Merritt Island - Wine Region of the Day

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Merritt Island received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Situated on 5,000 acres, Merritt Island is a sub-appellation of  the Clarksburg AVA and near the Lodi 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.