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What’s in a name: What’s in a bottle? An appellation is an officially recognized geographically defined region for growing grapes. The practice originated in France as a way to ensure quality of wines produced in specific regions. The French system regulates the grape varieties that may be grown in a specific appellation, how vines may be planted, what yields are permitted and other aspects of wine making. The thought behind the appellation system embraces the notion of terroir: the impact of a region’s soil, climate, sun, water quality, and geography acting in concert to produce a wine of unique and irreproducible character. Appellations range in size: from very small single vineyards to vast expanses of land spanning hundreds of miles. |
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In the U.S. appellations are formally called American Viticultural Areas or AVAs. This system is less strict than the French (or other European) systems. Established by Congress in 1978, it was administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), until 2003 when it was assigned to the newly formed Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The AVA system assures consumers that the wine they are drinking originates from a specific winemaker and growing area. However, unlike the French system, the AVA system requires only 85% of the grapes used come from within that specified AVA (in most cases). This is different from the requirements pertaining to labeling wines as varietals. Such wines must contain a minimum of 75% of the grape variety indicated on the label (in most cases). The AVA system also does not limit the regions in the types of grapes grown, or regulate growing or winemaking practices.
Below are the major Californian AVAs with focus placed on the Central Coast.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Amador County: (AVA) "The Heart of the Mother Lode", as it’s promoted, Amador County is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, south east of Sacramento. While our focus is on the central coast, we acknowledge that winemakers in the North Coast and Central Coast will source fruit from outside their appellations. It was in fact the heart of the gold rush, but wine replaced gold in the 19th century. The rolling hills with iron rich volcanic, decomposed soils of granite bask in a warm, sunny climate. Zinfandel (and sibling, Primitivo) put the county back on the wine map. Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier as well as Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah and Touriga Nacional are the most widely planted varieties.
Arroyo Grande Valley: (AVA) A 16-mile-long serpentine valley in southern San Luis Obispo County, this valley moves eastward and then northeast as one travels deeper. The mouth of the valley is funnels in marine fog and breezes which cool the area. The climate of this region changes the farther one travels inland. Closes to the coast, at the valley’s mouth, is the coldest part of the appellation. Here sparkling wines dominate. The the mid-portion of valley is more moderate in climate and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the predominant varieties grown. At the deepest reaches of the valley (which also attain elevations above the fog line, Zinfandel and Rhone varieties are grown with success.
Arroyo Seco: (AVA) In the center of Monterey County's Salinas Valley, this appellation's claim to fame are white wines characterized by tropical fruit flavors. Many vineyards in this appellation also supply fruit to many prominent producers in California. The first plantings here were in 1962. The region can be divided in two uneven parts based on mesoclimate and, consequently, grape varieties. The larger eastern and central areas are planted predominately to Chardonnay and Riesling. Benefiting from one of California’s longest growing seasons and a balance of warm days and cool winds from Monterey bay, the grapes from this section of the appellation develop great complexity. The western portion of this appellation is much smaller. It forms a gorge that plunges into the Santa Lucia Mountains. These mountains block the cool Pacific winds. The resulting warmer climate is preferential to Zinfandel and Bordeaux and Rhone varietals. In addition to the geography, there is a distinct geology (in the form of 3-4 inch stones (or cobblestones) called "Greenfield Potatoes" which store and release heat and aid drainage) that defines this part of the AVA. Less fertile soils force the vines to develop deep root systems. As a result, the fruit on such vines is more concentrated and resulting wines benefit. There is a spectrum of salt and mineral content in the soils from east to west. AVA Map.
California: (AVA). Considered the leader in American viticulture and one of the best in the world. It was the first of the New World wine regions to compete with the classic French regions in quality and price. The turning point came in 1976 when several California wines were rated better than their French counterparts in a blind tasting. Traditionally, the state’s strengths have been: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, and Chardonnay. More recently, Rhône varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Viognier have made gained prominence in the world of wine. The state boasts more than 120 wine growing regions with Napa and Sonoma the historical leaders in quality. However, regions such as Santa Barbara County and its sub-regions and other appellations within the Central Coast such as Monterey and San Luis Obispo region are rapidly becoming major players and leaders in wine production. Viticulture was brought to California nearly four centuries ago by Spanish missionaries who grew the Mission grape. Currently, there are over 1200 wineries with some 530,000 acres of vineyards distributed across over 120 appellations.
