- +1 707.410.5399
- concierge@winecountryava.com
NORTH COAST AVA
Wine Country AVA Communities
NORTH COAST AVA
The North Coast American Viticultural Area (AVA) in California, covering more than three million acres, includes Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties, and portions of Marin and Solano counties. The area forms a slightly crooked rectangle, approximately 100 miles long and more than 50 miles wide. A winemaking mecca since the mid 19th century, today the area features about 800 wineries, nearly half of the total wineries in the state. American Viticultural Areas are to appellations of origin as grapes are to fruit. AVAs are delimited grapegrowing areas distinguishable by geographic, climatic and historic features, and the boundaries have been delineated in a petition filed and accepted by the federal government. In size, AVAs range from extremely small to extremely large. AVAs are one kind of appellation, but not all appellations are AVAs. An appellation can also be a political designation, such as the name of a country, the name of a state or states, the name of a county or counties within a state.
Napa Valley AVA
Established in 1981, the Napa Valley AVA covers 225,300 acres of land, encompassing almost the entire county of Napa and is home to 400 wineries. Within that area, there are 45,000 acres of vineyards planted. Cabernet Sauvignon is king in Napa Valley with a total of 18,200 acres, and Chardonnay is the most widely planted white wine variety with 7,300 acres. Napa produces about five percent of total California wine.
The Napa Valley is bordered by two mountain ranges—the Vaca on the east and the Mayacamas, rising well above 2,000 feet and bordering the adjacent Sonoma County, on the west. Mt. St. Helena (4,343′) stands sentry at the northern end of the appellation where the valley ends at the town of Calistoga. This is the warmest locale in the region. About 30 miles away, near the city of Napa, the southern end of the valley opens to San Pablo Bay, an interconnecting arm of the San Francisco Bay system.
A uniquely diverse winegrowing appellation, the Napa Valley formed—much like the rest of the North Coast—through a geological evolution active with colliding tectonic plates (large pieces of the earth’s crust), volcanic activity and changes in sea level as water alternately advanced and retreated over the southern end of the valley several times. As a result of these geological events that took place over a 60-million-year history, the Napa Valley has soils of volcanic, maritime and alluvial origin, with more than 30 different types identified.
Defined by mountain ranges and a proximity to the Pacific Ocean, the Napa Valley enjoys a temperate climate with a long growing season of sunny, warm days followed by cool evenings. Within the Napa Valley AVA, there are 14 other AVAs with distinct microclimates and terrains formed by a varied topographical configuration of hills, exposures and elevations. The Napa Valley AVA is also part of the North Coast AVA.
DISTRICTS
- Climate: Cool, mountain influenced with temperatures about 10–15° cooler than the valley floor in summer; above the fog line, there is low day-to-night temperature range, with summer temperatures rarely rising above 90°
- Elevation: 760 to 2600 feet(232 to 792 m).
- Rainfall: 38 inches (96 cm) annually.
- Soils: Volcanic in origin, with basaltic red color, shallow with limited water retention, so irrigation is often essential.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon: Bright berry and cherry fruit, and more acidity than wines from Stags Leap District. Chardonnay: Crisp, floral, aromatic, with distinctive pear-mineral flavors and bright acidity.
- Climate: Warm to hot, depending upon time of year. Daytime summer temperaturesmay peak above 100° (38°C) adn fall to low 40s°(6°C) at night due to cool afternoon and evening breezes drawn in from the Chalk Hill Gap from the Pacific.
- Elevation: 300 to 1200 feet(92 to 370 m)
- Rainfall: up to 60 inches (96.5 to 150 cm) annually
- Soils: Almost completely of volcanic origin, soils range from rocky, stony loam on the hillsides, to gravelly or cobbly loams on the alluvial fans, and heavier clay-silt soils in the valley center areas
- Principal varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah
- Climate: Fairly warmer summer days (mid-80°F plus/28.8 to 31°C), but due to higher elevation and summer fog at night, quite chilly at night (below 50°F/10°C). With colder winters and spring, as well as strong winds, harvest comes later than on valley floor at Oakville.
- Elevation: 600 to 1200 feet (182 to 366 m).
- Rainfall: 35 inches (88 cm) annually.
- Soils: On the valley floor, primarily alluvial soils with silty-clay composition of marine origin, with good fertility. Hillsides show more clay-loam and stony-clay composition, mostly marine in origin, with some volcanic outcropping, and less fertility.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Zinfandel: Cabernets usually reveal a lush yet firm texture with good acidity, firm tannin and distinctive cherry-blackberry flavors. Merlot typically has vibrant black cherry flavors mixed with a touch of cocoa.
- Climate: Weather is moderated by its proximity to the San Pablo Bay. Daily average high temperatures can be as much as 10 degrees cooler during the hot months than most other AVAs, and heat spikes tend to be less severe.
- Elevation:100-1000 feet (30-305 m)
- Rainfall: 25 inches (65 cm) annually
- Soils: Primarily weathered volcanic rock and alluvial deposits from the Vaca Range that surrounds the region
- Principal varieties: Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon on the hillsides with Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir in the lower, cooler sites
- Climate: Moderately warm temperatures with lower maximum temperatures and higher minimum temperatures than the valley floor, due to topography and altitude. 50 to 90°F in growing season (10 to 32°C).
- Elevation: 400 to 2200 feet (122 to 671 m)
- Rainfall: 40 to 55 inches (135 cm) annually.
- Soils: Residual uplifted soils of volcanic origin, often reddish and very fine-grained, even gritty in texture, composed of both weathered sedimentary and volcanic origin.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc: firmly structured, rich and fairly tannic when young, with strong blackcurrant, mineral, and cedary flavors. Less supple and fleshy than valley or benchland wines, with good aging potential.
- Climate: Located above the fog line on the eastern side of the valley, the AVA is warmer and drier than other AVAs with more hours of sunshine and little-to-no marine influence.
- Elevation: 1400 to 2600 feet (427 to 792 m).
- Rainfall: 40 to 50 inches (125 cm) annually.
