Aptly named, with views overlooking the Santa Ynez River, there are three distinct Rio Vista Vineyards. The first two to be planted (in 2000) are both on the east side of Santa Rosa Road: Rio Vista Vineyard North is right against the appellation boundary as it crosses the road and Rio Vista Vineyard South is about a mile further into the appellation. The third Rio Vista Vineyard was planted in 2006 and extends west from Santa Rosa Road, surrounding the Thorne Wine headquarters.

Most of the vineyard rows run North – South with some East – West along a west-facing hillside which unfold onto the valley floor surrounding the Thorne headquarters. The dominate soil series present are limestone, sedimentary soils and a marine layer of sandy loam. The Pinot Noir clones planted on the estate include 777, 2A, 115, 667, 828, Pommard and Calera. During harvest, the pick is determined by each Rio Vista client regarding their own block(s), and by the Thorne family when addressing their own wines.

For additional information about the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and to view a map of the appellation with all of the vineyards and wineries within its boundaries, please visit the official website of the Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance.

Thorne Wines

All wines produced under the Thorne brand are estate grown from Rio Vista Vineyards and include a crisp Rosé of Pinot Noir in addition to the stately Pinots. The resulting wines are excellent expressions of the unique soils, climate and farming in the Sta Rita Hills Appellation. Minimum intervention speaks to the site specific character of the wines.