Benmore Valley - Wine Region of the Day
/BENMORE VALLEY
Photo of the Benmore Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz
.The Benmore Valley AVA is located in Lake County, California. The valley is named for Benjamin Moore, a local 19th century rancher, rustler and local hero. Moore would raid local ranchos and drive the cattle to the high mountain valley where they could graze and he could watch for pursuit. Unfortunately for him, news of his nefarious deeds made continued life in Benmore Valley impossible so he, as they said in his day, took a French leave. He is said to have gone to South America where no more was ever heard of him.
The valley's 1,440 acres are in a high depression in the mountains of southwestern Lake County, and is much cooler than surrounding areas. There are no wineries located within the boundaries of the AVA and all of the grapes produced here were sold to wineries outside the AVA. That is when Benmore Valley was being farmed commercially. That time is no more. Because of the temperatures it produced inconsistent crops that were expensive to farm. The property was sold off and is used as a rental property.
Not all wine region stories have happy endings...