- Soils: Predominantly volcanic, shallow and infertile. Drainage is high, fertility low.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Powerful, firm, blackberry-currant flavors and often richly tannic, with excellent acidity for aging. Chardonnay, Viognier: Sinewy, firm and not as fruity as those of the valley floor, revealing more citrus and stone fruit flavors.
- Climate: Cool, with prevailing marine winds from the San Pablo Bay and through the Petaluma Gap to the west. High temperatures during summer rarely exceed 80°F (27°C) with less diurnal range variation.
- Elevation: Sea level to 700 feet (0 to 213 m)
- Rainfall: Lowest in Napa Valley: up to 24 inches (10 cm) annually.
- Soils: Clay dominated, very shallow in general, with more loam and hillside alluvials in the northern section. Yields typically are restrained by the hard claypan subsoil, which prevents deep-rooting.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Chardonnay: minerally pear-apple and spice flavors. Merlot: sinewy and lightly herbal, with fine tannins and sleek structure. Pinot Noir: ripe cherry-cinnamon spice flavors with earthy notes.
- Climate: Cool to moderate, with most vineyards above the fog-line, meaning warmer nights and cooler days and less diurnal range than the valley floor. Typical mid-summer high temperatures about 85°F (29°C).
- Elevation: 500 to 2600 feet (152 to 792 m).
- Rainfall: 35 inches (87.5 cm) annually.
- Soils: Sedimentary based, former seabed, shallow and generally well drained, as well as more acidic, with low fertility. Most have a sandy or sandy-loam texture.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Ageability is a hallmark of Mt. Veeder wines. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Low yields give red wines a firm, tannic structure with strong earth-berry aromas and rich, but powerful flavors. Chardonnay: minerally, appley, even citrus flavors with good acidity.
- Climate: Moderate to cool: marine air and fog can remain until late-morning. Late afternoon breezes frequently occur, maintaining slightly cooler temperatures than upper valley. Mid-summer temperatures may reach 92° F (33°C) and drop to around 50°F (10°C) at night.
- Elevation: sea level to 800 feet (244 m)
- Rainfall: 36 inches (90 cm) annually.
- Soils: The valley’s largest alluvial fan formed by Dry Creek creates the defining feature of the district. The northwest area is composed of volcanically derived soils, with stony or gravelly consistency. South and east areas are transitional from gravel to silty clay loam.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon benefit from a longer growing season with slightly cooler temperature, though crop size is typically less than in other AVAs. Elegant style is the common theme with fruit flavors of cassis, tobacco and spice typical to Bordeaux-style reds. Chardonnay showcases flavors of crisp apple, mineral notes and tropical fruit with fine acidity.
- Climate: Moderately warm, with temperatures commonly in the mid-90°F (34-35.5°C) range in high summer, but also still strongly affected by night and early morning fog, which helps keep acidity levels good. East side of the AVA receives warmer afternoon sun.
- Elevation: 130 – 1000 feet (40 to 305 m).
- Rainfall: 35 inches (87.5 cm) annually.
- Soils: Primarily sedimentary gravelly alluvial loams on the western side, with more volcanic but heavier soils on the eastern side. Low to moderate fertility and fairly deep, with average water retention.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot: Ripe currant and mint flavors, rich texture and full, firm structure tempered by rich fruit. Sauvignon Blanc: Full, steely, yet very fleshy.
- Climate: Moderately warm, still marginally influenced by early morning fog. Western bench area is cooler, with less late afternoon sun, tempered by afternoon marine winds. (This AVA averages a bit warmer than Oakville and Stags Leap District). Usual summer peak temperatures are mid-90°F (34-35.5°C) with a large diurnal range.
- Elevation: 155 to 500 feet (47 to 152 m).
- Rainfall: 38 inches (95 cm) annually.
- Soils: Western benchland is sedimentary, gravelly-sandy and alluvial, with good water retention and moderate fertility. The eastern side has more volcanic soils, moderately deep and more fertile.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel: Quite intense cherry and mineral, almost earthy aromas. Flavors are full, ripe, and notably currant with firm, but supple tannins for extended aging. Also produces Sauvignon Blanc.
- Climate: Cool to moderate depending on elevation and aspect. Most vineyards sit above the fog line, providing wrmer nights and cooler days than the valley floor. typical mid-summer high temperatures reach 85° (29°C).
- Elevation: 600 to 2600 feet (183 to 792 m).
- Rainfall: 40 to 50 inches (125 cm) annually.
- Soils: Primarily sedimentary; weathered sandstone/shale, loamy and friable in texture. Drainage is high, fertility low.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel: Powerful, firm, blackberry-currant flavors and often richly tannic, with excellent acidity for aging. Chardonnay: Sinewy, firm and not as fruity as those of the valley floor, revealing more citrus and stone fruit flavors.
- Climate: Warm, due to greater protection from western hills, with less fog or wind incursions. This narrowest part of the Napa Valley floor floor provides more heat reflection off the hillsides. Mid-summer temperature peak is often in tmid-to-high 90°s (35° to 37°C).
- Elevation: 200 to 475 feet (46 to 145 m).
- Rainfall: 38 to 40 inches (95 to 101 cm) annually.
- Soils: South and west borders are more sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with lower fertility and moderate water retention. Further north and to the east soils are prevalently volcanic in origin and are deeper and more fertile.
- Principal varieties and characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot: deep, ripe, often jammy flavors, with firm tannins for structure and acid for long cellaring. Appealing aromas of currant and black fruit. Syrah: Fleshy, supple and slightly earthy. Zinfandel: Blackberry-like, well-structured. Sauvignon Blanc, fresh and forward, passion fruit and lemon, crisp and fresh, not “grassy”.
- Climate: Moderately warm with afternoon marine winds acting as an “air-conditioner” to cool the warmer air radiating off the bare rocks of Stags Leap itself and the surrounding hillsides. Mid-summer temperatures can reach 100°F (37.7°C), but more regularly are in mid-90° range (34° to 36°C).
- Elevation: Sea level to 400 feet (20 to 123 m).
- Rainfall: 30 inches (75 cm) annually.
