Geography and topography have settled Marin County in a position where temperatures are lower than those in Sonoma and Napa Counties although they are mere minutes away. Furthermore, Marin County's terrain and weather patterns are must more similar to those of the southern French wine country of Burgundy than of those in its own State of California. For that reason, viticulture in Marin County and its production of wines can easily compete with the world class wines of Burgundy.

The cooler temperatures of Marin County allow grapes to remain hanging longer on their vines, thus making the grape-growing season in the County longer and this generates more superior grapes. Viticulture in Marin County produces wines that are more balanced with exceptional natural tartness and with alcohol levels that are below fourteen percent in most of their varieties. Viticulturists in the area all agree that Marin County's combinations of soil have the fertility and the nutrients to support vineyards superbly and the County's topographic environment and its climate conditions afford the wine industry in Marin County with the potential to make many different kinds of wines but most specifically those varieties that thrive in cool climates such as the elegant Merlots, the Pinot Noirs and the Riesligs.

Along with the building of the San Rafael Mission in 1817, the vitis vinifera grapes were launched in Marin County. The County's residents immediately recognized that their wet winters and very dry summers, their lush soils, the diverse terrain and the warm California sunshine will be perfect for growing grapes and they soon set about cultivating small vineyards.

The vineyards that were started up by the San Rafael Mission to be used as therapeutic work for the Native Americans who did not take well to the Spanish rule were captured by General Mariano Vallejo. Vallejo promptly banned the Mission's religious attachments, commended that the vineyards be dug out and replanted on his own property in the neighboring county of Sonoma. This action, of course, brought Marin County's viticulture to a near standstill.

Viticulture in Marin County was further slowed during the Prohibition of the 1920s and then it was even further slowed down in 1937 when the Golden Gate Bridge was opened to the public and all eyes turned to Marin County's lands and housing, and viticulture was virtually forgotten.

Currently, viticulture and the wine industry in Marin County have been resurrected and are kept alive and growing slowly by twenty five winemakers who are producing premium wines while safeguarding a piece of the County's history. Nevertheless, viticulture in Marin County continues to be eclipsed by the giants of the California wine country, Napa and Sonoma.

To keep them motivated and informed, the Marin County Grape Growers Association was established. Its members meet twice a month to discuss and debate over issues relating to their industry and to share experiences, to exchange ideas and to ponder over improvements and innovations.

Marin County boasts approximately 200 acres of vineyard while Sonoma County has over 40,000 acres. It is obvious that viticulture in Marin County is indeed very small but it produces wines that are huge in quality.