Clos Pepe

Clos Pepe Vineyard was purchased by Steve and Cathy Pepe in 1994 as a horse ranch, and established the 9th vineyard in what would become the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Specializing in cool-climate, small production, craft-based Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Clos Pepe is now recognized as a leader in local and national wine culture, wine education and providing fruit to some of the best winemakers in California.

The Italians say, ‘Il vino e' la ...

It all starts in the vineyard.

The California Central Coast wind, fog, low temperatures and cool summer allow us to produce wines unlike any in the world. The East-West valleys of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA pull cold air off the Pacific, and our sea-bed soils intensely limit vigor.

Small vines, small clusters, small berries, and thick skins give us the perfect storm for producing exceptional Pinot Noirs — from elegant to hefty; fr...

If all goes well in the Vineyard, the crop from an acre or two of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir is hand picked in the cool of night, and the fruit is delivered to the winery as the sun is rising or the fog becomes visible, like a blanket reminding us of the sleep we've missed.

At this point the winemaking process begins.

While it might seem odd to provide our 'recipe' for winemaking, we don't see it as a trade secret. Some wineries ...