The Larson Family Winery is located in the western reaches of the Los Carneros appellation which spans the southern portions of Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Bordered by Sonoma Mountain to the west and the Mayacamas Mountains on the north, Carneros is the land between the foothills and the saltwater marshes of San Francisco. The marine influence of the Bay and the Pacific Ocean creates a long, cool growing season.

Because the Carneros region is best suited to the cultivation of cool climate grapes, Carneros growers and vintners have focused mainly on the production of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Due to the long, moderate growing season, the grapes mature slowly and evenly allowing them to retain an ideal balance of sugar and acid. This slow maturation process allows Carneros grapes to mature at lower sugar levels and higher acid levels which enhances freshness while achieving more flavor.

Due to the area's complex geological and climatic history, the soils in Carneros are very diverse, and are impacted by the environmental changes that have occurred in the region over the last five million years. Two factors have most heavily influenced Carneros soils: the proximity of the San Francisco Bay and the impact of the ice ages. In general, Carneros soils tend to be dense, shallow (approximately 3 feet deep), of low to moderate fertility, and high in clay content.

The name Carneros is Spanish for "ram" or "sheep" and was named because of the many sheep ranches that dotted the region. Grape growing in Carneros dates back to the mid 19th century and for many years winemakers recognized a common style in the wines produced from the grapes in this unique microclimate. In 1983, this distinction was officially acknowledged when the Carneros appellation was established and the boundaries were drawn accordingly.