Massa Estate (formerly Durney Vineyards)

AVA

Carmel Valley

Decade

1970s

County

Monterey

Sub-Appellation

Cachagua

Current Owner

Bill and Laurie Massa

Planted by

Bill Durney

Location Notes

The vineyard is located on just under 1000 acres that is next to BLM land. The vineyard itself is 92 acres. The address is 18820 Cachagua Rd., Carmel Valley, California.

Wineries

Massa Estate, La Marea (Ian Brand), Riley Hubbard, Ryme Cellars, Jamie Motley, Desire Lines, Bedrock Wine Co.

Description

Massa Estate – formerly Durney Vineyard – was the first vineyard planted in Carmel Valley. Mr. Durney was instrumental in getting the Carmel Valley Appellation established.

The original plantings are of Cabernet Sauvignon. Durney Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon was served in the White House during the Reagan Administration.

Facts

Documentation indicates that the vineyard was planted in 1969 by Bill Durney. It is on its own rootstock. The story goes that Mr. Durney bought the vines from Mirasou, who brought them in from France. They are on a piece of property that is 1200-1400 feet in elevation. It has a lot of underground springs.

Certified