Capay Valley: (AVA). Located in northwestern Yolo County, this region lies to the northeast of Napa, Lake and Colusa Counties but is not contiguous to any of them. Bounded by Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the Capay Hills to the east, the valley received AVA status in 2003. Of the 102,000 acres total, there are 25 acres under vine as reported by the Bureau f Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF). Located more inland, and with mountains along its western border, it has a warmer climate than Napa. The growing season starts about a month earlier than in Napa and, along with hot, dry summers, tends to be very long. On the other hand, budbreak occurs about 2 weeks later than in growing regions to the north. To some extent, the higher temperatures are mitigated by breezes from the Sacramento Delta and San Francisco Bay as well as some coastal fog rolling in over the Blue Ridge when the bay itself experiences heavy fog. The ground fog typical of Sacramento Valley does not make it past the mountains surrounding this AVA. While there are several wine growers in this region, Capay Valley Vineyards (who presented the petition for AVA status) seem to be the leading producers growing Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Viognier.
Carmel Valley: (AVA). Beginning five miles inland at Carmel Valley Village, this region’s 300 acres are situated above 1,000 feet along steep slopes following the Carmel River and Cachagua Creek in a southeast direction. Without the cooling effects of marine fog and winds, this AVA has a warmer climate than the northern portion of the Salinas Valley. This makes the region well-suited to Bordeaux varieties such as: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot but also Zinfnadel. AVA Map.
Central Coast: (AVA) California's Central Coast is a huge coastal appellation to receive AVA status from the BATF. This exciting appellation spans from the San Francisco bay to Santa Barbara County. An estimated 100,000 acres under vine (the most territory under vine), cooled by the marine effect off the Pacific Ocean. Wineries in this appellation grow a diversity of grape varieties and range from small, boutique wineries and large-scale producers. This makes the Central coast a wine world onto itself. The Central Coast appellation includes numerous smaller AVAs within its boundaries. Initially planted in the mission period, the area was initially revitalized after prohibition by individual entrepreneurs - large and small, some seeking new land as Napa and Sonoma land prices rose and available vineyard land was less available for growing Bordeaux varieties. Initially, Chardonnay and Pinot noir made up the dominant varieties. Rhone varieties have since gained a strong foothold and are now a prominent portion of annual production. Appellations included in this large region are: Arroyo Grande Valley, San Antonio Valley, Arroyo Seco, San Benito, San Bernabe, Carmel Valley, San Francisco Bay, Chalone, San Lucas, Cienega Valley, San Luis Obispo County, Contra Costa County, San Ysidro District, Edna Valley, Santa Barbara County, Hames Valley, Santa Clara County, Lime Kiln, Santa Clara Valley, Livermore Valley, Santa Cruz County, Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, Santa Maria Valley, Pacheco Pass, Santa Ynez Valley, Paicines, Santa Rita Hills, Paso Robles and York Mountain.
Chalone: (AVA). Located in the Gabilan Mountains, this region stretches across the borders of Monterey and San Benito counties near the Pinnacle National Monument. Characterized by rugged terrain, this small appellation is home to under 300 acres of vineyards. It's location above the fog line results in an arid climate with a growing season with high daytime temperatures and low nighttime temperatures. While these climatic parameters make for balanced fruit, the characteristics of the limestone and decomposed granite-containing soils are believed to impart a minerality to wines from this AVA. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produced in this AVA have gained legendary status and a cult following because they are believed by many to have one of finest expressions of terroir anywhere. AVA Map.
Cienega Valley: (AVA). Located at the foot of the Gabilan Mountains, some 30 miles inland from Monterey Bay, at the western border of San Benito County, the Cienega Valley AVA had largely been the domain of Almaden Vineyards (now a subsidiary of Constellation) in past years. Separated from Monterey County by the Gabilan Mountains, the Cienega Valley AVA straddles the San Andreas fault at elevations around 1,100 feet. The fault creates some distinct soil differences: east of the fault the soil contains granite and sandstone and west of the fault it contains granite and limestone. The Gabilan Mountain Range forms a barrier which prevents direct inflow of cool coastal winds climate of the Monterey Basin and temperate Cienega Valley. The Diablo Mountain Range to the east, keeps out the intense heat of the San Joaquin Valley summers. This results in a Climate Region II classification. The AVA's only two wineries (DeRose Vineyards has 100 acres and Pietra Santa Has 150 acres) grow: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette (Pinot St. George), Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel.
