Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

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Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  It is the second largest appellation within Sonoma County.  It contains myriad elevations, soil types and climates.  It was designated, in large part to allow the term, "Estate" to be applied to vintages from large producers like Gallo and Rodney Strong but is home to some small producers as well.  The primary grape produced in this area is Cabernet Sauvignon but Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are grown here as well.

River Junction - Wine Region of the Day

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River Junction received its designation as an AVA in 2001. Situated on 9,000 acres, the region is a sub-appellation within the larger Lodi AVA. The region is located west of the city of Modesto, where the San Joaquin River and the Stanislaus River converge. The region is known for its distinctive fine sandy loam soil that is very well draining and forces the grapes to develop deep root systems to seek out their water. The location of the region at the junction of two rivers is ideal for growing cool climate grapes as the rivers produce a marine climate throughout the region. The vast majority of the grapes produced in River Junction are Chardonnay.

Salado Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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Salado Creek received its designation as an AVA in 2004. Situated on 2,940 acres, the region is located in northern Stanislaus County, California, near the town of Patterson. The creek as well as many other geographic features in the area were named by Spanish explorer, Gabriel Moraga who explored the San Joaquin Valley from 1806-1811.

The wine region lies at the eastern base of the Diablo Mountains at the western edge of the valley.  Salado Creeks flows from the mountains and crosses the California Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal eventually ending in the San Joaquin River. The viticultural area is part of the flat, flood plain from Salado Creek and its tributaries and is made of the heavier alluvium.

The soil in the region is an alluvial fan of clay and sandy loam which come from shale and sandstone parent materials. These Ensalado soils are well draining and deep which forces the vines to dig deep, strong roots in search of water. This process forces the vines to concentrate their efforts into the fruit, making a deep, robust flavor.

The region is protected from marine air by the Diablo Mountains and exist in a “thermal belt” at the edge of the larger San Joaquin Valley making this belt zone the only places where citrus grows in the San Joaquin Valley. The climate of Salado Creek has warmer cool season temperatures but consistent cooling breezes do flow from the north making its warm season cooler than the rest of the valley. Salado Creek is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Viognier.

Sonoma Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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Sonoma Coast received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated across 500,000 acres that stretch from San Pablo Bay to the south and Mendocino to the north, Sonoma Coast is home to multiple sub-appellations Chalk Hill, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Los Carneros, Northern Sonoma, Russian River Valley, Fort Ross-Seaview and Sonoma Valley. The appellation is known for its cool climate and high rainfall relative to other parts of Sonoma County. The area has a broad range of soil types and microclimates across its various sub-appellations.  As a result, a wide variety of grapes are grown in Sonoma Coast.  Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are predominant but you also find Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel among others.

Santa Ynez Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Santa Ynez Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 42,880 acres, the Santa Ynez Valley is the largest growing region in Santa Barbara County. The soils range from gravelly loams and clay loams to shale and silty clay loams. All soils in the valley have excellent drainage. The topography of the growing regions varies from 200 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with the differing climates following the changing elevations. The western end of the Valley is cooled by morning fog and breezes off of the Pacific Ocean. The eastern end of the valley is considerably warmer and higher in elevation. Cool climate varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the dominant vines on the western side of the valley while Rhone varietals, namely Syrah, thrive in Santa Ynez Valley's eastern end.

Mokelumne River - Wine Region of the Day

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Mokelumne River received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated on 87,500 acres, the region is a sub-appellation of the larger Lodi AVA. The AVA is named after the Mokelumne River, which drains out of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and passed through the region. The soil in the region consists of alluvial fan deposits of sand and loam. The soil in the region is known for its retention of water, allowing for the fruit to be dry farmed, concentrating the flavors of the grapes. The rivers passing through the region put off cooling breezes through the region balancing out the warm daily sun, giving the region a Mediterranean climate. The warm days and cool nights give this region a longer growing season allowing for the fruit to develop its tannin structure and acidity.

Redwood Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Redwood Valley AVA is located in Mendocino County, California. The earliest vineyards in the Redwood Valley were planted by Greek and Italian immigrants in the 1880s. The vines in the Redwood Valley sit on benches above the waters of the Russian River where the soils were well-drained, the climate permitted the grapes to mature, but was still cool enough to allow the grapes to ripen slowly to enhance the deep, rich flavors of the grapes. Given the cooler climate, the fruit must sit on the vines longer to ripen, requiring a later harvest than other AVAs in the area.

