December 9th - This Date in Wine History

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Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature "This Date In Wine History," we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • California's Ben Lomond Mountain AVA was designated in 1987.
  • North Carolina's Yadkin Valley AVA was designated in 2002.
  • Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton District AVA was designated in 2004.

Central Coast - Wine Region of the Day

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Central Coast

The Central Coast was designated as an AVA in 1985. Situated across 280 miles from San Francisco to Santa Barbara, the Central Coast is home to sub-appellations Arroyo Grande Valley, Arroyo Seco, Ballard Canyon, Ben Lomond Mountain, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Cienega Valley, Edna Valley, Hames Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Lime Kiln Valley, Livermore Valley, Monterey, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines, Paso Robles, San Antonio Valley, San Benito, San Bernabe, San Francisco Bay, San Lucas, San Ysidro District, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, and York Mountain. The Central Coast is so vast that it features a variety of soil types and microclimates across its sub-appellations. The most common vines planted across the Central Coast are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc.

Ben Lomond Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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Ben Lomond Mountain

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.

Santa Cruz Mountains - Wine Region of the Day

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The Santa Cruz Mountains received their designation as an AVA in 1981. Situated across 322,000 acres, the Santa Cruz Mountains are located between San Francisco and Monterey and contains the sub-appellation Ben Lomond Mountain. Vines are planted at varying elevations throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains between 900 and 2,500 feet above sea level. Soils in the region vary, between clay and Franciscan shale; that is layered over bedrock made of decomposing limestone. The Santa Cruz Mountains feature many different microclimates across its differing terrain and elevations. Vines planted on western slopes take the brunt of Pacific Ocean wind and cold while inland east-facing slopes receive none of the harsh effects of the ocean and are considerably warmer. The cold climate and well-draining soils make the Santa Cruz Mountains a harsh growing area and the vines struggle as a result. This struggle leads to smaller yields of fruit, but a deep condensed flavor in the grapes. The most popular plantings in the Santa Cruz Mountains are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

December 9th - This Date in Wine History

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Map of the Ben Lomond Mountain viticultural area by Gretchen Miller Neuman for Qorkz.

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history.

  • California's Ben Lomond Mountain AVA was designated in 1987.
  • North Carolina's Yadkin Valley AVA was designated in 2002.
  • Oregon's Yamhill-Carlton District AVA was designated in 2004.

Ben Lomond Mountain - Wine Region of the Day

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 Ben Lomond Mountain

Photo of Ben Lomond Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.

Photo of Ben Lomond Mountain by David Toomey for Qorkz.

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.