- Soils: Volcanic gravel-loams on the floor of the valley, with rocky hillsides, and low to moderate fertility due to hard clay subsoils.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: Distinguished by lush, velvety textures and fine perfumed cherry and red berry flavors, supported by soft tannins. Sauvignon Blanc: Round and ripe, yet retains excellent citrus and apple flavors.
- Climate: Due to elevation and prximity to San Pablo Bay, it is the coolest of all the Napa Valley AVAs. The air mass that passes over Carneros cools another 10 degrees by the time it rises to the AVA..
- Elevation: 850 to 2130 feet (259 to 650 m).
- Rainfall: 35 inches (94 cm) annually.
- Soils: Volcanic in origin, with basaltic red color, shallow with limited water retention, so irrigation is often essential.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Pinot Noir: Bright berry and cherry fruit with great acidity. Chardonnay: Crisp, floral, aromatic, with distinctive pear-mineral flavors and bright acidity.
- Climate: Moderate, with cool marine influence and fog contributing to cool summer mornings and the strong breezes of San Pablo Bay keeping afternoons more comfortable than further up valley. Mid-summer peak temperatures may reach low90°F (33°C), with noticeable diurnal fluctuation to the mid-50°F range (13°C).
- Elevation: 20 to 200 feet(6 to 61 m).
- Rainfall: 32 inches (80 cm) annually.
- Soils: Principally gravelly silt loams, sedimentary in origin, and gravelly alluvial soils with rock, moderately fertile.
- Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: Yountville favors Cabernet and Merlot with ripe, violety aromas and rich, but supple flavors and firm tannins.
Sonoma AVA
The appellation of Sonoma County totals more than one million acres of land of which 60,000 acres area planted to winegrapes. The county includes 13 distinct AVAs as well as being a part of the North Coast AVA. The larger Sonoma Coast AVA has with 517,000 acres. Chardonnay takes the lead as the most planted variety with 15,100 acres, and Cabernet Sauvignon is the next most planted variety with 11,900 acres. The area produces about eight percent of California’s total wine production.
Sonoma County is 52 miles wide and 47 miles long and is currently home to 260 wineries. On the east, Sonoma County borders Napa Valley along the Mayacamas Range. About two million years ago, volcanic eruptions deposited a series of ash and lava called the Sonoma Volcanics throughout much of Sonoma and Napa Counties, especially along the Mayacamas Range. The western edge of the County is the California coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Sonoma County borders Mendocino County in the north and Marin County in the south.
Luther Burbank called Sonoma County “the chosen spot of all the earth as far as nature is concerned.” A vastly diverse range of topography, including numerous small valleys with distinct microclimates, the Russian River and the Pacific Ocean, all characterize the region. A moderate climate with a cooling maritime influence, Sonoma County embodies ideal and diverse grapegrowing weather: from valley to hillside, moist ocean coast to dry inland, and cool southern regions that complement the warmer, more northern areas.
DISTRICTS
In the heart of Geyserville, Alexander Valley is home to multi-generational grape growers, premium wineries, and acres of breathtaking vistas. An undiscovered and idyllic place to visit, Alexander Valley is proud of its small-town roots, and big-time Cabernet. We invite you to taste our wines, spend time in the beauty of our valley, and celebrate our way of life. This is Cab Country.
14449
Vineyard Acres
43
Wineries
1984
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
Merlot shines in Bennett Valley like nowhere else, with volcanic-laced, clayey soils and a moderately cool climate that results in extended hang time. The long growing season helps maximize flavors and increase concentration, while the cooler temperatures preserve the grapes’ natural acidity.
700
Vineyard Acres
17
Wineries
2003
Established In
Chardonnay, Merlot
Key Varieties
One of the world’s premier winegrowing regions, Carneros is a cool climate appellation known for its unassailable Chardonnays, elegant Pinot Noirs and spectacular sparkling wines. Fun fact: Carneros was the first wine region based on climate rather than political boundaries.
6481
Vineyard Acres
22
Wineries
1983
Established In
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Key Varieties
Soil, climate and elevation all separate Chalk Hill from other parts of Sonoma’s Russian River Valley. Occupying the northeast corner of the Russian River AVA, Chalk Hill is named for its chalky white ash soils. These mildly fertile soils lend themselves to the production of excellent whites, particularly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
1491
Vineyard Acres
5
Wineries
1983
Established In
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
Approximately 16 miles long and two miles wide, Dry Creek Valley is one of the smallest enclosed American Viticultural Areas. Roughly 9,300 acres of vineyards extend along the valley floor, the surrounding benchlands and hillsides, and 58 wineries produce a diverse selection of wines ranging from the renowned Zinfandels to Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals.
8055
Vineyard Acres
63
Wineries
1983
Established In
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
Fort Ross-Seaview American viticultural area is located in the western part of Sonoma County, close to the Pacific Ocean, Vineyards within this area are generally located on rounded ridges with summits extending above 1,200 feet consisting of steep, mountainous terrain made up of canyons, narrow valleys, ridges and 800- to 1,800-foot peaks.
555
Vineyard Acres
5
Wineries
2012
Established In
Pinot Noir
Key Varieties
Located in a section of eastern Sonoma County that is comprised of 500 hillside acres. Home to five wineries and more than 35 vineyards, the AVA is noted for its Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc as well as Syrah and Zinfandel. The area is surrounded by Sonoma Valley and Bennett Valley to the south, Knights Valley and Chalk Hill to the north, and the Russian River Valley to the west. The most remarkable feature of the district is its elevation, up to more than 2,000 feet in some places, as well as a marine influence caused by a gap in the mountains in Santa Rosa.
600
Vineyard Acres
4
Wineries
2015
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah
Key Varieties
Foggy and filled with Goldridge soil for growing perfect Pinot Noir, Green Valley is one of the smallest appellations in Sonoma County. It’s very tightly delineated, both geographically and climatically, and is the most consistent of any North Coast appellation in terms of soil, climate and flavor.
