Santa Ynez Valley - Wine Region of the Day
/SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
Santa Ynez Valley by David Toomey for Qorkz
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.