Edna Valley: (AVA). This coastal region is located in the southern corner of San Luis Obispo County. Eight miles long, it runs east-west and is bordered by volcanic mountains to the north (Santa Lucia Mountains) and to the south (the lower, San Luis Mointains). This AVA is classified as a Climate Region I with a long growing season. Heat does no build up in this AVA. It rises quickly and draws in air from over the ocean. The Los Osos Valley connects the mouth of Edna Valley to Moro Bay. Through this channel, cooling ocean breezes clear afternoon fog. Nearby, to the southeast is Arroyo Grande which is its own appellation. To the north and northeast is Paso Robles - on the other side of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Edna Valley is best known for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir which have the complex flavors reflective of cool-climate regions. Syrah is coming to define itself here - both in acreage and distinct character. The valley has been home to viticulture for over 200 years, since the days of Spanish Missionaries but experienced a revival in the early 1970s when new vines were planted.
Hames Valley: (AVA). Located at the southernmost part of the Salinas Valley, Hames Valley lies at the foot of the Santa Lucia mountain range. The 2,000-acre AVA was awarded sub-appellation status in 1994. It has a warmer climate than average growing regions with consisting primarily of shale and loam. Bordeaux varieties are dominant here. These do better in this warmer part of the Monterey AVA than in its northern end. Additionally, port varieties such as: Verdelho, Souzao, Tinta Cao and Touriga Nacional are grown in this region. AVA Map.
Lime Kiln Valley: (AVA). Home only to Enz Vineyards, the Lime Kiln Valley AVA consists of 2,330 acres with about 100 acres of the 298-acre Enz ranch in the Cienega Valley under vine. Soils here are composed of primarily sand, gravel, loam, and (of course) limestone. This relatively hot and isolated area in the Cienega Valley received AVA status in 1982. The varieties grown include: Orange Muscat, Mourvédre, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Livermore Valley: (AVA). Named after English sailor Robert Livermore, who planted the first commercial vineyards in 1844, the Livermore Valley was one of the original AVAs established in 1982 by the BATF. To this day, two of the most historic vineyards in the state, Wente and Concannon, are still prominent fixtures in the California winescape. Like in so many other California appellations, viticulture in the Livermore Valley dates back to 1760s when Spanish Missionaries planted the first vineyards. However, today, the Livermore Valley is an intermingling of wine country and suburbia. Some 30 miles east of Oakland, the valley runs in an east-west direction spanning an area roughly 10 miles by 15 miles. Marine winds from San Francisco Bay sweep in and cool over 5,000 acres of vines on well-drained, gravely soils. Livermore Valley is famous for its white Bordeaux varieties: Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Additionally, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Syrah, Sangiovese, Syrah and Zinfandel are planted in the valley.
Lodi: (AVA). The Lodi AVA, in the northern end of the San Joaquin Valley, covers over 500,000 acres about 100 miles east of San Francisco. Stretching, north to south, from the Sacramento River Delta to the Sierra Foothills, this appellation has some 90,000 acres under vine on generally deep, loam and sand soils peppered with large stones. The climate is said to resemble the Mediterranean region with warm days contrasted by cool evenings due to a cool winds moving in from the Sacramento River Delta.
