Figge Cellars

Gary Figge heads a family-owned winery that produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah from various vineyards within Monterey County. Founded in 2004, the first vintage was 2005. Figge was the senior vineyard manager for Estancia from 1988 to 2004, managing over 1,700 acres of vineyards between San Luis Obispo and Monterey. His desire to leave the world of large corporate farming led him to found his own label. The first releases come from the Paraiso Vineyard located at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Owners Rich and Claudia McFarland pioneered Monterey vineyards in the early 1970s. Son Jason now manages the 400 acres of vineyards planted primarily to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Beginning in 2006, Figge will release a Pinot Noir from another site - the Pelio Vineyard - which his family planted in 2003 in Carmel Valley. His wines are sold through the website.