2860
Vineyard Acres
10
Wineries
1983
Established In
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Key Varieties
Knights Valley, the most remote of Sonoma County’s appellations, snuggles up against Mt. St. Helena, the area’s most influential geographical feature. The unique character of this appellation can be discovered in its mountain vineyards, where ideal growing conditions have resulted in Cabernet Sauvignon of regal quality.
2496
Vineyard Acres
2
Wineries
1983
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
Moon Mountain District lies east of Highway 12 and spans 17,663 acres, which includes 1,500 acres of commercial vineyards planted at elevations from 400 to 2,200 feet. It’s located within the Sonoma Valley AVA, but the Moon Mountain vintners and growers have long wanted to distinguish their high elevation wines on the labels.
1500
Vineyard Acres
4
Wineries
2013
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
This AVA is as vast and amorphous as its name, encompassing Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, most of Green Valley as well as portions of Rockpile and Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak.
329000
Vineyard Acres
1990
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
The Petaluma Gap is the gateway to Sonoma County wine country. Only 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Petaluma Gap vineyards are tucked into valleys and scattered on hillsides in perfect harmony with the area’s rural open space and rich agricultural history. With more than 80 vineyards covering over 4,000 acres, Petaluma Gap is truly a distinctive region within the Sonoma Coast AVA.
4000
Vineyard Acres
9
Wineries
2017
Established In
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay & Syrah
Key Varieties
This viticultural area is within the multi-county North Coast viticultural area and overlaps the northernmost portion of the Alexander Valley AVA and Northern Sonoma AVA. The distinguishing features include mountainous soils, steep topography with high elevations and a growing season climate that contrasts with the climate of the Alexander Valley floor.
310
Vineyard Acres
1
Wineries
2011
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon
Key Varieties
Spreading west of Lake Sonoma to the Mendocino County border, Rockpile is known for intensely-flavored red grape varietals with great concentration and balance. The elevations of up to 1,900 feet expose the vines to more California warmth and sunshine, boosting their ripeness and richness.
192
Vineyard Acres
0
Wineries
2002
Established In
Zinfandel
Key Varieties
The Russian River Valley climate is sculpted by the regular intrusion of cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean a few miles to the west. The fog arrives in the evening, often dropping the temperature 35 to 40 degrees from its daytime high, and retreats to the ocean the following morning. This natural air-conditioning allows the grapes to develop full flavor maturity over an extended growing season.
13896
Vineyard Acres
94
Wineries
1983
Established In
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Key Varieties
The Sonoma Coast AVA extends from San Pablo Bay to the border with Mendocino County. The appellation is known for its cool climate and high rainfall relative to other parts of Sonoma County. Close to the Pacific, with more than twice the annual rainfall of its inland neighbors, it’s warm enough to ripen wine grapes because most vineyards are above the fog line.
4725
Vineyard Acres
7
Wineries
1987
Established In
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Key Varieties
The 2,400-foot Sonoma Mountain range rises above the town of Glen Ellen at the western edge of the Valley of the Moon. These vineyards fall within the larger Sonoma Valley AVA. However, due to the unique hillside terroir, they are entitled to use the more specific designation of the Sonoma Mountain AVA. Powerful, yet elegant Cabernet Sauvignons – the appellation’s specialty – grow here on well-drained soils.
667
Vineyard Acres
3
Wineries
1985
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Key Varieties
The Sonoma Valley AVA centers on the Sonoma Valley in the southern portion of the county. The appellation is bordered by two mountain ranges: the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. Along with being the center of Sonoma County’s winemaking history, the area is also known for its unique terroir, protected from the wet and cool influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean by Sonoma Mountain.
5565
Vineyard Acres
100+
Wineries
1981
Established In
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
Key Varieties
Mendocino County AVA
Mendocino is an approved American Viticultural Area with 275,200 acres. The total area planted to vineyards is 16,700 acres. About 4,300 acres are planted to Chardonnay, 1,900 acres to Pinot Noir, and 2,600 acres to Cabernet Sauvignon. Approximately 25 percent of the total vineyard acreage in Mendocino County is certified organic. There are 10 official American Viticultural Areas in Mendocino County. There are 56 wineries and over 250 growers harvesting approximately 62,000 winegrape tons, representing about two percent of the state’s wine tonnage.
Located directly north of Sonoma County and about 90 miles north of San Francisco, the Mendocino wine region is bounded by California’s Coastal Mountain Range, the Pacific Ocean and the great northern redwood forests. A mountainous region, it is part of the seismically active Coast Range and is also the place where the San Andreas Fault reaches the ocean. Almost 60 percent of the county is blanketed with coniferous forests. Most of the vineyards are located in the inland valleys in the south and east areas of the region. The vineyards growing white wine grape varieties are located on flood plains and alluvium along the Navarro and Russian Rivers. Most of the red varieties are grown on the bench lands above.
DISTRICTS
Anderson Valley in California’s Mendocino County now ranks with the top Pinot Noir regions in North America. While production is not huge, quality is soaring, as rising-star winemakers join home grown stalwarts in producing sleek, powerful Pinots. Cutting laterally through the coastal range rather than lying between ridges, the west or “deep end” of the Anderson Valley is only a few miles from the cold Pacific Ocean, while the town of Boonville is some 20 miles to the east.
Such unique geography results in a wide diurnal range, with daily high and low temperatures occasionally diverging 40 or 50 degrees. This enables Pinot Noir growers to keep acid development in line with sugar and flavor formation through long, warm Indian summers. It also makes for superb Gewurztraminer and Riesling, giving rise to the valley’s annual Alsatian festival. In eastern and ridge-top sites there is plenty of warmth to ripen Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Then there’s sparkling wine. With several methode champenoise sparkling houses, Anderson Valley is bubbly paradise.
More information is available at Anderson Valley Winegrowers Association.
The Cole Ranch AVA has the distinction of being North America’s smallest appellation. This isolated viticultural area of less than one quarter square mile sits between the Russian River and Anderson Valley in Mendocino County. Here sixty acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Riesling vines are found tucked into the high hills ranging from 1,400-1,600 feet in elevation. Today, the Sterling family, proprietors of the Esterlina Winery located at Philo, owns the entire vineyard acreage of the appellation.
