Arroyo Seco means dry creek and is located approximately half way down the Salinas Valley on the western side of the valley. Arroyo Seco is a transitional area between the cooler north and the warmer south. Within the AVA, topography significantly influences which grapes are grown. In the cool climate, Pacific breeze influenced, central and eastern part of the region, grapes such as Chardonnay and Riesling thrive. The Arroyo Seco River Gorge in the western part of the AVA protects the vineyards from the coastal breezes an dwarm climate varietes such as Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah are prominent. Arroyo Seco has three wineries, none of which are open for tasting. One of the wineries, McIntyre Vineyards, is currently in the process of building a winery and visitor’s center and plans to have the project completed by 2009. Arroyo Seco grapes are used by several non-resident wineries such as Kendall-Jackson and J. Lohr to produce exceptional wines.