North Yuba - Wine Region of the Day

North Yuba by David Toomey for Qorkz


North Yuba received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated on 22,548 acres, North Yuba is a sub-appellation of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA and is located in Yuba County. The vineyards in North Yuba typically sit at an elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The soil is largely volcanic in nature and well draining, forcing the vines to develop deep, sturdy roots. The vines typically produce a low yield of grapes, but the grapes produced are smaller in size with a more concentrated flavor. North Yuba is bathed in sunlight during the day, and the region is hot and dry in the daytime during the peak of the growing season. The nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a cooling effect in the evening and can drop the evening temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. This diurnal temperature swing creates a longer growing season and allows the vines to produce grapes with balanced acidity. North Yuba is known for its old vine Zinfandel but also produces Cabernet SauvignonSyrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne.

York Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

York Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.


York Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 9,360 acres, York Mountain is part of the eastern Santa Lucia Mountain Range in San Luis Obispo County. Vineyards on York Mountain are at high elevation of around 1,500 feet. The soil is made up of chalky limestone and is considered to be not very fertile, which causes the vines to put all of their efforts into developing the fruit. The high elevation gives York Mountain extended hours of sunshine daily and the hot sun is tempered by cool coastal breezes. The mountain is known for producing complex and interesting red varietals, including Cabernet SauvignonSyrah, and Pinot Noir.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

San Antonio Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The San Antonio Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. The San Antonio Valley is located in Monterey County and is bordered to the west by the Santa Lucia Mountains. The soil is primarily gravely loam and clay. The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonPetit VerdotPetite Sirah, Roussanne, Sauvignon BlancSyrah, and Zinfandel.

Creston District - Wine Region of the Day

Creston District by David Toomey for Qorkz.


One of the eleven Paso Robles sub-appellations, the Creston DIstrict is located in the southern portion of its parent.  It is an eroded plane at the base of the La Panza Range.  The soils are made from the alluvial terraces and fans from the three branches of the Huerhuero Creek and are a mix of granites and sedimentary rocks. The region has elevations of 1,000-2,000 feet about sea level and averages 11.5 inches of rain per year.  Cabernet SauvignonMerlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel are the most commonly planted grapes.

Alta Mesa - Wine Region of the Day

Alta Mesa by David Toomey for Qorkz.


Alta Mesa received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Located on 55,400 acres, Alta Mesa is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento. The soil in Alta Mesa consists of clay, and gravel. The climate of Alta Mesa is warm with very little rainfall annually. The dense soil and low rainfall force the vines to grow smaller and focus all of their energy in producing their fruit, giving it a robust deep flavor. The most common grape varieties are ZinfandelSyrahCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

Leona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Leona Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


Leona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2008. Located on 8,751 acres, Leona Valley is located in North Eastern Los Angeles County. Leona Valley features well draining nutrient rich alluvial soils. The Leona Valley is a high desert climate with hot days and cool evenings. The grapes receive daily sun during the height of the growing season, and the 2,700-foot elevation of the vineyards ensures a cool evening and a longer growing season. The region is known for its production of Sangiovese, ZinfandelCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, ChardonnayPetit VerdotPinot NoirSyrah, and Malbec.

The valley was named for rancher, Miguel Leonis, a Basque shepard from France who bought a previously existing adobe in Calabasas, California which was eventually expanded into a Monterey style building with a Queen Anne veranda. Leonis eventually controlled most of the western portion of the San Fernando Valley and was considered the robber baron of the region.  The adobe is considered to be one the most haunted places in California with sitings of Miguel, his common-law wife, Espiritu Chujilla, a Chumash indian, who was forced to fight her husband's relatives in court when her 'husband' referred to her as his "faithful housekeeper" in his will.

Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Oak Knoll District of  Napa Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2004 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 8,300 acres at the most southern end of Napa Valley, its proximity to San Pablo Bay and low elevation results in a climate that is moderate and cool. The soils of the region are an alluvial mix of sand and clay and drain very well. The colder climate gives this region an extended growing season that allow the grapes to develop a balanced acidity. Given the moderate climate and relatively consistent elevation, Oak Knoll has more vines planted to it than any other region in Napa Valley. A wide variety of wine grapes do well in this climate; however, the most common are MerlotChardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

January 28th - This Date in Wine History

The Bal des Ardents from Froissart's Chronicles


Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history.


