About Us
The Case for Spanish varietals in the California Sierra Foothills
In beautiful Angels Camp at 1400 foot elevation along the Historic Wagon Trail sits Metate Hill Vineyards. Steeped in history, our vines grow among native American grinding stones, called Metate by the Spanish colonists, and along the wagon trail where gold miners and famous outlaws traveled. Metate Hill Vineyards is also on the 38th parallel which crosses Europe primarily through central Spain giving clues to what grapes would grow well here in Sierra Foothills. As a result of years of research and travel we have carefully selected the specific varietals to grow the best possible wines for our climate here in Angels Camp, California.
Unique Exclusive Varietals
Through our research we discovered certain grape varietals that had not yet been brought into the country that would be well suited for our vineyard; two White varietals Godello and Treixadura, and one red named Mencia. Therefore, we had to go through the process of sourcing, collecting, importing and certifying these selections for safe planting in the United States. After more than ten years of this process we now have exclusive ownership and access to these new varietals and enjoy the distinction of being the first growers to introduce these new varietals to the New World.
Grape Varietals We Grow
Metate Hill Vineyards grows very exclusive grapes, from our Proprietary clones to specific Iberian and 'Lost Origin' varietals. We are a California certified sustainable vineyard. We incorporate Regenerative Agricultural practices, such as Low-till, Biodynamic, Cover crops in-rows, and Nectar Zones.