The Covelo AVA is located about 45 miles north of Ukiah and encompasses Round Valley, Williams Valley, and the surrounding foothills. The bowl shaped basin of Round Valley is distinctly different from the long, narrow valleys more commonly found in Mendocino County. In addition, the soils are very deep loam. The high peaks surrounding the region effectively block any coastal influence, providing the Covelo AVA with a continental climate. The growing season here is shorter than other Mendocino growing areas such as Anderson Valley and the Yorkville Highlands, but the warmer daytime temperatures provide optimum opportunity for ripening.
The Dos Rios appellation is the brainchild of Ralph Carter, a dedicated and passionate terroir advocate, who also penned the petition for the equally secluded Covelo AVA. A study of his work Carter’s work reveals that the climate and soil conditions of Dos Rios are remarkably different from other Mendocino County growing areas. Soils here are very rocky, slopes are steep and the climate is a unique combination of maritime and continental.
Dos Rios is a lively community, located in the remote wilderness of northern Mendocino County. The area, located at the confluence of the Eel River and Middle Fork of the Eel River, is renowned for its white water rafting. The lone winery in the AVA, Vin de Tevis, has six acres under vine, almost exclusively planted to red varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Eagle Peak Mendocino County takes its name from the nearby Eagle Peak summit and covers a mountainous area situated within California’s Coastal Range just west of Redwood Valley AVA. In true Mendocino County fashion, Pinot Noir is king here, making balanced, lush red wines that are quite distinct from those made further south.
The AVA encompasses approximately 120 acres of cultivated vines divided between five producers: Masút Vineyards and Winery, Golden Vineyards, Linholme Vineyards, Seabiscuit South Vineyards and Turan Vineyards. Masút is the sole winery and is owned and run by Jake and Ben Fetzer.
The McDowell Valley AVA is a high-sloping bench land that sits up to 1,000 feet above sea level and which obtained appellation status in 1987. Overlooking the Russian River to the west, this charming valley in southeastern Mendocino County covers only 540 acres. The region is slightly cooler than surrounding areas, creating conditions that are ideal for select varietals. The McDowell Valley specializes in Rhone red varietals like Grenache and Syrah, plus Zinfandel, some coming from century-old vineyards. White Rhone varietals like Marsanne and Viognier complement the roster of big flavorful reds.
Within the Mendocino appellation lies the Anderson Valley AVA as well as a group of smaller AVAs including Cole Ranch, McDowell Valley, Potter Valley, Redwood Valley and Yorkville Highlands. Many small vineyards dot the hills and dales of the rugged region. These legacy vineyards from Mendocino’s immigrant past give the region its identity as a home to Zinfandel, Mediterranean red varieties, including Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Charbono and Grenache. Mendocino’s prolific Anderson Valley is home to some of America’s most sought-after Alsatian whites, prestige sparkling wines, and Pinot Noir.
The Mendocino County appellation is part of the large North Coast AVA that spreads northward from San Francisco Bay. Traditionally, Mendocino wines were consumed locally. More recently, however, modern world-wide distribution has brought international recognition. Long famous for its redwood forests, today Mendocino County is a world leader in certified organically-grown grapes. There are 17,000 acres of vineyards in the County, with 25% of them growing certified organic grapes.
The Mendocino Ridge is the only non-contiguous AVA in America. Only elevations of 1200ft or higher are included. Everything lower than that falls into Mendocino County or Anderson Valley appellations. Adjacent to the Pacific, the lower areas of coastal Mendocino County are regularly blanketed with a cooling fog, except for the ridges. These non-contiguous peaks rise from clouds of fog, seemingly like islands, bringing uninterrupted sunshine to the scattering of tiny vineyards nestled among Redwood and Douglas fir trees. The region covers more than a quarter-million acres of mountainous land, but just 75 acres of the entire viticultural area are planted, with Zinfandel being the local specialty since the late 1800s when many of these ridge-top vineyards were first planted. The legacy of the early Italian mountain vignerons is honored today, as Mendocino Ridge is recognized for producing some of the very best, most distinctive Zins anywhere.
The North Coast AVA is an American Viticultural Area in the state of California that encompasses grape-growing regions in six counties located north of San Francisco. The boundary of this AVA encompasses many smaller wine appellations, which generally have higher consumer appeal and therefore higher commercial value. Wine produced primarily from grapes grown in any one of these appellations will likely carry that appellation on its bottle label rather than the North Coast AVA designation. The North Coast AVA designation is primarily used on bottles of wine created by blending wines from several counties or American Viticultural Areas.
Located east of Mendocino’s Redwood Valley, the upland Potter Valley AVA sits more than 200 feet higher than its surrounding areas. Great day-night temperature variations separate Potter Valley from other growing areas in Mendocino. Mid-day in this inland valley can be truly hot, but nighttime temperatures plummet. Under such conditions, varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir flourish, developing strong but refined character.
- Wineries
- Vineyards
Redwood Valley is an upland valley where the climate is cooler than surrounding appellations due to a gap in the coastal ridge which allows cool Pacific air currents to penetrate. These conditions lead to a gradual ripening of fruit that makes Redwood Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Barbera and Petite Sirah refined and complex. The notable red soil of the area also provides character to the wines. The earliest vineyards in Mendocino County were planted here among the ancient redwoods by Italian immigrants. The area gained official appellation status in 1997.
The Talmage region on the eastern edge of the Ukiah Valley has a long history of agriculture on its hillside benches and flatlands. Today vineyards share the region with pasture, pears orchards, and 1000s of acres of oak forest. Zinfandel and Cabernet are found at 2/3 of the vineyards (typically on the benches of the area) while Chardonnay is the king of the plains adjacent to the Russian River. The Talmage region has gravelly loam soil. The area has a long history of producing higher than average quality red wine grape varietals and is sought after by many discerning wineries and winemakers.
Dotted with numerous small vineyards (30 of which are 5 acres or smaller), the Ukiah Valley region has perhaps the deepest grape growing roots in the County. Remnants of wineries abandoned in the prohibition days are still evident and old-timers recount the days of packing the harvest on rail cars.
