Mount Harlan is located in San Benito County, California, USA. It is notable for being the home of Calera Wine Company vineyard, which is renowned for producing quality Pinot Noir wines. The region has a unique limestone soil that is ideal for vine growth.
The area located between Monterey County and the Central Valley, on the eastern edge of the Gabilan Mountain Range, is rich in marine-based, limestone subsoils and has a cool climate. It has been recognized as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 1990, making it an official wine appellation under American wine law.
Mount Harlan is not a typical Californian wine region, with high-altitude levels rising 2,200 feet (670 meters) above sea level. The dramatic altitude of the vineyards affects the grapes' growing conditions, moderating temperatures, and giving a unique flavor profile to the wine produced there.
Due to its remote location and fantastic terroir, the area produces low-yielding vines, which have a profound influence on wine's overall concentration, quality and complexity. Besides Pinot Noir, vineyards here also produce limited quantities of Chardonnay and Viognier.
