Paso Robles Estrella District - Wine Region of the Day

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The Paso Robles Estrella District is another of the eleven sub-appellations of the Paso Robles viticultural area.  The AVA is located in the northeastern portion of its parent and surrounds the Estrella River. The topography of the region begins mountainous and elevations decrease and even out into the floor of the river valley.  The elevations in the District range from 745 to 1,819 feet above sea level though the wineries are largely found from 1,000 to 1,600. 

The climate is moderately warm making the region ideal for Rhone varietals.  Marine influences and air flows due to elevation also moderate the temperatures which makes the region good for Bordeaux grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.  The rainfall amounts range from 12.5 to 15.5 inches per year but are supplemented by the fogs brought into the region from the ocean air. The soils of the District are also effected by the its topography.  The soils of the region are alluvial and have low fertility but enough drainage to allow the roots of the vines to establish themselves and enough clay to help maintain moisture. 

Ballard Canyon - Wine Region of the Day

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Ballard Canyon received its designation as an AVA in 2013. Situated on 7,800 acres, Ballard Canyon is a sub-appellation of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and is centered around the Santa Ynez Valley. The soils in the Ballard Canyon are made up of sand and clay loam with good drainage. Cool ocean breezes flow into the Santa Ynez Valley from the Pacific Ocean via a gap between the Santa Rita hills, but the hills surrounding Ballard Canyon protects the vineyards here from the harshness of the winds. Ballard Canyon has more gentle weather patterns than the windy, cool-climate in its neighboring Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Ballard Canyon is known for its production of Syrah, Grenache, Sangiovese, and Roussanne.

Alta Mesa - Wine Region of the Day

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Located within the Lodi AVA, Alta Mesa is one of 7 sub-appellations approved in 2006.   Located on 55,400 acres, Alta Mesa is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento County. The decision to create the sub-appellations was done through the Lodi AVA Steering Committee.  This group formed by 16 members of the committee and over three years looked at the area through scientific and historical perspectives as well as community outreach.  Led by chairmen Markus Bokisch of Bokisch Ranches and Duarte Nursery and Keith Watts of Watts Vineyards steering committee backed the sub-appellation plan because it allowed winemakers and growers to differentiate between different microclimates and soils within the greater Lodi Area.

The name, Alta Mesa refers the the relatively high, flat land the area formed by the alluvial fans and terraces created bythe American and Cosumnes river.  The term “Alta Mesa” has been used since California was a Spanish and later Mexican possession.

The soils of the area are predominately the San Joaquin series (90%).  These soils are the official state soil of California and consist of brown to red loams and clays with clays and hardpan limiting the depth that root systems can reach.  The temperature of the region is warmer than the majority of the Lodi area appellations and it is cutoff from the cooler, ocean breezes from the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta.  In the winter this leads to fog as standing water meets cold air running off the Sierra Nevada mountains to the east.  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. 

Alta Mesa AVA is unusual in that there are no bonded wineries operating within its boundaries.  Instead the appellation is most known for its fruit. The most common grape varieties are Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

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

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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.

McDowell Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The McDowell Valley AVA is located on 540 acres in southeastern Mendocino County, California. The appellation was designated in 1981 and amended in 1987.  The region 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.

Diamond Mountain District - Wine Region of the Day

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The Diamond Mountain District received its AVA designation in 2001. The region sits on 5,000 acres and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located in the Mayacamas Mountains, Diamond Mountain's unique feature is its higher elevation than most of the growing regions in Napa Valley. The higher elevation allows the vines to sit above the fog line and receive a few extended hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil is volcanic, porous, and well draining which forces the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into the fruit. Given the warm sunny days and cool nightly breezes, the area has a significant diurnal temperature variation. The region is known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Big Valley District - Lake County - Wine Region of the Day

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Big Valley District - Lake County received its designation as an AVA in 2013. Situated on 11,000 acres, Big Valley Lake County is a sub-appellation of the Lake County AVA. Located to the west of Clear Lake, the terrain of Big Valley is mostly flat and contains alluvial clay soils from the lake and volcanic soils eroded from Mt. Konocti. Due to its proximity to the water table, the soil in Big Valley is poor draining and the vines run the risk of flooding and becoming supersaturated with water. Clear Lake serves as a major influencer in the region, moderating temperatures creating the cooler climate. During the height of the growing season, cool breezes from the lake help to cool the vineyards during the warm afternoon, slowing the ripening process and ensuring grapes achieve good acidity balance. The soil and temperature of Big Valley Lake County make the region perfect for Sauvignon Blanc production.