Ukiah, the county seat of Mendocino, still retains the feeling of a small agrarian California town. The Russian River flows the length of the Ukiah Valley and has been its defining landmark for eons. The fertile flood plain of this storied waterway is flanked by miles of benchland. The two topographies create a superb growing region reminiscent of the Medoc.
Yorkville Highlands was approved as an AVA in 1998 because of its distinctive soils and temperatures relative to neighboring Anderson Valley. Yorkville Highlands’ rocky soils, with high-gravel content, differ from the loamy, clay soils common to neighboring appellations. These highly-porous soils allow for superior water drainage, forcing the roots of vines to dig deep for water. The result is low-vigor vines that yield concentrated fruit. The moderate temperatures of the AVA are suitable for Sauvignon Blanc, but also show great promise for Bordeaux reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. More information is available at Yorkville Highlands Growers and Vintners Association
Lake County AVA
The western portion of Lake County comprises the North Coast AVA. It encompasses the Clear Lake AVA, which in itself has 168,900 acres of land, the Red Hills Lake County AVA, and High Valley AVA. Within Lake County, a total of 8,530 acres are planted to winegrapes. This is expected to double in the next few years, as many new vineyards are being planted. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted variety with 3,300 acres. Sauvignon Blanc is the second with 1,790 acres. Fourteen wineries are located in the region. About 20 out-of-county wineries purchase Lake County grapes from independent growers. Lake County crushed 32,000 tons in 2005, about one percent of California’s total winegrape tonnage.
Lake County surrounds Clear Lake, the largest natural lake in California. The vineyards are planted throughout the county, from the agriculturally rich valley at 1,370 feet elevation (lake level), to the rocky red volcanic soil at more than 2,000 feet elevation around Mt. Konocti—a dormant volcano in the Pacific Rim chain. These elevations provide cooler winter conditions and a later start to the growing season. Summer growing conditions are suitably warm to ripen the grapes and the elevation allows rapid cooling in the evening. Few grape pests can tolerate the altitude and cool climate. Lake County growers are committed to sustainable farming and participate in year long educational programs to this end.
DISTRICTS
Ancient river course soils set among the valleys of the Northern Mayacamas producing balanced Sauvignon Blancs and other red and white varietals.
| Topography | The Upper Lake growing region lies within the Clear Lake AVA along the northwest shore of the largest natural freshwater lake in California. Upper Lake, as its name implies, is the region immediately north of the lake where its major tributaries flow into the lake from the Mendocino National Forest and the Mayacamas Range. Lake, along with Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties, lies along the spine of the Mayacamas Mountains, the most distinctive geographical feature of the six county North Coast winegrowing regions. |
| Elevation | Vineyard elevations range from 1,300 to 1,500 feet. Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV intensity triggers thicker skins, greater tannins and intense wines with high phenolic content. |
| Soils | Valleys in the Upper Lake area are dominated by two deep and well-drained alluvial soils, Lupoyoma silt loam and Still loam mixed with coarse underlying layers of sand and gravel — the legacy of ancient river bars. These layers were deposited by the gradual shifting of stream courses in the gently sloping valleys and are well suited to white wine varieties. Found on terraces overlooking the valleys, Manzanita loam is a very old, gravelly, red soil. Over geologic time, surrounding stream courses cut downward, leaving the terraces we see today. Manzanita loam is very well drained, which helps to produce the moderate water stress that leads to full flavored red wines. |
| Acreage | 528 acres |
| Climate | At three to four thousand feet in elevation, the surrounding Mayacamas range and the mountains of the Mendocino National Forest impart a strong influence on the local climate. Summer’s heat loses its grip in September when temperatures swing dramatically from morning chill to afternoon warmth. The cool nights preserve the acidity of the grapes and slow the ripening process, enhancing the flavor and complexity of the wine. Cold winters and dry summer conditions are an important factor in Lake County’s reduced pesticide and other application rates, one of the lowest in California. |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. |
Located in southwestern Lake County, the Benmore Valley AVA is within a mountaintop valley that is much cooler than surrounding areas. Named for a 19th century cattle rustler, the Benmore Valley was established as an AVA in November 1991.
| Elevation | 2,400-2,700 feet |
| Soils | The appellation contains mostly alluvial (Manzanita loam) soils. |
| Acreage | 1,440 acres |
| Climate | Significantly cooler than neighboring areas with little coastal influence and no fog. The region is the recipient of an annual average of 40-50 inches of rain. |
| Varietals | While Chardonnay was the grape of choice when the appellation was formed, Benmore Valley is not currently planted with vineyards. |
Runoff over millennia have eroded the Mayacamas’ young volcanic foothills of Kelsey Bench into the ancient clays and deposits of Big Valley on the shores of Clear Lake, North America’s oldest lake, estimated to be two and a half million years old. Big Valley’s mix of gravel, clay and loam, bright sunlight from the 1,400 feet elevation, and cool nights produces remarkable Sauvignon Blancs, establishing Lake County as one of the premier California regions for the varietal. Along with the volcanic Kelsey Bench, the gravel seams in Big Valley produce intense and balanced Zinfandels and Cabernet Francs.