Los Alamos Valley: Although not yet an officially recognized AVA, the Los Alamos Valley straddles Highway 101 around the town of Los Alamos ('The Cottonwoods' in Spanish) from north of Lompoc (in the west) to just past Cat Canyon where the Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley AVAs meet at Foxen Canyon Road (to the east). Its northern boundary is defined by the Solomon Hills and in the south by the Purisima Hills (a boundary it shares with the Sta. Rita Hills AVA). This valley lies essentially in an east-west orientation between the two established appellations. Its intermediate geographic location makes for an intermediate climate. The temperatures here are on average 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than in the Santa Maria Valley and 10 degrees cooler than in the Santa Ynez Valley. Although subject to a strong marine influence, the Los Alamos Valley does not necessarily get hotter from west to east end. Parts of Cat Canyon, in the valley's eastern end, can experience very cold temperatures. White Hawk vineyard has seen snow and frost in the past (as have parts of Ballrd canyon) although that is a once-in-50-years occurrence. The total acreage of the Los Alamos Valley and acreage under vine is not readily available, it is greater than that of any other established AVAs in Santa Barbara County (Santa Maria Valley's 7,500 acres being the largest). The soils in the Los Alamos Valley are generally well-draining (some vineyards are located on top of ancient sand dunes). The valley is home to small and large vineyards alike. The more notable local names with vineyards or wineries in the valley are: Babcock Vineyards, Bedford Thompson Winery and Vineyard, Chimere, Lafond, Lucas & Lewellen, Melville, Mosby Winery, Sanford Winery & Vineyards, White Hawk and White Horse. In addition, large concerns like Beringer & Meridian, Kendall Jackson and Sutter Home have substantial holdings in the valley. While a broad spectrum varieties is being grown here, the inside buzz is that this area may be the next hottest source of great Syrah.
Madera County: (AVA). Madera County is in California's Central Valley. While our focus is on the central coast, we acknowledge that winemakers in the North Coast and Central Coast will source fruit from outside their appellations. The valley experiences a hot growing region, winters are very cold, allowing the vines to enter dormancy. Over 38,000 acres are planted to wine grapes used, for the most part, in 'jug wines'. Nonetheless, reputable dessert wines and Ports are made from grapes grown in Madera.
Monterey: (AVA). A huge AVA located on the eastern side of Monterey County includes the entire Salinas Valley, and part of Carmel Valley. The Salinas Valley is one of the country’s most important agricultural assets. The valley’s mouth opens onto Monterey Bay and allows cooling fog to rolls in between the Santa Lucia and Gabilan mountain ranges. While the fog cools the valley early in the morning, a cool winds sweeps through in the middle of the day. As a result, temperatures rarely exceed 75 F. Only the southernmost microclimates, in the hillsides, get warmer. There is minimal annual rainfall in this region. That, combined with sandy soils, makes it potentially arid but the Salinas River provides ample irrigation. The region has one of the world’s longest growing seasons, which allows for wines from grapes grown in the Monterey AVA to have great balance. AVA Map.
Monterey County: (AVA). A large wine growing region located in California’s Central Coast which was developed in the early 1960s and quickly gained prominence shortly thereafter. Touting cool climate wine growing regions, it spans 40,000 vineyard acres along an 80-mile long valley at the county’s eastern edge. This AVA includes seven distinct sub-regions: Arroyo Seco, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Hames Valley, the large Monterey AVA encompassing the Salinas Valley, San Bernabe (awarded AVA status in 2004), San Lucas and the Santa Lucia Highlands. AVA Map.
Mount Harlan: (AVA). At elevations of 1,800 to 2,200 feet, the Mt. Harlan AVA is a rugged 7,400-acre area in the Gabilan Mountains. A sub-appellation of San Benito County, the AVA is the fruit of hard labor on the part of Josh Jensen, whose Calera Wine Company is the only winery in the AVA. Located on Mt. Harlan, in the northern end of the Gabilan Mountains, Jensen's vineyards (100 acres) are scattered in closely grouped blocks at 2,200 feet above sea level. At high altitudes, the limestone soils of the steep slopes along with a dry and cool climate (Region-I, owing to cool marine winds directly from Monterey Bay) result in a long growing season that emulates the terroir of Burgundy. Specializing in Pinot Noir, Calera also produces Chardonnay and Viognier.
Napa (Napa Valley): (AVA) A leading wine growing region in Northern California. Part of the larger North Coast AVA, it sits between the Mayacamas and Vaca mountains. 30 miles long and five miles wide, it has 43,000 acres of some of the world’s most expensive agricultural land planted to vines. Cool winds and fog from San Pablo Bay benefit this region, where daily temperatures differ by as much as 15 degrees between north and south. Within this spectrum are many unique microclimates with their own AVA designations. These include: Atlas Peak, Carneros, Chiles Valley, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, Oakville, Rutherford, Spring Mountain District, St. Helena, Stags Leap, Wild Horse Valley, Yountville.
