Dunnigan Hills Wine Region of the Day

---

Dunnigan Hills received its designation as an AVA in 1993. Situated across 89,000 acres, Dunnigan Hills is located in the northwest portion of Yolo County. The terrain of Dunnigan Hills features rolling hills with elevations between 200 and 500 feet above sea level. The soils of the region vary from gravelly loams and sandy loams over sandstone to silt. The climate of the region is recognized for its warm days and cool nights, offering a diurnal temperature swing of up to twenty degrees. This change between day and nighttime temperatures allow for a longer growing season and allow the fruit time to develop their tannin structure and acidity. The region is known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Viognier.

Sonoma Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

---

The Sonoma Mountain AVA is located in Sonoma County, California. It is centered on the Sonoma Mountain a folded volcanic uplift.   The appellation is included in the Sonoma Valley AVA, but due to its unique elevation and geology, it was granted status as its own AVA in 1985. 

The area is known primarily for its high elevation benches.  These contain folds that create diverse micro-climates which are home to cooler climate grapes.  Primarily the area is known for thermal flows of cooler, moister air that moves down into the valley.  A southern aspect, meaning the vineyards get a more sunshine during the day.  The region sits above the fog which also increases that sunlight. This makes the area perfect for Cabernet Sauvignon.

The region's soil is a mix of basalt, ash and ancient marine deposits that were uplifted along with the volcanic rocks.  They typically consist of the Goulding Series and are cobbly to gravelly loams and are well draining.  

Sonoma Mountain is home to relatively few wineries but is the source of high-quality fruit.  The combination of the terror and the climate make this region perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, and it is the region's signature wine. In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the region known for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Zinfandel.

Mendocino Ridge - Wine Region of the Day

---

The Mendocino Ridge AVA is located on 262,400 acres within the coastal zone of Mendocino County, California. Mendocino Ridge's boundaries begin at the coastal ridges adjacent to the Pacific Ocean that reach inland toward the Anderson Valley. Mendocino Ridge is limited by elevation, reserved only for vineyards at or above 1200 feet. There are 2,000 acres of vineyards perched above thick fog moving inland from the Pacific Ocean blanketing the coast and the valleys between the ridge tops, allowing the vines to grow above the blanket of fog. The area is known its production of Syrah, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling.

The early wine producers in this viticultural area were Italian immigrants who planted Alicante-Bouscet, Carignan, Malvasia, Muscat, Palomino and Zinfandel. The first winery in the area, and indeed all of Mendocino County, was Antonio Ciapusci who planted his land in 1878. Many of these vineyards were replanted with other crops during Prohibition but several have survived including the Ciapusci, Perli, Gianoli and Zeni vineyards.

Clear Lake - Wine Region of the Day

---

The Clear Lake AVA is located in Lake County, California and located on 5,000 acres. Half of the area contained within the boundaries of the AVA is the actual Clear Lake itself. The lake is the largest natural lake found entirely within the state of California and is considered to be the oldest in North America due to its unique geology.  The presence of the lake has a great influence on the temperature and climate of the region, resulting in less variance between daily and nightly temperatures than in neighboring AVAs. The Clear Lake AVA is quite cool for California, which is suitable for grape varietals that enjoy the cold, like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

 The first wine grapes were produced by European immigrants to Lake County.  Prior to Prohibition Lake County produced more wine grapes than Napa but was able to recover after repeal due to a lack of transportation infrastructure. Prior to Prohibition, the wine produced from this area was of high quality, Charles Hammond, of Upper Lake, won prizes for both red and white wines at the Chicago World's Fair of 1893.  His vineyard, Ma Tel, however was destroyed by raising water after the construction of the Cache Creek Dam in 1914.

Trinity Lakes - Wine Region of the Day

---

Trinity Lakes received its designation as an AVA in 2005. Situated on 96,000 acres, Trinity Lakes is located in Trinity County and is centered around Trinity Lake. The vineyards are found in the rocky benches that surround Trinity Lake. The soil is rocky and porous with excellent drainage forcing the vines to struggle and put all of their efforts into producing the fruit that results in a deeply concentrated flavor in the grapes. The vineyards are planted between 1,200 and 2,500 feet, allowing for longer exposure to sunlight but still subject to the cool winds that sweep through the region. This large diurnal temperature swing allows for a longer growing season and allows the wines to develop a well-balanced acidity and tannin structure. The region is known for its production of cool climate varietals, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.

San Antonio Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

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.

Unlike many of the wine regions in the United States, there is a long history of viticulture in the San Antonio Valley.   It was home to the Mission San Antonio de Padua that was founded in 1771 by Father Junipero Serra.  Franciscan Missions in Alta California could not rely on supplies from Spain and were required to be self-sufficient.  This meant making flour for bread and grapes for wine.  The Mission is still in operation as a parish church and visitors can see the original wine pressing vats and wine cellar.

