The coastal Mendocino Ridge AVA is based on proximity to the Pacific Ocean and elevation. A vineyard must be 11 miles or less from the ocean and 1,200 feet or above in elevation. These vineyards get more sunlight being above the fog line and natural cooling from more intense coastal winds. These ridge top sites are typically on slopes with excellent drainage and thin soils. This all translates into intense wines with great structure, concentration, and complexity.
The Perli Vineyard is 10 miles from the ocean and is perched at 2,200 feet on thin and steep north-east facing slope consisting of shale, fractured sandstone and rhyolite.
