San Benito County is located in the Coast Range Mountains of the U.S. state of California, south of San Jose.

The climate is moderated by oceanic breezes flowing in from the Pacific via gaps in the Gabilan Mountains, which separate San Benito County from Monterey County and the Pacific coast beyond. The southern end of the Diablo Range forms the eastern edge of this area, and helps to guide southerly winds down from Monterey Bay.

Significant variations in elevation and soil type mean there are numerous mesoclimates favouring a range of different grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot.

The area contains only about 3,000 acres of vineyards and only a handful of wineries. Most of the region's grapes are sold to wineries in other areas but there remain small-scale winemakers here who have continued to produce quality wines.