The valley is located in the southern part of Monterey County and is located between the Santa Lucia Mountains near the Salinas Valley and includes San Antonio Lake and Fort Hunter Liggett Military Reservation.  The terrain contains gently rolling hills which form a basin or bowl shape.

The climate is typically warm and dry but benefits from the cooling breezes of nearby Lake San Antonio and the Pacific Ocean.  The region averages approximately 3,000 GDD on the Winkler Index indicating that it is the prime climate for Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.  The cool marine air that is so common for Monterey County is mostly absent. The region tends to be hotter and drier during the growing season but cooler during the spring and autumn.

Soil composition is also unique in San Antonio Valley.  Nearby Hames Valley is primarily composed of soils from the Lockwood series that are alluvial fans and terraces of siliceous shale.  San Antonio Valley has a more varied soil profile with 40 different types being represented.  The soil is primarily gravelly loam and clay that are mostly alluvial but with more gravel, sand and clays in the mix.

The region is known for its production of Bordeaux and Rhone varietals but is becoming home to Spanish and Portuguese grapes as well.  You can find Albarino, Barbera, Cabernet Franc,  Cabernet Sauvignon,  Chardonnay, Dolcetto,  Grenache,  Malbec,  Marsanne,  Merlot,  Mourvedre,  Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Grigio, Primativo, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Tinta Cao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Francesca, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel being produced in San Antonio Valley.

Hames Valley

The Hames Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1994 and is situated on 10,240 acres in Monterey County in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The Hames Valley soil is shale and loam. The regions has the largest diurnal temperature swing of any AVA in Monterey County. The grapes are exposed to a great deal of sunlight during the day, and receive some of the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean breezes in the evenings. The region is best known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Carmel Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

Upriver from the other Carmel, the one on the ocean that once had Clint Eastwood as a mayor is Carmel Valley.  Located in Monterey County,, southeast of that more famous Carmel is found in the Santa Lucia Range north of the Ventana Wilderness. The appellation was created in 1982 after a petition from David Armanasco of Durney Vineyard (now Heller Estate).  The Carmel River which runs through the valley was discovered in 1603 by Sebastian Vizcaino and was cited as the justification for using the name “Carmel”. 

The area has been home to viticulture since the late 1960s when Durney Vineyard was established. The defining qualities cited by the petitioner includes soil and climate.  The climate of the valley is characterized by Growing Degree Days of 2317  placing it in the Amerine-Winkler scale as a  Region I, cool climate growing area.  Most of the surrounding regions are warmer using the same scale.  The exception is the nearby Salinas Valley with 2148 GDD which is also a Region I growing area.  While slightly cooler than Carmel Valley it is lower in elevation allowing for more fog from the oceanfront to enter the valley.  Another result of that higher elevation is a higher level of rainfall.

Soil is the other defining characteristic of the AVA.  The petition for the AVA lists ten separate soil types in the area which to the uninformed may seem less that definitive.  The soils are largely loams which are mixtures of sand, silt and clay.  The soils also have another factor that separates them from soils in the other nearby appellations.  They are all found on hillsides with slopes (in a mathematical sense) over 30% making them quite steep.  As a result runoff and erosion potentials are high and the soils are well to excessively well drained. There are only 300 acres planted with vines, and those vines sit at an elevation above 1,000 feet on hillside terraces.

In a little over thirty years, Carmel Valley has grown from one winery to twelve, not including those wineries that source fruit from the region. Carmel Valley is best known for its production of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Syrah.

Applegate Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

Located entirely within the Southern Oregon and Rogue Valley viticultural areas, Applegate Valley is defined by its terroir.  Located in south eastern Oregon the appellation is located in the valley surrounding the Applegate River from its intersection with the Siskiyou National Forest boundary to it’s confluence with the Rogue River.  Within the Rogue Valley viticultural area, Applegate Valley is located in between the Illinois and Bear Creek Valleys. 

The mountains that act as it’s southern and western boundary were caused by crustal upthrusts of the seafloor instead of being volcanic like those to the east.  The soils are blends of granite which hold heat to extend the growing season and spread through the area into alluvial fans and terraces that are prominent growing areas or wine grapes. The climate is overwhelmingly mild with an annual average temperature of 48º F with averages in January of 31.5º F and August of 66.4º F.  Precipitation varies from 27-33 inches per year comes primarily during the cool season giving the moisture time to permeate into the soils.

Settlement in the region began in the 1850s and was named after the Applegate Brothers who first settled the area.  Viticulture began in 1852 when Peter Britt opened the Valley View Winery which operated until 1907.   After Prohibition the winery didn’t open until 1976 being the first winery producing from grapes in both the Rogue Valley and Applegate Valley.

The Region produces a wide variety of grapes including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah Tannat, Vermentino and Zinfandel.

Inwood Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

Inwood 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.