  • Charles VI of France almost dies during the Bal des Ardents in 1393.  During the celebration the King and five other nobles performed a charivari dance dressed as wild animals.  They were set ablaze accidentally by the King’s brother, the Duke of Orleans.  The only other noble to survive (besides the King) jumped into a vat of wine to save himself.
  • English writer and critic, George Saintsbury, author of Notes on a Cellar-Book died in 1933.
  • The Rossese di Dolceacqua DOC was created in 1972.
  • California's Napa Valley AVA was designated in 1981.

High Valley - Wine Region of the Day

High Valley AVA by David Toomey for Qorkz.

High Valley AVA by David Toomey for Qorkz.


High Valley AVA is located in the most eastern part of Lake County, California and contains an extinct volcano. The valley sits between elevations of 1,600 feet to 3,000 feet. The High Valley AVA has a wide variance of growing regions between the valley basin and elevated hillsides. The valley in inundated by cold winds which keeping the valley cool. Like much of Lake County, the High Valley is known for its alluvial fans in the valley and hilltop benches, which provide a the area with a variety of growing regions. The warmer volcanic soils of the hillsides are known for their Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon while the cool sandy valley floor provide well-drained beds for varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Chiles Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Photo of Chiles Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The Chiles Valley received its AVA status in 1999 is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The Chiles Valley is located on 6,000 acres in the Vaca Mountains on the northeast side of Napa Valley. The vines in the Chiles Valley grow around 1,700 feet above sea level, and the area has a warmer climate, free from the fog and coastal winds that are prevalent in other portions of Napa Valley. The region is known for Cabernet SauvignonChardonnayZinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Fair Play - Wine Region of the Day

Photo of the Fair Play by David Toomey for Qorkz.


Fair Play received its designation as an AVA in 2001. Situated on 23,198 acres, Fair Play is a sub-appellation of the El Dorado AVA. Centered on the town of Placerville, Fair Play's growing regions sit at 2,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level. Soils in the region are largely loam based and well draining. The climate in Fair Play features warm days followed by cold nights. The altitude allows the vines extra hours of sunshine and warm temperatures during the day, but also allows them to cool down at night. This diurnal cycle keeps the grapes from ripening too quickly and allows for the wines to develop their balanced acidity and tannin structure. The region is known for its production of ZinfandelCabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

Santa Maria Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Photo of Santa Maria Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The Santa Maria Valley of the Central Coast is a natural funnel-shaped valley opening west to the Pacific Ocean. The elevation of the area ranges from approximately 200 feet at the intersection of Highway 101 and Santa Maria River to approximately 3,200 feet at Tepusquet Peak. The grapes that are grown within the area are on the valley floor at an approximate elevation of 300 feet on the slopes and rolling hillsides up to an elevation of 800 feet. The soils within the area range in texture from sandy loam to clay loam and are free from adverse salts.

Since the valley opens to the ocean, there is no opposition to the sea fog that moves in overnight, engulfing lower-lying vineyards, and often lingering into mid-day. This creates a cool growing environment that features a long growing season and very little rainfall, meaning grapes have extensive time to build flavor on the vine. ChardonnayPinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc make up the majority of the Santa Maria Valley crops.

Paso Robles Willow Creek District - Wine Region of the Day

Paso Robles Willow Creek District by David Toomey for Qorkz.


Just west of the City of Paso Robles and located between the Adelaida District and the Templeton Gap District is the Paso Robles Willow Creek District.  Marine breezes are a strong force in the district with substantial rainfall (24-30 inches per year) and fog commonly found in the area.  The temperatures in the region are cooler than the majority of the main viticultural area, averaging 2,900 growing degree days.  The coolness of the area, slows down the speed at which the fruit ripens allowing the maximum of flavors and sugars to develop.  The Willow Creek District is located around three tributary creeks of the Paso Robles Creek.  These creeks have helped erode and blend the shales, mudstones and sandstones of the Monterey Formation with the coarse sands and gravels of the Paso Robles Formation.  This alluvial mix is slightly alkaline with low water holding potential and of moderate nutrient value.   

Bordeaux and Rhone grape varietals are the most commonly grown in the Paso Robles Willow Creek District.

