Should the Grapevine have been closed for nearly 24 ... The Tejon Pass is particularly vulnerable because of its steep hills and the number of big-rigs that travel on it, Etchebarne said.

Winemakers head to the hills in the belief that elevation makes ... and forcing the vine to expend more energy in ripening fewer grape clusters, Marks says. The result? Higher-quality wines.

Although the entire route of Interstate 5 from Castaic north to the San Joaquin Valley is frequently called the Grapevine, some say only the few steep miles from Fort Tejon to the bottom of the ...