Big Valley growers were among the first visionaries to discover the region’s winegrape potential and began planting vineyards in the 1960s, the first in Lake County since Prohibition.
| Topography | Bordered by Clearlake on the north, the Mayacamas on the west and south, and Mount Konocti on the east, Big Valley is a structural basin that is part of the larger Clear Lake basin. |
| Elevation | Vineyard elevations range from 1,330 to 1,440 feet in Big Valley. Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV intensity triggers thicker skins, greater tannins, and intense wines with high phenolic content. |
| Soils | The evolving watershed has eroded into the fertile blocks of clay and loam soils of Big Valley, resulting in swaths of gravel deposits and well-drained soils. |
| Acreage | 3,288 acres (Big Valley and Kelsey Bench) |
| Climate | Warms days are moderated by the thermal mass of Clear Lake. Afternoon breezes carry down from the ridges of the Mayacamas and initiate afternoon cooling that often results in 50° diurnal cycles, key to retaining acidity in mature wine grapes. Cold winters and dry summers allow for low rates of pesticide and other applications. |
| Varietals | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viogner, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Merlot. |
The Middletown area sits on the elevated flanks of the Mayacamas Mountain range at an elevation ranging from 700 to 1500 feet above sea level. The steep slopes and outcroppings of the Mayacamas guard the valley floors of the Guenoc, Collayomi and Long Valleys and serve to provide a variety of favorable grape growing sites for a select number of winegrape varietals. The clear, warm days followed by crisp, cool nights combined with the mature Jafa rocky mountain soils on the slopes, well-drained deep Cole and Maxwell clay loams, and stratified alluvium soils on the valley floors make the Middletown area a premier winegrape growing region. Middletown has the distinction of having the oldest winegrape vines in California, dating back to the 1850s.
| Topography | The Middletown region lies within the North Coast AVA, south of Clear Lake and just north of Napa. Guenoc Valley is the only sub-appellation within the region and straddles the county’s southwestern border with Napa Valley. Middletown and Guenoc include both valleys as well as rolling volcanic formations and hills. |
| Elevation | Vineyard elevations range from 700 to 1,500 feet. Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV intensity triggers thicker grape skins, greater tannins, and intense wines with high phenolic content. |
| Soils | The steep slopes and outcroppings of the Mayacamas Mountains guard the valley floors where many of the Middletown area vineyards have been planted. Most hillside soils are classified as Millsholm-Bressa loams. Millsholm, shallow and well-drained with 35% sandstone and shale fragments mixes with Bressa, a moderately deep well drained soil formed of weathered sandstone. In Guenoc Valley, Maxwell clay loam is common on valley floors. Langtry estate vineyards also enjoy well-drained deep Cole clay loams and Still stratified alluvium. Near Dry Creek Cutoff south of Middletown proper, mature, deep, well drained and somewhat rocky mountain soils can be found. Jafa primarily forms terraces and fans from varied sources. |
| Acerage | 504 acres |
| Climate | The Mayacamas Mountains determine the climate of the Middletown region. Temperature variations during the summer growing season are key to the region’s winegrowing success. Middletown and Guenoc’s daily temperature extremes in the summertime range from 100° plus in the early afternoon to the low 50s at night, making 45° to 50° diurnal swings, a common occurrence particularly in Middletown. Cold winters and dry summer conditions allow for low rates of pesticide and other applications. |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir. |
Appropriately named, this area’s high hanging valley ringed with steep volcanic hillsides produces mountain fruit with great color and structure.
Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This extra UV triggers thicker grape skins, greater tannins, and intense wines with high phenolic levels.
Situated above the northeast shores of Clear Lake in Lake County, this distinct growing area is defined by steep mountain ridges rising up to 3,000 feet directly from this hanging valley’s floor at 1,700 feet. Approximately nine miles long and three miles wide, this rare east-west transverse in the Californian coastal range was created by volcanic activity of Round Mountain.
| Elevation | Vineyard elevations range from 1,700 to 2,400 feet. |
| Acreage | 977 acres. |
| Varietals | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Petite Verdot, Malbec, Grenache, Mourvedre, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir. |
| Soils | The distinct watershed boundaries of this region determine that soils found within the High Valley area are derived only from parent material found within the basin. Brick-red volcanic cinders and pumice-like gravel and stones allow for superior drainage. The western edge and middle of High Valley are composed of gravelly loams created from eroded Franciscan shales. |
| Climate | Elevation along with the cooling effects of Clear Lake create a natural and perpetual “wind machine.” During July and August, daily temperature swings of 50 degrees are not uncommon. This intense cooling effect promotes good acidity, improved tannic structure, darker color, and more concentrated fruit character. |
The Kelsey Bench and Big Valley AVAs are closely linked by geography, topography and history. As runoff caused the Mayacamas’ young volcanic foothills of Kelsey Bench to erode over millennia, the ancient clays and deposits of Big Valley formed on the shores of Clear Lake, North America’s oldest lake, estimated to be two and a half million years old.
Volcanic Kelsey Bench and the gravel seams in Big Valley produce intense and balanced Zinfandels and Cabernet Francs.
| Topography | Originally a pyroclastic lava flow, Kelsey Bench is a transition between the volcanic mountains and the alluvial flood plain. It has a largely northeastern exposure. |
| Elevation | Kelsey Bench vineyards are planted up to 1,600 feet. Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV intensity triggers thicker skins, greater tannins, and intense wines with high phenolic content. |
| Soils | Kelsey Bench forms an arc of rich, red volcanic soils. The evolving watershed has eroded into the fertile blocks of clay and loam soils of Big Valley resulting in swaths of gravel deposits and well-drained soils. |
| Acreage | 3,288 acres (Kelsey Bench and Big Valley) |
| Climate | Warms days are moderated by the thermal mass of Clear Lake. Afternoon breezes carry down from the ridges of the Mayacamas and initiate afternoon cooling that often results in 50° diurnal cycles, key to retaining acidity in mature wine grapes. Cold winters and dry summers allow for low rates of pesticide and other applications. |
| Varietals | Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viogner, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel and Merlot. |
Dramatic high elevation volcanic hillsides producing intense mountain fruit with great color and structure.
