Plateau Vineyards was established in 1994 as one of the first wineries licensed within the boundaries of the Santa Rosa Plateau. The founder of Plateau Vineyards, George M. Schaeffer, has resided on the Plateau since 1989. It was apparent to George, after he settled into his new surroundings, that the Santa Rosa Plateau shared many similarities with other legendary wine grape growing areas in California, such as the Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Like these regions, the Santa Rosa Plateau's volcanic soils, combined with the unique microclimate, created by its 2400 foot elevation, and with the close proximity to the ocean, was sure to produce grapes with distinct characteristics and intense flavors. Indeed, with quality wine production now making for the proven case, Plateau Vineyards currently farms fifteen acres of Bordeaux grape varieties. These superior grapes, grown on the Santa Rosa Plateau, allow Plateau Vineyards to consistently craft fine wines with distinctive and memorable qualities.