Jekel Vineyards finds its roots in the early days of Monterey County?s burgeoning wine industry. Founded in 1972 by pioneering grape grower Bill Jekel, the label was instrumental in establishing Monterey as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1984. The combination of ancient dirt (a result of the vineyards? location on an ancient alluvial plain) and the unique soil composition (depleted soil, studded with cobblestones) creates a distinctive starting point for the vine.