteemed Fruit are both distinct and precise showcasing bright acidity, superb balance, and notable minerality.
Carmel Valley
Vineyards located approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast at the northeastern tip of the Carmel Valley Appellation. The warmth of the inland valley, coupled with the cooling marine layer, provides the ideal microclimate for the production of delicious California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Boasting 9 different clones of Pinot Noir and 3 Different clones of Chardonnay planted on a variety of aspects and soil types ranging from chalky shale to loam over clay, this vineyard gives iconic Carmel Valley structured fruit reminiscent of the old-world style.