Clements Hills - Wine Region of the Day

---

Clements Hills received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated on 85,400 acres, Clements Hills is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA in the southeast portion located in San Joaquin County.  It is nearly 40 miles from Sacramento and more than 10 from the city of Lodi.  The viticultural area is located in the northeastern portion of San Joaquin county south of the Borden Ranch appellation.  Nestled between the Calavaras River to the south, Liberty Road to the north, the eastern boundary of San Joaquin County and Elliott and Jack Tone Roads to the west, the region is a transition from the valleys to the west and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

It is centered around the town of Clements which was settled in 1857 by Thomas Clements.  Clements later donated 25 acres to establish the town as a railroad stop on the San Joaquin and Sierra Nevada Railroad which was ideal for the agricultural community that was growing.  The name Clements Hills has been in use since that time.

The soils in the appellation are varied but are alike in that they have low fertility and are a mixture of clays and loams.  The presence of the clays are sufficient to hold moisture in the soil. The region features an alluvial topsoil with varying lower levels comprised of granite and volcanic soils.

The climate is hot and muggy but gets some relief from coastal breezes that make their way through the hills. The climate of the area is generally warmer and wetter than the average in the Lodi region.  The increase in elevation to the east creates more precipitation and air drainage that moves away morning fogs and frost that would be caused by cool Pacific air coming up the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta.  The lack of fog also leads to more hours of sunshine to help the grapes achieve their maximum flavor.

This climate makes the region perfect for growing Italian and Spanish grape varieties such as Albarino, Grenache, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.

Ramona Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

Ramona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated across 89,000 acres, Ramona Valley is centered around the city of Ramona, located 28 miles north of the city of San Diego. The region's soils consist of clay and granite and are very well draining. Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley. The area is a broad valley that is ringed by hills and mountains that isolate it from the surrounding areas. The valley has an average vineyard elevation of 1400 feet and an average annual rainfall of 16.5 inches. Ramona Valley is known for its production of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.

St. Helena - Wine Region of the Day

St. Helena AVA gained status as an AVA in 1993 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. The AVA is situated on 9,000 acres and is centered on the town of St. Helena, California. St. Helena is Napa Valley's northernmost AVA and sits between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. The soils of the region are sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with lower fertility and moderate water retention The location, means the region is isolated from the cool ocean breezes and fog that is prevalent in the southern valleys. These conditions make for bright sunny days with radiating heat off the mountains and full-bodied wines that are fruit forward and jammy. The featured wines of the region are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Mount Veeder - Wine Region of the Day

---

Mount Veeder received its designation as an AVA in 1993 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 15,000 acres in the Mayacamas Mountains, the steep mountain face gives the vines the benefits of more direct sunlight and better drainage. Mount Veeder has high elevation and volcanic soil that imparts the region's distinctive flavor characteristics of eucalyptus, herbs, and florals. Given its proximity to the Los Carneros region, Mount Veeder benefits from the cool fog and ocean breezes off the San Pablo Bay. The cool and moderate climate on Mount Veeder extends the growing season and produced fruit that is well rounded and balanced in its acidity. The region is known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Viognier, and Zinfandel.

Calistoga - Wine Region of the Day

---

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 Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

North Yuba - Wine Region of the Day

---

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 Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne.

Santa Ynez Valley - Wine Region of the Day

---

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.

Mount Harlan - Wine Region of the Day

Mt. Harlan received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Located in the Gabilan Mountain Range, Mt. Harlan is 7,440 acres large but there are only 100 acres under vine. The soil is made up of limestone, and the terrain of the growing terraces sits at an elevation of 1,880 feet above sea level. The elevation of the growing regions allow for plenty of daytime sun, but the vines are exposed to constant cold wind from the Pacific Ocean. The region is best known for its production of Chardonnay and Viognier, but lately it has started producing Pinot Noir as well.

Ben Lomond Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

Ben Lomond Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated on 9,000 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ben Lomond is located between the cities of San Jose and Santa Cruz. The soil consists of eroded grants, limestone, and sandstone and is well draining. The vineyards on Ben Lomond Mountain sit at an elevation of 1800 feet above sea level. This high elevation allows for the vines to sit above the fog line and receive longer exposure to the sun. The mountain is cooled by Pacific Ocean breezes from Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay, allowing the grapes a longer ripening time. This longer time on the vine allows the grapes time to develop stronger tannin structure, balanced acidity, and bright flavors. The region produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Sierra Foothills - Wine Region of the Day

---

The Sierra Foothills received their designation as an AVA in 1987. Situated on 2,600,000 acres, The Sierra Foothills includes sub-appellations California Shenandoah Valley, El Dorado, Fair Play, Fiddletown, and North Yuba. The Sierra Foothills features a mostly volcanic soil structure, but also has regions of loam and alluvial fans. The climate in the region is Mediterranean due to the warm days and cooler evenings. The region is famous for first being settled during the California gold rush, with vines of Zinfandel being planted soon thereafter. Prohibition devastated the region's wine growing efforts, but many of the vines were just abandoned in place instead of destroyed. Many of these vines still survive today, giving the Sierra Foothills some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the country.