Moon Mountain District Sonoma County - Wine Region of the Day

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The Moon Mountain District Sonoma County is located on 17,000 acres in Sonoma, California and was designated as an AVA in 2013. Sitting in the high elevations above Los Carneros, the mountain has hills building upon themselves from 400 ft in elevation all the way to 2,200 feet above sea level. Being one of the most eastern points in the Sonoma Valley AVA, Moon Mountain shares a borderline with Napa Valley's Mt. Veeder AVA. The soil on Moon Mountain is volcanic in its origin and is well draining. The varying elevations mean the different pockets of terroir on the mountain vary from cool fog and winds off the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean to prolonged sun exposure in the higher elevations. The signature wines of the region are Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.

Santa Lucia Highlands - Wine Region of the Day

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The Santa Lucia Highlands received their designation as an AVA in 1990. Sitting on 22,000 acres in the Santa Lucia Mountains, the region is a sub-appellation of the Monterey AVA. The soil is a gravelly sandy loam, and the terrain consists of terraces around 2,000 feet in elevation. The high elevation grants the vines access to the daylong sun that is cooled down by breezes off the Pacific Ocean. The region is best known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Lodi - Wine Region of the Day

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Lodi received its designation as an AVA in 1986. Situated on 551,000 acres, Lodi contains sub-appellations Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, Jahant, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse. Lodi has a Mediterranean climate with warm days and cool nights. While the soil varies within the regions of Lodi, it mostly consists of a deep loam that is occasionally covered with large rocks and river stones. Best known for producing Zinfandel, Lodi's Old Vine Zinfandels have received world acclaim. Lodi also produces Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Potter Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Potter Valley AVA is located in northern Mendocino County, California around on town of Potter Valley. Potter Valley has extreme differences in temperature between the afternoon and evening, which makes Potter Valley unique from other growing areas in Mendocino. During the height of the growing season, the afternoons are hot and receive direct sunlight, but in the evening, the temperatures severely drop and cool off the valley. Due to the temperature variations, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and, Pinot Noir do very well here.

Lamorinda - Wine Region of the Day

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The Lamorinda viticultural area is a 29,369 acre appellation approved by the TTB February 22, 2016.  The area is characterized by having moderate to moderately steep slopes of uplifted sedimentary rock.  This will require the vineyards to hand prune and harvest the grapes.  Located within the suburbans of the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward MSA leads to numerous small vineyards with many microclimates.  

The name Lamorinda is an amalgamation of the names of the local three cities: Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda.  Viticultural has been at home in the region since the 1860s.

Sloughhouse - Wine Region of the Day

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Sloughhouse received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Sitting on 78,800 acres, Sloughhouse is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento County. The construction of levees in the Sacramento Delta led to a lowering of the water table and drying out the shallower tributaries of the Cosumnes and Deer Rivers. The rivers left behind alluvial deposits and river stones, which make up the soil and terrain of Sloughhouse. This shallow soil does not let the roots of the vines penetrate too deeply, and, as a result, the vines struggle for access to water and produce a robust fruit that is not watered down. The climate is hot with the vines receiving tremendous amounts of direct sunlight. With an elevation above 500 feet above sea level, Sloughhouse does not receive the same cooling morning fog prevalent through much of Lodi. The combination of the terrain and the climate produce deep flavors within the fruit and give the region its characteristic spicy flavors. The region is best known for its Zinfandel, Merlot, and Petite Sirah production.

