Evangelho

140-year-old, sacred vines...nestled between a 7-11 and a power plant.

Not too far from Antioch's San Joaquin River, nestled between a 7-11 and PG&E plant, lies one of the world's most precious vineyards. The Evangelho Vineyard isn't just any old-vine vineyard, it's sacred ground, home to 140-year-old Mataro and Carignane.

While most modern vines are grafted onto soil-specific rootstock, Frank Evangelho's relics are own-rooted, plunging 40 feet down into alluvial sand. The beachy terroir kills pesty phylloxera and creates a solar reflection that enhances ripening.

These head-trained vines are also dry-farmed, relying solely on what water mother nature allots. You'd think with these conditions, survival would be a miracle. But these ancient vines don't just endure, they somehow thrive. That's probably why Frank Evangelho is so passionate about preserving them. They should be a national landmark. An example of a rare variety prospering in the rarest of elements.

Experiencing wine from this vineyard is a once-in-a-lifetime honor. If you get the chance, take it.

Read more about this amazing site in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Town: Antioch

Region: Central Coast

Appellation: Contra Costa County

Wines: Carignane, Mataro