Inwood Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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nwood Valley is located in Shasta County in Northern California in the shadow of Mount Lassen which is approximately 15 miles to the east.  The closest major city is Redding and the closest town is Shingletown.  Given its proximity to an active volcano, it is no surprise that igneous rocks are prominent in the area.  Mt. Lassen, the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range, last erupted over the period 1915-1917 and that ejecta flowed to the east.  However, the geology of Inwood Valley includes lava and pyroclastic materials from earlier eruptions that have since become to be known as the Tuscan Formation which overlays older, Cretaceous rocks referred to as the Chico Formation.  The valley runs east-west with elevations around 2,000 ft above sea level and are part of transitional zone between the valley floor such as in Redding and the higher mountains to the west.  The Inwood Valley is located between 1,000 - 3,000 feet above sea level where the the slopes are gentler for easier cultivation. 

Geography also effects the climate allowing the flow of cool breezes down the mountainsides and niches where the sun does not overheat slowly maturing grapes.  The area is considered to have a Mediterranean climate, suitable for Bordeaux and Rhône varietals.  The climbing elevation in the region also assures increased precipitation, with the majority falling during the cool season and the geology of the region allows for ground water to be readily accessed.  

 Modern viticulture began in the area began in the late 1970s.  Well before Prohibition, Agoston Hraszathy, in his 1862 book, Grape Culture, Wines and Wine-making with Notes Upon Agriculture and Horticulture indicates that wine grapes were being produced all over California from “San Diego up to Shasta, have given magnificent results”.   One of those early settlers in the Inwood Valley, Elijah Boots planted the first vineyards in 1864. While Mission grapes were initially cultivated, the local wineries now grow Chardonnay, Merlot and Viognier.

Santa Maria Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc make up the majority of the Santa Maria Valley crops.

Paicines - Wine Region of the Day

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Paicines received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Sitting on 42,882 acres, Paicines is a sub-appellation of the San Benito AVA. The proposal for this appellation came from the Almaden winery which operates in the area.  The name Paicines was well documented as having been in use, including the name of the town in the center of the region. Confusingly enough, the original name of the unincorporated town was Tres Pinos which switched names with the original town of Paicines located further south down Airline Highway.

The Paicines that we are discussing is located east of Pinnacles National Park and takes its name originally from the Rancho Cienega de los Paicines (still in operation today as Paicines Ranch) a land that was granted in the 1840s.  Reports indicate that viticulture in the area began as early as the mid-1850s.

The soil of the region consists of a sandy loam which include alluvial deposits and feature fanned materials and benches which may act as natural terraces. The temperature is akin to that of the high desert and often will see daily temperatures north of 100 degrees in the peak of the growing season. As the sun sets, the temperature will drop dramatically, sometimes by as much as 40 degrees as cool Pacific air sweeps into the region.  The Paicines region tends not to feature fogs associated with that marine air.  Though on days that are particularly foggy some will move into the valley and will linger longer that surrounds regions.  Without this swing in temperatures, the region would be too hot to produce vines. The diurnal shift and fogallows the grapes will cool off and extend its growing season. Grapes will stay on the vine longer than in neighboring AVAs. The region is known for producing Arneis, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Syrah.

Arroyo Grande Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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Located in the southeastern portion of San Luis Obispo county, the Arroyo Grande Valley is a study in opposites.  The land is largely made of marine sediments that are part of the Franciscan formation but is crisscrossed with volcanic intrusions and faults.  The weather is largely warm and dry but marked with a fog line that separates cooler and wetter microclimates from those that are warmer and drier.  Naturally this carries over into their wine making, with part of the valley producing Bordeaux and Mediterranean varietals being produced at the far end of the valley and Pinot Noir, Chardonnays and Riesling. 

Champlain Valley of New York - Wine Region of the Day

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Most regions seeking to be designated an American Viticultural Area submit long applications indicating their unique history, soils and climate.  In the case of the Champlain Valley of New York, the only significant factor is climate.  It is cold.  How cold you may ask?  Canada cold.  Winter Olympic cold.  

The Champlain Valley was formed by the retreat of the glaciers during the last ice age and were once part of what was called the Champlain Sea and then later Glacial Lake Vermont.  Eventually the ice retreated and the majority of the water drained from the region forming Lake Champlain as we know it today.

