The Vineyards

At Nicora, Nick farms his fruit from some of the most highly sought after vineyards on the Central Coast of California. While these vineyards each have their own unique terroir, their owners share a commitment to sustainable farming and an absolute passion for quality. It is in these vineyards that you often find Nick working closely with the vineyard owners throughout the entire growing season.

Bien Nacido Vineyard

Santa Maria Valley

Situated at the top-end of the Santa Maria Valley, Bien Nacido Vineyard has become an iconic California vineyard. One that is sought after by many winemakers from around the United States. I’m fortunate to receive a call in 2013 that my dream to farm from this vineyard had come true. That was a magical day!

The vineyard location, coupled with the history and fruit produced are a few of the attributes that lead me to this vineyard. That and the fact that cool-climate Syrah is delicious! Bien Nacido Vineyard boasts one of the longest growing seasons in the state which allows the fruit to fully ripen with a slow manner. These growing days include foggy mornings, warm afternoons and cool nights, the perfect home for grapes.

Owned with great pride by the Miller Family, who happens to be a fifth generation California farming family, can trace the history of this land back to 1837. They take great care of this land and work closely with every person who farms from this site. It is a true pleasure to work with them and their land.

Vineyard Distinction

AVA: Santa Maria Valley
Elevation: 200 - 1,500 feet
Planted: 1973
Soil Composition: mixture of stellar soils
Acreage: 800
Fruit Sourced: 2013-current

Nicora Distinction

Block Exposure: Southwest
Varieties: Syrah

Slide Hill Vineyard

Edna Valley AVA

Located at the southern end of the Edna Valley AVA against the Santa Lucia mountain range, Slide Hill Vineyard is a breathtaking site. Less than five miles from the Pacific Ocean, this vineyard rests just above sea level in elevation. This proximity allows the vineyard to enjoy the coastal breezes that sweep through the Edna Valley every day.

Planted predominantly to Syrah, with a smattering of other varieties, this vineyard is Demeter Biodynamic certified since 2009. This practice falls into line with my philosophy of very minimal handling of the soils, vines and fruit. The Syrah and Grenache off this vineyard is a dream come true. Lush and vibrant, there is a sort of softness to the berries that I quite enjoy.

Today, this vineyard is owned and farmed by Jim Binns. Though this site has quite the history, even in its young age. This property was originally established by the vibrant Bob Linquist of Qupe. I feel very fortunate to be farming fruit from this cool climate vineyard, and enjoy working alongside Jim and his family.

Vineyard Distinction

AVA: Edna Valley
Elevation: 325 - 470 feet
Planted: 2005
Soil Composition: limestone, sandy shale and volcanic
Acreage: 39
Fruit Sourced: 2014-current

Nicora Distinction

Block Exposure: East and West
Varieties: Syrah & Grenache

Fulldraw Vineyard

Willow Creek District | Paso Robles

Being located in the Willow Creek District and very near the Templeton Gap, Fulldraw Vineyard is heavily influenced by the cooling winds of the oceanic climate that is to the west. A fresh reprieve from the warm daytime temperature ensures that the grapes ripen optimally while maintaining the delicate acidity. This Paso Robles westside location is dotted with broken limestone and shale which result in minimal grape yields, but always intensely flavored. Started by Rebecca and Connor McMahon in 2012, we find this location not only special to our hearts for it's fruit, but also to the friendships that have grown here as well.

Vineyard Distinction

AVA: Willow Creek District
Elevation: 1100 feet
Planted: 2007
Soil Composition: Broken limestone & shale
Acreage: 100
Fruit Sourced: 2018-current

Nicora Distinction

Block Exposure: North (Syrah), East (Grenache), South (Mourvedre)
Varieties: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre

Denner Vineyard

Willow Creek District | Paso Robles

First planted in 1999, Denner vineyard is situated within the Willow Creek District of the Paso Robles AVA. The vineyard enjoys the coolness of the marine layer many mornings throughout the year, which is a nice break for the vines before they soak in the warm afternoon sun. This combination of cool and warm weather patterns results in a large diurnal temperature swing, thus giving this vineyard ideal growing conditions to farm fruit of excellent flavor.

Denner Vineyards is committed to environmentally friendly farming practices, using only sustainable inputs and minimal irrigation. The result is beautiful fruit translating true varietal expressions in the glass.

Vineyard Distinction

AVA: Paso Robles
District: Willow Creek
Elevation: 1,200 feet
Planted: 1999
Soil Composition: limestone rich
Acreage: 156 with 108 planted
Fruit Sourced: 2013-2022

Nicora Distinction

Block Exposure: East
Varieties: Viognier, Roussanne, Cabernet Sauvignon