About Sarmento Vineyard

Located in the Monterey's Santa Lucia Highlands, CRU Winery has sourced wine from the Sarmento Vineyard and had a close relationship with the Smith Family (who own and farm the land) for over 10 years. 

The Smith Family have been growing grapes in the Santa Lucia Highlands for over 40 years and are considered pioneers of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Rich Smith, the founder of Valley Farm Management, was integral in establishing the Santa Lucia Highlands as an AVA in 1991. 

The Sarmento Vineyard is located in the middle of the Santa Lucia Highlands bench and sits 600 feet above the Salinas Valley floor. CRU winemaker, Jose Reyes, has been working with the Sarmento Vineyard for over 10 years. During this time, he has had the pleasure of working with various sections of the vineyard and identifying which areas of the Sarmento Vineyard produce the best grapes. Block 19, the highest point on the Sarmento Vineyard, has long been his favorite location for Pinot Noir and in 2022 he crafted the Sarmento Vineyard Pinot Noir exclusively from Block 19. 

With its close proximity to the ocean and Monterey Bay, cool winds are funneled into the vineyard providing a long, cool growing season ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.