Terroir is a French term (French for soil) that refers to the distinctive growing conditions of each vine block - among the most important considerations are weather, location, soil and slope. Terroir is displayed in the wine as a unique and special taste character. Fine wines are more likely to represent their terroir.
Other specialty products also capture the taste of distinctive growing areas, such as Maui onions, prosciutto di parma and Kona coffee.
The philosophy of Orfila Vineyards & Winery has always been to produce wines that reflect the best characteristics of the land. Orfila Vineyards is located in one of the smallest recognized viticultural area in California - the San Pasqual Valley - an area that shares many of the characteristics of France's southern Rhone Valley and some of Italy's microclimates.
The area is a natural valley located in the Santa Ysabel watershed. The elevation of the valley floor is from 300 to 350 feet above sea level, and the sides of the alluvial plain rise to approximately 500 feet. The valley is surrounded on three sides by low mountain ranges rising to 1,500 feet and higher above sea level. The valley is fed by natural streams, culminating in the San Dieguito River, which empties into Lake Hodges on the west side of the valley. The valley lies 10 to 15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and is substantially affected by coastal influences. Temperatures are warm in the summer, but seldom over 95 degrees.
Ocean breezes cool the area and nighttime temperatures are normally below 65 degrees. In light of the area's low elevations, several freezes occur in the valley during the winter. (The San Pasqual Viticultural Area was established in 1981; Orfila Vineyards & Winery is the only winery located in the viticultural area.)
Today, after extensive experimentation, Orfila Vineyards features 40 acres of Syrah, Sangiovese, Viognier, Marsanne, Roussane and Merlot. The winery also contracts for ultra premium Johannisberg Riesling and Gewuerztraminer grapes from Ventana Vineyards in Monterey County; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County; and Chardonnay grapes grown at Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Barbara County. No matter where the grape is grown, the resulting wine will be a splendid reflection of its terroir.