North Coast: (AVA) A vast appellation encompassing all the counties north of San Francisco: Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano. This region covers over 3,000,000 acres. The AVAs of the area share a climate influenced by cool air and fog from the Pacific Ocean resulting in cool temperatures and high annual rainfall. There region grows premium grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. These tend to be produced in high volume, and as such elude vineyard designation.
Paicines: (AVA). Located within the San Benito County AVA, this 4,500-acre region bounded to the west by the Gabilan Mountains and the San Benito River and the Panoche Valley to the east. Despite lower elevations (from 500 to 1,200 feet above sea level) the area is cooled by the cool marine air passing over the Monterey Valley and through gaps in the the Gabilan Mountains on its way to the San Joaquin Valley. This Climate Region II AVA is warmer than the Cienega Valley and Lime Kiln and Mount Harlan AVAs - its western neighbors. The various soil types share the general trait of being well-draining. Home to five vineyards and two wineries, this AVA grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Blanc.
Paso Robles: (AVA). The largest AVA in San Luis Obispo County, it has 26,000 acres planted to wine grapes, mostly in the eastern portion of the AVA. The entire appellation, founded in 1983, covers 614,000 acres. The northern boundary follows the county boundaries where San Luis Obispo and Monterey County meet. The eastern boundary follows the Diablo and Temblor mountain ranges which meet near Shandon and Cholame, and separate Paso Robles from the California's central San Joaquin Valley. The southern boundary can be said to loosely parallel Highway 58 east from Santa Margarita to somewhere near San Juan Creek. The Santa Lucia mountain range blocks the marine fog which cools the other AVAs in San Luis Obispo’s southern portion and forms the appellation's western boundary. There is a distinct difference in climate between the eastern and western portions of the AVA. The western end experiences temperatures in excess of 90 degrees F in the daytime and cool ocean breezes in the evenings while the eastern portion is much warmer and more arid. The rainy season typically occurs from November to April, whic reduces the possibility of damaged crops. By available reports, when data was being collected by U.C Davis investigators to determine Paso's Climate Region, the thermometer was located at the airport, which is about 10 degrees hotter than the western end of the AVA. There have been 45 different soil types identified in Paso Robles, they all share the general traits of being nutrient-rich, moderately deep, slightly alkaline and calcareous with shale underlying sandy loam, limestone, clay, gravel and chalky elements. These soils can vary from row to row and it is difficult to identify trends or patterns at this time. Greater clarity may be gained after the 11 different sub-appellation petitions currently on the table are resolved. Paso Robles is rapidly gaining attention, internationally, and making their name as a leader in California viticulture. It is famous for its distinctive wines, such as structured Cabernet Sauvignon and juicy Zinfandel. Paso Robles is also home to a number of Rhône Rangers whose strength Syrah, Grenache, Roussanne and Viognier. The wines grown in the eastern portion of the AVA are usually full bodied, rich in fruit and display soft tannins and lower acidity than those from the more sparsely planted western portion. As a result, western Paso Robles wines are felt to be more age worthy, while those from the eastern end are more approachable while young. The huge AVA (map) is undergoing much change and petitions have been submitted to the TTB seeking the formation of 11 sub-regions (map).
San Antonio Valley: (AVA). Approved by the TTB in July of 2006, the San Antonio Valley AVA is located in the southernmost part of Monterey County at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. This AVA is situated west of the San Bernabe, San Lucas and Hames Valley appellations. Nestled in a valley between lesser hills of the Santa Lucia Range to the east and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west, this AVA currently has some 800 acres of vineyards planted (at elevations ranging form 980 to 1300 feet) to more than 20 varieties. Viticulture here dates back to the 18th Century. At that time, it was centered around the San Antonio de Padua mission. This valley is significantly warmer than the Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco AVAs to the north. The region is subject to a small evening marine influence in the form of breezes from the Pacific Ocean. The main cooling effect comes from the morning from fog generated by Lake San Antonio. Notwithstanding those influences, the climate generally resembles that of Paso Robles, the adjacent AVA to the south This warm climate is suited to Rhône and Bordeaux varietals, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. AVA Map.
