The new publication American Gold Medal Wines reports that Orfila Vineyards won more gold medals in 2005 than 90 percent of the wineries in the United States.

Rhone-style varietals flourish at Orfila's Hillside Estate

Orfila Vineyards is a leader in the introduction of Rhone-style varietals into California and San Diego County. Its 70-acre hillside estate includes 40 acres of Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussane, as well as Sangiovese and Merlot.

The wines from the Orfila vineyards are sumptuously rich with structure and complexity of unmatched proportion. While most Orfila wines are drinkable upon release, some of the red wines are capable of improving for 10 or more years if stored at 55 degrees.

Orfila Vineyards & Winery also has long-term contracts for premium Johannisberg Riesling and Gewuerztraminer grapes from Ventana Vineyards in Monterey County; Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County; and Chardonnay grapes grown at Bien Nacido Vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

More than 1,000 medals attest to Orfila wines' rich, clean, terroir-driven style.

Orfila Vineyards had a stellar showing in the 2005 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition. Orfila received the highest accolades of any winery south of Paso Robles (two Critic's Platinum, four Critic's Gold and three Critics Awards).

Terroir is a French term referring to the distinctive growing conditions of each vine block - among the most important considerations are weather, location, soil and slope. Terroir is displayed in the wine as a unique and special taste character. Other specialty products also capture the taste of distinctive growing areas, such as Maui onions, prosciutto di parma and Kona coffee.