Merritt Island - Wine Region of the Day
/Merritt Island
unknown vineyard on Merritt Island by David Toomey for Qorkz
Merritt Island received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 5,000 acres, Merritt Island is near the Lodi appellations and the Clarksburg 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.