San Benito County: (AVA). 300 miles north of Los Angeles and about 100 miles south of San Francisco, this AVA covers almost 1,300 square miles. It is framed by the Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties to the north and Merced and Fresno counties to the south. The vineyards in this region range in elevation from just above sea level to over 5,000 feet. Although generally moderate (attributed to the ability of cool air from the Pacific Ocean coming in through gaps in the Gabilan and the Santa Lucia mountains) the climate in this inland appellation is quite varied. Along with soil differences, there are enough diverse microclimates to warrant 4 sub-appellations: Cienega Valley, Lime Kiln Valley, Mt. Harlan and Paicines). The region grows: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mourvedre, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel.
San
Bernabe:
(AVA). Located in the southern portion of Monterey County, this
AVA was recognized in 2004. In the process of its creation, 1,300
acres
were removed from the San Lucas AVA and added to this new AVA to avoid
breaking up the San Bernabe vineyard (the largest continuous vineyard in
the world) which makes up most of this AVA. This vineyard belongs to the Indelicatio family who were instrumental in the creation of this AVA.
Their current San Bernabe Vineyard consists of approximately 4,000
acres
planted to vine. The AVA is characterized by multiple
mesoclimates with
annual temperatures comparable to some regions of Napa Valley. The
temperatures in the large San Berenabe vineyard itself can vary by as
much as 5 degrees (from north to south ends) owing largely to wind, fog
and chilling sea air (cooled by the Monterey Canyon, an undersea feature
in Monterey Bay the size of the Grand Canyon). These cold air currents
are held in place over this AVA by warmer air coming from warmer inland
areas such as Paso Robles creating temperature differentials as great as
50 degrees between day and night and resulting in a growing season,
sometimes longer by several weeks than other California grape growing
regions. This can result in different blocks of grapes maturing a month
apart. With over 75 years of grape growing tradition, the vineyard
produces Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer,
Lagrein, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, White Riesling
and Valdiguié. AVA
Map.
San Luis Obispo County: (AVA). Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the county is home to several AVAs which have developed independently but share the geographic feature of east-west running valleys. Since 1990, total vine plantings have grown to now cover some 26,400 acres. There is a significant maritime influence of Pacific winds and coastal fogs on this region’s climate. Cooling marine air enters through the east-west running valleys and leads to a long growing season resulting in intense, complex flavors. This puts San Luis Obispo wines in the company of the world’s greatest. The region includes four AVAs: Arroyo Grande, Edna Valley, Paso Robles and York Mountain – all of which tout their own terroirs and microclimates. The York Mountain AVA lies in the northernmost part of the San Luis Obispo AVA and is home to just one winery. Paso Robles, protected from most of the coastal influence by the Santa Lucia Mountains, is San Luis Obispo’s warmest AVA. Wine growing is not new to San Luis Obispo as it was brought to the region by Spanish missionaries several centuries ago. The region’s wine growing industry was revitalized in the early 1970s, in Edna Valley with the total number of wineries currently approaching 90. However, Paso Robles has risen to greatest prominence. The most common varietals grown in the San Luis Obispo region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Viognier and Zinfandel. This large AVA is also home to a number or Rhône Rangers growing Rhône varietals.
San Lucas: (AVA). Located at the southern end of the Salinas Valley in Monterey, it is framed by the foothills of the Santa Lucia Range to the west and Chalone Hills to the east. Less than 8,000 acres are planted to under vine, particularly after some 1,300 of its acres were reassigned to the newly formed San Bernabe AVA, to the north in 2004. Vineyards in this relatively hot growing region sit at elevations between 500 and 1,200 feet. Ocean winds and fog are less influential here than they are in the other, cooler, Monterey AVAs. Still, the San Lucas AVA still experiences the state’s largest diurnal temperature variations. The staples of viticulture here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. AVA Map.