| Topography | Located in the northern Mayacamas Mountains, the Red Hills of Lake County frame the southwest edge of Clear Lake. Comprised of dozens of volcanic hills ranging from 1,350 to over 3,700 feet above sea level, the appellation lies right over the North Coast Magna Pocket. As a result, the Red Hills are the latest formation of the volcanic and tectonic processes that created many of the famous hillside regions of the North Coast. |
| Elevation | Vineyard elevations range from 1,350 to 2,600 feet with the majority of the AVA’s acreage planted at or over 2,000 feet. Higher elevations and Lake County’s pure air allow for greater levels of UV light, as much as 10% more than neighboring sea level valleys. This UV triggers thicker grape skins, greater tannins, and intense wines with high phenolic content. |
| Soils | Volcanic origin from neighboring Mount Konocti, producing well-drained vineyards rich in black obsidian, quartz crystals and volcanic gravel content, and strikingly red in color. Three general soil types predominate: Glenview-Bottlerock- Arrowhead, Konocti-Benridge, and Collayomi-Aiken. |
| Acreage | 3,250 acres |
| Climate | With vineyards starting at 1,350 feet and reaching up to 2,600 feet above sea level, Red Hills of Lake County grapes are grown in mountain climate conditions. Upper level airflows from the Pacific Ocean combine with many local convections to moderate daytime highs. Low relative humidity and varied topography permit quick radiative cooling of ridgetop vineyards in the late afternoon and evenings. Both factors allow for good acid retention during ripening. Cold winters and dry summer conditions are an important factor in Lake County’s reduced pesticide and other application rates, one of the lowest in California. |
| Varietals | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Zinfandel. |
Solano County AVA
Solano County is a wine region halfway between San Francisco and Sacramento in California’s North Coast AVA. It is considered an up-and-coming area, but today is more notable for its geographical position in California’s wine country: Napa County lies immediately to the west, and the town of Davis on Solano County’s northern border is home to the famous viticulture and enology department of the University of California, Davis. The wines produced in the county are rustic and fruit driven, mostly made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.
The AVA covers the whole of Solano County, which sits on the Sacramento Delta and enjoys temperature-moderating influences from the same San Pablo Bay that is so important to viticulture in nearby Napa Valley. Viticulture is mostly confined to the western part of the county, where the Vaca mountain range provides a multitude of suitable mesoclimates for the production of premium wine. The two sub-AVAs of Solano County can be found in this part of the region: Suisun Valley and Solano County Green Valley (so-called to distinguish it from Green Valley in the Russian River Valley). Some wineries can be found in the north near Davis and in the very west near the boundaries of the Clarksburg AVA of Yolo County
Based on petitions filed by the Volkhardts, both the Suisun Valley and Solano Green Valley were awarded their AVA status in 1982, making them among the first wave of AVAs approved in California. The first AVA declared in California—in January of 1981—was their neighbor-to-the-north, the Napa Valley. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?
DISTRICTS
Suisun Valley AVA: The Suisun Valley AVA, located just to the south of Napa County, lies between the southern edge of the Vaca Mountains (to the east) and the Howell Mountains (also known as the St. George Mountains [to the west]). The AVA is about 8 miles long and three miles wide, covering about 15,000 acres—of which about 3,000 acres are planted to vine.
The Suisun Valley enjoys a relatively cool climate (it is classified as “Region III” under the Winkler Scale), but is significantly warmer at its northern edge. The southern end of the valley, adjacent to Suisun Bay, can be cooler by as many as 14 degrees (F) during the heat of the day. Suisun Bay itself forms the beginning of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, and is connected via the Carquinez Strait to San Pablo Bay (to the west).
The Suisun Valley was first recognized for the quality of its red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah (Durif). These grapes are still widely grown in the area, which is now planted to more than 20 other grapes as well. These include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Pinot Gris, Gamay, and Chenin Blanc.
There are just over a dozen wineries producing wine within the confines of the Suisun Valley AVA, and several dozen more that produce wine under the Suisun Valley appellation while located in adjacent counties. Sunset Cellars, the Vezér Family Vineyard, and Wooden Valley Winery are among the standouts. The Vezér Family Vineyard calls the Suisun Valley “the Petite Sirah Capital of the World”— who can resist that?
Solano County Green Valley AVA: The Solano County Green Valley AVA (not to be confused with Sonoma’s Green Valley—the Green Valley of Russian River Valley AVA) is smaller and cooler than the Suisun Valley. Solano’s Green Valley AVA measures just about four miles long by one mile wide and has about 800 acres planted to vine.
Solano’s Green Valley AVA is located just to the south/south east of Napa, and enjoys a maritime climate due to its proximity to Suisun Bay. At last count, the area has just a few wineries—including GV Cellars and Rock Creek Vineyard—and just over a dozen independent grape growers. The area is known for red varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah, but a handful of other grapes (including Chenin Blanc and Pinot Gris) are grown here as well.
Wine production in Solano County has a well-documented history. We know that an Australian by the name of John Volypka planted vines in the area as early as 1858 and was making wine by 1863. Others followed—Harry Schultz soon had a large winery, and by 1879 S.F. Jones had 90 acres of vines and produced 50,000 gallons of wine a year.
In 1952, Ben Volkhardt Jr. bought 80 acres of land in Green Valley. He planted peaches, pears, and grapes, but soon the business focused on grapes and wine. His son—Ben Volkhardt III—joined the business in 1974 and the two formed the Chateau de Leu winery—which survives to this day as GV Cellars (under different ownership).
Marin County AVA
The Marin County Winegrowers Association is a non-profit group representing over two dozen winegrowers from Marin County in California, USA. Our proud members not only produce world-class wines but also many other varietals that are wonderfully grown in our cooler region. We invite you to explore our site and find more reasons to visit our vineyards in Marin County!
Marin County vineyards are bordered by the famous Napa & Sonoma wine districts to the north and the Golden Gate Bridge to the south. Mostly on the far western side of the county, they are influenced by the frigid Pacific Ocean along Marin’s rocky western coast and the foggy San Pablo Bay to the east. These powerful bodies of cold water frame our chilly weather patterns and contribute to one of California’s most unique viticultural environments.
Marin’s winters average temperatures are slightly warmer than neighboring Napa and Sonoma because it is surrounded by these two large bodies of water and because of its heavy winter precipitation. Consequently, bud break is often accelerated, but the Marin coasts persistently cool spring and summer weather and complete lack of heat waves often push flowering, “set” and harvest many weeks beyond neighboring areas.
Because of this long growing season, Marin County wines are balanced with superb natural acidity and bright fruit flavors. East Marin has a climate similar to Rutherford in Napa Valley and has very similar geology.
North of San Francisco presents a unique viticultural landscape. Marin County straddles the San Andreas earthquake fault, which is slowly tearing the Tomales peninsula away from the California mainland.