Situated on the eastern face of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Eden Vineyards is one of California’s iconic estates. It’s origins go back to 1878, when Burgundian winemaker Paul Masson established his winery nearby. Masson’s vineyard was planted to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, the cuttings for which came from the Louis Latour family vineyards in Burgundy, and Bordeaux varietals that came from Château Margaux. Following Prohibition, Masson sold the estate to Martin Ray, who would go on to establish a separate property on a higher peak to the north, Mount Eden. The Martin Ray vineyard was planted with cuttings from Masson’s property, which had themselves originated from Nineteenth Century French cuttings. In 1972, Martin Ray’s partners took over the estate, re-christening it Mount Eden Vineyards. In the 1980s, Jeffrey Patterson was brought in as winemaker and vineyard manager. During that time the vineyards were replanted (all with cuttings from the original vines). By 2008 Jeffrey and his wife Ellie acquired majority ownership of Mount Eden Vineyards, ensuring its continuation as one of the great American estates.