Santa Barbara County: (AVA). Historically, the most prominent AVA in the Central Coast, it encompasses three smaller officially recognized AVAs, (Santa Maria Valley, Santa Rita Hills and the Santa Ynez Valley) all touting distinct microclimates and terroirs. A fourth region located between the Santa Maria and Santa Ynez Valleys, is Los Alamos. This area does not yet have AVA status. Santa Barabara County’s east-west valleys (framed by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains) and proximity to the ocean make for excellent wine growing conditions. Spanning 50 miles from Point Conception to Rincon is the longest east-west traverse of shoreline along the whole western seaboard of the two American continents. There are nearly 100 wineries and vineyards over 21,000 acres of vines. Viticulture in Santa Barbara began in the 18th century with Spanish missionaries planting vines for sacramental wine, but it was not until the 1960s, when UC Davis enologists designated the area as a premier wine growing region, that commercial viticulture began its rise to global prominence. Less than half of the grapes grown in the region are used locally. More than half of annually produced grapes are sold to wineries outside the County at some of the highest prices in California. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been the flagship varietals of the county but Rhône and Italian varietals make up a large portion of grapes grown in the county.
Santa Cruz Mountains: (AVA). North of Monterey County, and west of San Jose, the Santa Cruz Mountains appellation covers more than 350,000 acres across Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Mateo counties between Monterey and Half Moon bays. Only about 1,500 acres of the AVA are actually under vine. Most of the appellation's vineyards are at elevations from 800 to 2,000 feet. The entire AVA benefits from the cooling effects of marine winds and fogs but the varying terrain gives varying microclimates. The vineyards at the foot of the western slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains face the Pacific Ocean and are generally the coolest. On the other end of the spectrum, the warmest climates tend to prevail in the low-lying, inland vineyards. These rugged mountains with thin soils produce formidable Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Other varieties growninclude: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Carignane, Dolcetto, Merlot, Syrah and Zinfandel. A sub-appellation, the 38,400 acre Ben Lomond Mountain AVA (located at the western end of the Santa Cruz Mountains), was established in 1988.
Santa Lucia Highlands: (AVA). This north-south running AVA spans elevations from 40 to 1,200 feet of the southeastern-facing slopes of alluvial soils above the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. Currently, there are some 2,300 acres of vineyards in this AVA. Sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by the Santa Lucia Mountains, the region experiences cool morning fog and afternoon breezes from Monterey Bay resulting in one of California’s longest growing seasons. At elevations approaching 1,200 feet, the fog burns off much earlier than below and the vines on the AVA’s southeastern-facing slopes receive direct sunlight, more so at higher elevations. The wines produced in the Highlands are recognized for their intense fruit character and an elegant backbone with high acids and a mineral edge. Chardonnay (over half of the wines produced in this AVA) and Pinot Noir are the stars of this growing region. Interactive Map. AVA Map.
Santa Maria Valley: (AVA). Bordered by the San Rafael Mountains and the Los Padres National Forest to the east, the Solomon Hills to the south and the city of Santa Maria to the west, this east-west oriented is the northernmost of the three AVAs within Santa Barbara County. The Santa Maria Bench - on the northwest side of the AVA, at the foot of the San Rafael Mountains - reaches elevations of 200-800 feet above the valley’s basin. Soils range from sand and gravel to clay and loam. The 7,500 acres of vine planted in this AVA enjoy Pacific fog and coastal winds - at times quite powerful - that help create an extended growing season. There is relatively low annual rainfall in this valley. There are several historic and prestigious vineyards here: Bien Nacido, Nielsen, Sierra Madre and Tepusquet. Many other, smaller vineyards produce high quality wines as well. The number of wineries in the Santa Maria Valley grows every year and in 2007 approaches 20. These few wineries, though, are among the best and most reputed producers in California. The grapes grown here are also sourced by producers outside the AVA and command some of the highest prices in North America. Traditionally, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir have been the stars of this region. However, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Sangiovese and Syrah are being grown here.
Sta. Rita Hills, (Santa Rita Hills): (AVA). Located at the western end of the Santa Ynez Valley between Buellton to the east and Lompoc to the west, the Sta. Rita Hills AVA lies between the east-west running La Purisima Hills to the North and the east-west running Santa Rosa Hills to the south with the east-west running Santa Rita Hills in the middle. The Sta. Rita Hills received AVA status in 2001 owing much to the efforts of Bryan Babcock, Richard Sanford, Rick Longoria as well as members of the Santa Rita Hills Wine Growers Alliance from Clos Pepe, Seasmoke and Melville. Due to a contention by an influential Chilean winery (Vina Santa Rita) that the appellation name impinged on international trademarks, the name of the appellation was altered to read: “Sta. Rita Hills” in 2006. With about 2,300 acres of vineyards (of the AVA's total 40,000 acres), Sta. Rita Hills is one of the smallest appellations in the state. Cooled by marine winds and coastal fog, the climate of this appellation is ideal for Chardonnay and Pinot noir and the Sta. Rita Hills are regarded as one of the premier Chardonnay and Pinot Noir growing regions. Part of the cooling marine effect, powerful winds also keep yields down in the more exposed vineyards by blowing the flowers off the vines. Nevertheless, the cooling effect dissipates the farther eastward one travels in the AVA and summer temperatures may reach 100°F in the eastern end. Some also assert that the area between the La Purisima and the Santa Rita Hills (along Highway 246) is, paradoxically, cooler than the southern portion (along Santa Rosa Road) of the AVA - which is closer to the ocean. The soils in the Sta. Rita Hills also change from east to west. The well-draining, sandy soils with gravel and shale in the west end are replaced by more loamy, clay-rich soils in the east, particularly in the southeastern corner of the AVA. This impacts the farming methodology and the character of the fruit and resulting wines. In addition to Burgundian wines, stunning wines are also made from Italian and Rhône varieties grown here. Map.
Santa Ynez Valley: (AVA). This long east-west valley lies between by the Purisima Hills and San Raphael Mountains to the north and the Santa Ynez Mountains to the south. Considerably warmer than the Santa Maria Valley to the north, it includes the Santa Rita Hills appellation at its west end. Wrapping around the eastern end of the rolling hills of the Santa Rita Hills AVA, the western end of the Santa Ynez AVA is influenced by the effects of the Pacific and is considerably cooler than its eastern portion. Following the Santa Ynez River eastward, the elevation rises approximately 800 feet and the vineyards, in north-south running canyons, experience higher temperature fluctuations in the context of an overall warmer climate. There are approximately 2,200 acres under vine in the Santa Ynez Valley, about half of the acreage of the pre-Prohibition era. The cooler western section of the AVA is planted mostly to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as well as a few other Bordeaux varietals while the eastern, warmer, section is dominated by highly regarded Syrah and other staples of the “Rhône Rangers".
Sonoma: (AVA). One of the six wine producing counties of the North Coast AVA. Covering an area more than twice that of the neighboring Napa County, Sonoma County has more than 58,000 acres of vines with 517,000 acres within the Sonoma Coast AVA. The county is 47 miles long and 52 mile wide and bounded by Mendocino County to the North, Marin County to the South, Napa County to the east and the Pacific coastline to the west. The climate in the region is moderate and diverse with marine influences. Moisture drops farther away form the coastline. Counter intuitively, the northern portion of the AVA is warmer than the south. Home to 254 wineries, the county has a rich winemaking history dating back to the mission days the early 19th century. All varieties of grapes are grown in the county in its 12 AVAs: Alexander valley, Bennett Valley, Carneros, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Northern Sonoma, Rockpile, Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County Green Valley, Sonoma Mountain.
York Mountain: (AVA). York Mountain is tucked against the eastern slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains where it straddles Highway 46 on the western border of the Paso Robles AVA in San Luis Obispo County. This general area is commonly referred to as the Templeton Gap. One of the smallest AVAs in California, it covers some 9,300 acres at elevations of 1,500 feet. Just 7 miles from the Pacific Ocean, the York Mountain AVA is cooler (Climate Region I) than the adjacent Paso Robles AVA. The Santa Lucia Mountains block most of the ocean moisture and precipitation from reaching the majority of the Paso Robles AVA. However, the location of the York Mountain AVA allows it to catch some of that moisture and cooling marine breezes before they dissipate farther to the east. York Mountain gained AVA status in 1983 through the efforts of then-owners of York Mountain Winery – the only winery in the AVA and one that bears the distinction of being the oldest winery in continuous operation in California. The initial vineyards were planted by Andrew York in 1882 to Alicante Bouschet, Mission and Zinfandel grapes for bottling by the winery which was then called Ascension Winery. There are now five or six separate vineyards in this small AVA growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Syrah.
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