Abutting the Canadian border and found along Lake Champlain which forms the northern boundary between the States of New York and Vermont, this new appellation is 500 square miles in size and has 15.47 acres under vine (talk about growth potential). The most unique part of the region is that it has a growing season on average two weeks shorter than the surround areas.  Even at the same latitude on the Vermont side of the lake it is warmer.  Why?  Well the prevailing winds blow from west to east crossing over the lake.  Water has a moderating effect on temperature by keeping the ambient temperature warmer.  What is the effect of the shorter growing season? Well, traditional wine grapes (vitis vinifera) can't be reliably cultivated.  Instead the appellations wineries grow North American cold-hardy hybrids such as Frontenac, La Crescent and Marquette.  Not familiar with these grapes?  Give them a try!  You might like them.

Oh, and as an added bonus?  Visitors to the region have an opportunity to looks for the area's most famous resident.  Champy, is the cryptozoological equivalent of the Loch Ness Monster or Okanagan's Ogopogo.  

Borden Ranch - Wine Region of the Day

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Borden Ranch received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Sitting on 70,000 acres, Borden Ranch is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located in Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. The soils in Borden Ranch is alluvial with cobbles, clay pan, and clay loam. The terrain of Borden Ranch varies from around 50 to 500 feet above sea level, and the region is spot by the Dry Creek River. The climate features long sunny days with cooling breezes off the river. Borden Ranch, like much of Lodi, is populated by vineyards producing grapes to be sold outside the region. The varietals that are produced here include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Los Olivos District - Wine Region of the Day

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The Los Olivos District is located in Santa Barbara County of California within the townships of Ballard, Los Olivos, Santa Ynez and Solvang.  The general formation of the district is the wide alluvial plain formed by the Santa Ynez river that slopes gently southward.  The climate is moderate with little marine influence.  Grapes grown in the region are from Bordeaux and Rhone.

Yorkville Highlands - Wine Region of the Day

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The Yorkville Highlands received its designation as an AVA in 1998. Located in southern Mendocino County, California the Yorkville Highlands separate Sonoma County's Alexander Valley AVA from Mendocino County's Anderson Valley AVA. The soil in the Yorkville Highlands is rocky with high gravel content, which provides excellent drainage. During the day, the climate is cooler than Alexander Valley but warmer than Anderson Valley while at night the highlands are cooler than the surrounding areas. The Yorkville Highlands produce world-class Pinot Noir.

High Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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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.

Atlas Peak - Wine Region of the Day

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Atlas Peak received its designation as an AVA in 1992. Sitting on 15,000 acres, it is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Atlas Peak's signature feature is its higher elevation than most of the growing regions in Napa Valley, allowing the vines to sit above the fog line and receive a few extended hours of direct sunlight daily. The warm sunny days and cool nightly breezes create a diurnal temperature variation of 30 degrees allowing the grapes to take longer to ripen, giving the fruit its signature depth of flavor and balanced acidity. The soil is volcanic, porous, and well draining which forces the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into the fruit, concentrating the flavors. The area is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay.

California Shenandoah Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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California Shenandoah Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Situated on 10,000 acres, California Shenandoah Valley is located in Amador and El Dorado Counties. The region is at the lowest elevation of all Sierra Foothills growing regions. The soil is largely made up of decomposed granite and sandy loam. This type of soil is well drained and infertile, which causes the vines to develop deep roots to find water. This feature helped many of the old vine Zinfandel grapes survive from before Prohibition when the region was heavily planted with vineyards. The climate is very dry and hot during the peak of growing season, resulting in a smaller production yield from the vines but a more heavily concentrated fruit. The region is famous for having some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California but also produces Barbera and Sangiovese.

Cienega Valley - Wine Region of the Day

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The Cienega Valley in San Benito County, California received its designation as an AVA in 1982. Located at an elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level, the soil of the region is divided by the San Andreas fault. Soil to the east of the fault consists of granite and sandstone, but to the west, the soil consists of granite and limestone. The Cienega Valley has warm, sunny days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to develop bright flavors and even tannins while retaining acidity levels. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Adelaida District - Wine Region of the Day

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One of the eleven sub-appellations of the Paso Robles AVA, the Adelaida District is located in the northwestern portion of its parent.  Famously farmed by Polish musician and statesman, Ignacy Jan Paderewski, Adelaida experienced its post-prohibition rebirth in the 1960s.  Largely mountainous, this geography has helped create a unique location by protecting the district from cool ocean breezes and allowing cool evening air to slide down the slopes.  These protection gave Adelaida a consistent daytime temperature while preventing overnight frosts.  Tectonics introduced a portion of limestone from the coast to be mixed into the sandstones, mudstones and slates to create colluvial soils that allowed good drainage that could hold sufficient moisture to encourage growth. Temperatures are similar to those of Bordeaux and the Rhone and grapes from those regions thrive here.