Edna Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Edna Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


Edna Valley received designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 22,400 acres, Edna Valley is in San Luis Obispo County. Edna Valley features Lopez Lake to the south and Islay Hill to the north. The valley is shadowed by volcanic mountains and is characterized by black humus and clay-rich soils. The valley is cooled by breezes from the Pacific Ocean and morning fog.  It also receives ample daytime sunshine. This combination allows for a slow ripening of the fruit during an extended growing season. The longer hang time gives the Chardonnays of Edna Valley their bright fruit flavors and well-balanced acidity. In addition to Chardonnay , Edna Valley is also known for producing of Pinot Noir .

San Pasqual Valley - Wine Region of the Day

San Pasqual Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


San Pasqual Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1981. Situated on 9,000 acres, San Pasqual Valley is located in Northern San Diego County. The soils in San Pasqual are granite based and well draining. The climate in the valley is desert like with hot days and long exposure to sunlight. The Pacific Ocean sends cooling winds down the valley in the evening and extends the growing season. The region is known for its production of Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Viognier.

Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley - Wine Region of the Day

Map of Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley by Gretchen Miller Neuman for Qorkz.


Located near a series of ancient lakes near the banks of the Columbia River, the Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is an unusual region.  The lakes were formed when Lake Missoula, a prehistoric lake at the base of Cordilleran ice sheet burst through an ice dam creating a deluge that tore through the Columbia Valley.  Much of the rock was eroded creating benches on the banks of the  river while eddies  helped carve the rock deeper to create the Ancient Lakes and steep canyons called coulees in the area throughout.  The viticultural area is located between Beezely and Frenchmen Hills bounded on the west by the Columbia River and to the west by a range line to the east.  The soils and rocks in this area were washed away leaving hardpan and loess over basalt.

The climate is considered cold semi-arid meaning that it has warm to hot summers with cold winters.  The area is dry because it is located in the rain shadow of both the Olympic and Cascade Ranges and receives less than eight inches of rain per year.  

Created in 2012, Ancient Lakes of Columbia Valley is known for it's white wines.  In particular, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris which are prized for their bright acidity and minerality.

Red Hills Lake County - Wine Region of the Day

Red Hills Lake County by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The Red Hills Lake County AVA is located on 31,250 acres in Lake County, California. The wine region is southwest of Clear Lake, at the foot of Mount Konocti, which is an active volcano. True to its name, Red Hills consists of rolling hills between elevations of 1,400 feet and 3,000 feet. The Red Hills receive an average of between 25 inches and 40 inches of rainfall each year. The volcanic soils of the region give the vines their signature minerality. In particular, the soils are known to be strewn with volcanic glass called obsidian which was created when Mount Konocti erupted and lava flowed into Clear Lake cooling it instantly.  The region is known for its red wines, specifically Cabernet Franc, SyrahCabernet SauvignonMalbecSauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel.

McDowell Valley - Wine Region of the Day

McDowell Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The McDowell Valley AVA is located on 540 acres in southeastern Mendocino County, California. The appellation consists of sloped bench land at elevations as high as 1,000 feet that overlook the Russian River to the west. McDowell Valley is colder than the surrounding areas of Mendocino County. Currently there are no wineries operating in the AVA. Poor Ranch still has a vineyard block in McDowell Valley but they generally label their wines as Mendocino.  Sadly, another ghost AVA.

Dos Rios - Wine Region of the Day

Dos Rios by David Toomey for Qorkz.


The Dos Rios AVA is located in northern Mendocino County, California. Dos Rios is located near the confluence of the Eel River and the Middle Fork of the Eel River. Dos Rios receives constant breezes from the Pacific Ocean, offsetting the warm daily sunshine. The soil in Dos Rios is more infertile than other regions in Mendocino. Only one winery, Vin de Tevis, currently operates within the boundaries of the AVA. Vin de Tevis has only six acres under vine, almost exclusively planted to red varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet SauvignonMerlot and Zinfandel.

Calistoga - Wine Region of the Day

Calistoga by David Toomey for Qorkz.


Calistoga received its AVA status in 2010 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA located on in the northern portion of the Napa Valley. Calistoga's soil is almost exclusively volcanic, providing a consistency throughout the region. The daily high temperatures up to 100 degrees and cool nightly breezes from the Russian River cause the highest diurnal temperature variation in the Napa Valley. This temperature fluctuation along with the volcanic soil creates wines with big bright flavors and deep complexity and well-balanced acid. The region is known for its SyrahPetite SirahCabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.