Antelope Valley of the California High Desert - Wine Region of the Day

The Antelope Valley of the California High Desert AVA is located northeast of Los Angeles. The Antelope Valley region is an east-facing Valley, opening up to the Mojave Desert, with the Tehachapi Mountains to the north and west, and the San Gabriel Mountains, the Sierra Pelona Mountains, and Portal Ridge to the south. Summers in the Antelope Valley are hot and dry, and winters are relatively cold. Annual precipitation in the valley ranges from 4 to 9 inches, with little or no snow. The growing season is 240 to 260 days long. On average, 110 days a year have high temperatures above 90 degrees, but nights are mild. The growing season extends from mid-March to early November. Winter low temperatures range from 6 to 11 degrees. The geology of the region has greatly influenced the varietals and wines produced here. The distinguishing geologic features of the Antelope Valley are valley fill, alluvial soils, diverging fault lines, and relatively young rocks. The terrain of the Antelope Valley is characterized by significant uniformity and continuity. Slopes are level or nearly level on the valley floor but range to gently sloping to moderately sloping on rises at the upper elevations of the terraces and alluvial fans. Although the Antelope Valley AVA is only 52 miles wide, the elevation varies only 838 feet. The soils in the Antelope Valley formed in alluvium weathered from granite and other rocks in the surrounding mountains. They vary from fine sands to silty clay. The soils are well drained and aerated in the root zone with available water capacity ranging from 5 to 12 inches. The unique characteristics of the soil make it mineral rich with low to moderate fertility. The Antelope Valley produces interesting tropical fruit flavors into its white wines such as  Chardonnay, Semillon and  Zinfandel. 

Northern Sonoma - Wine Region of the Day

Northern Sonoma received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Situated over 329,000 acres, Northern Sonoma is home to sub-appellations Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Coast.

Covelo - Wine Region of the Day

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The Covelo AVA is located in northern Mendocino County, California. The region is unique in that it only has 2 acres planted with vines. Despite its modest production, it was granted AVA status on February 16, 2006, based purely on the unique climate conditions of the area. Located 45 miles north of Ukiah, California the area is relatively flat and built upon deep layers of sandy clay soil. What makes Covelo special is it has high mountain peaks surrounding the valley shielding it from the maritime effects of the Pacific Ocean. The growing season here is one of the shortest in Mendocino County, and the area has one of the largest diurnal temperature variations in Mendocino. The Covelo region currently has no wines commercially available and was designated on its potential as a wine producing area.

San Ysidro District - Wine Region of the Day

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The San Ysidro District received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Sitting on 2,340 acres in the foothills of the Diablo Mountain Range, the region is located in Santa Clara County. The soil in San Ysidro is made up of sandy loam and clay and is known for its good drainage. The region receives day long sunshine with daily temperatures often above 90 degrees during peak growing season. The valley is cooled in the evenings by maritime winds that blow through the Pajaro River Gap connecting Santa Clara to Monterey. There are no wineries operating in the San Ysidro District, but the region features vineyards that supply Santa Clara Valley producers with fruit. The region mostly produces Chardonnay and Merlot.

Merritt Island - Wine Region of the Day

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Merritt Island received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 5,000 acres, Merritt Island is a sub-appellation of  the Clarksburg AVA and near the Lodi AVA. The island is surrounded by Elk Slough, Sutter Slough, and the Sacramento River. The region's soil is a very fertile and is made of rich loam. Cool breezes and fog from the nearby rivers and San Francisco Bay create a cool maritime climate. This cool climate allows for a longer growing season that gives the regions famous Chardonnay its balanced acidity.

Yountville - Wine Region of the Day

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Yountville received its distinction as an AVA in 1999 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The AVA is sitting on 8,000 acres, centered on the town Yountville, California. Volcanic soils on the eastern flank are similar to the neighboring Stags Leap District but also features centuries-old coastal deposits, and both sedimentary and alluvial soils exist to the west, interspersed with sandy and gravelly loam, as well as a little clay. No other area in all the Napa Valley has this particular geomorphic combination and pronounced soil differences. The climate of the region consists of cool marine air currents from San Pablo Bay to the south, allowing for cooler temperatures year round. These milder temperatures allow the grapes of the region plenty of time to develop unique flavor characteristics. The region currently produces Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Willow Creek - Wine Region of the Day

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Willow Creek received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 6,000 acres, Willow Creek is located in Humboldt and Trinity Counties and is centered around the town of Willow Creek. Willow Creek soils are typically very rocky with little clay content. The terrain is dominated with rocks, sand, and a loose loam. The Trinity River cuts through the center of the region, offering a cooling element to an otherwise hot daily sun. During the peak of growing season, the temperatures can easily reach over 100 degrees, during the day. During the height of winter, the region can dip well below freezing temperatures. The hot daytime temperatures allow this region to grow a range of varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah.