Klamath Mountains AVAs

The Klamath Mountain region in far northern California contains 3 different AVAs and is characterized by cool breezes and frequent fog.  Temperatures in low-lying areas can reach mid 90s but mountain areas rarely exceed mid 80's even in the heat of summer.  This region is one of the least populated in California, owing primarily to the rugged terrain.

Seiad Valley AVA

Established on 18 May 1994, the Seiad Valley AVA is in Siskiyou County, located adjacent to the Klamath River and close to the border with Oregon. Located on 2,248 acres in Siskiyou County, Seiad Valley is California's northernmost appellation and is found along the banks of the Klamath River.

The valley floor is covered in the excavated rock left behind as tailings from gold mining. The exposed rocks absorb and retain heat from the sun, moderating the effects of a cool, mountain valley climate.

The soil in Seiad Valley is alluvial in nature, and the growing region sits between 700 and 3,000 feet above sea level. The region is heavily dotted with boulders and rocky terrain.

The wine region was granted AVA status despite having only one commercially bonded winery in operation, Seiad Valley Vineyards, where approximately 3 acres of Riesling were being grown inside the geographic boundaries of the AVA.  This has since ceased operations after residents objected to a tasting room in their town.  There are currently no other wineries producing in the Seiad Valley.

Trinity Lakes AVA

Established on 27 February 2005, the Trinity Lakes AVA is in Trinity County.  Trinity Lakes AVA is located in the mountains of rugged Trinity County, just north of Mendocino County.  The boundaries of the AVA surround Trinity Lake and Lewiston Lake and includes a portion of the Trinity River basin below Lewiston Dam.

The AVA encompasses 96,000 acres surrounding Trinity and Lewiston lakes, which are man-made lakes created in the early 1960s to provide water to the San Joaquin Valley. 

The high altitude of the area, starting at roughly 2,000 feet above sea level, leads to its having a fairly cool climate. Warm sunshine during the day is followed by much colder nights, and it is this diurnal temperature variation that ensures the grapes do not ripen too quickly and lose acidity. This cool climate is not without its dangers as spring frosts can cause significant damage at budburst, reducing yields and damaging vines.

Vineyards can be found in the narrow valleys that surround the two lakes where rocky, thin soils offer excellent drainage. The lack of water in the soil means the vines produce smaller yields of exceptionally concentrated grapes, perfect for the production of premium wines.

The remoteness of Trinity Lakes and the difficult terroir has meant that winemaking on a commercial scale has not made its way here, nor is it likely to. Despite this fact, Trinity Lakes wines are well respected.

The high elevation and cool climate are particularly suitable for early-maturing varietals such as Riesling, Gewürtztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Merlot.

Willow Creek AVA

Established on 17 August 1983, the Willow Creek AVA is in the Humboldt and Trinity counties of northern California, near the town of Willow Creek. Surrounded by the Klamath Mountains, the AVA includes 6,000 acres in the center of the Six Rivers National Forest.

The Willow Creek AVA is defined geographically by a section of the Trinity river valley under 1000 feet elevation and running from just up river from Salyer at Coon Creek, extending a short distance down river from the town of Willow Creek to Kirkham Creek, making it the most northern wine region in California.  The Willow Creek AVA is also one of the smallest with only 6000 acres in its entire boundary and is only 25 miles from the Pacific it still enjoys an abundance of sunlight and heat.

The region is very rugged and mountainous with the cold crystal clear waters of the Trinity River rushing literally through the middle of the AVA. The valley floor is generally 400 — 500 feet above sea level surrounded by 4000 foot mountains.  This long corridor to the cold ocean waters eventually leads to evening temperature drops of as much as 50 degrees.

The growing season tends to be hot and dry with daytime temperatures mainly in the 90's reaching the 100's for week long stretches. Afternoon breezes coming up the rivers from the coast begin a dramatic daily cool down dropping temperatures as much as 50 degrees. Rainfall during the winter can be as much as 70 inches and temperatures do fall well below freezing.

Soils are typically very rocky with little clay content. Rocks, sand and a loose loam cover most of the land. Parent rock is ocean shale piled up from the continuous action of the Pacific plate diving under the North American plate and pushing marine deposits in front of the subduction zone. These soils are all well drained and vines must send their roots deep to avoid summer drought.

The AVA distinction was given to Willow Creek based on its unique Micro Climate, soil structure, marine influence, and unique geographic features that affect wine grape growing, or terroir. 

Grape varieties grown include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel for the reds. The white wine grapes include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Semillon, and Chenin Blanc.