CALIFORNIA–Central Coast “North”

CENTRAL COAST “NORTH” IS–   AVA.- 22      @San Francisco, Monterey

  • WHITE=   |   RED= “Almost Everything”
    • **Refer to “AVA.’s” For Varietal Information.

GEOGRAPHY– California(Central), REGION-Central Coast “North”

  • COUNTIES-Alameda, Contra Costa Monterey, San Benito, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz
  • BETWEEN-San Francisco County to Monterey County
    • (Central Coast“North” Wine Region Technically Starts at the Golden Gate Bridge)
  • BETWEEN-Coast Mountain Range(Santa Lucia Mountains) & Gavilin Mountains
  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~ “The Central Coast is Actually 1 Big, Long Region. For the Purposes of DtheV.com I Have Broken It Into to Sub-Region…Central Coast “North” and Central Coast “South”.”

TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Salinas/ 90 Miles Long)”

  • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~
  • SLOPES/ Pacific Coast Mountain Range/ Santa Lucia Mountains, Gavial Mountain Range

VITICULTURE– Half of Crops “Out-Source” to Non-Residential Wineries.

VINICULTURE– Labeled– “CENTRAL COAST” Wines Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”

  • Soil Series- ~Chualar Series~     ~Arroyo Seco Series~     ~Placentia Series~

CLIMATE–  “Mediterranean”, With “Maritime” Influences

  • *Summers– Warm, Sunny   |   *Winters– Wet, Mild

CULTURE–

  • ACADEMICS~ ~Las Positas College~     @Livermore, California

GOING THERE–

  • Wine Touring the Central Coast Can Be Done as a One Stop Weekend Destination or Done as a Extended Wine Tour In Which Multiple Regions or AVA. Can Be Covered Over the Course of a Long 3 Day Weekend or Entire Week. Accommodations Can Be Made In Medium Sized Cities In Which You Use Them as a “Home Base” or You Can Pick Up and Leave and Drive to Your Next Wine Destination Each Day In a Different Charming Small Town Along Your Wine Adventure.

**Refer to “CALIFORNIA/ Overview” For Detailed Information On California as a Wine State.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AVA.     @San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose

  • WHITE=   |   RED= “Almost Everything”
    • **Refer to “AVA.’s” For Varietal Information.
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”,  LATITUDE: 37° ‘N’
    • BETWEEN-San Francisco Bay, to Monterey Bay, “Multi-Appellation”
    • COUNTIES-Alameda, Contra Costa
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gravel Loam, Limestone, Granite
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers–(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– Bonny Doon, Donkey & Goat(Berkley)
  • CULTURE- FESTIVALS~ ~Pinotfest~ (November)
    • Retail- Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant(Berkley)
  • HISTORY- 1996- AVA. Officially Established
  • NON AVA. SUB-ZONES Of SAN FRANCISCO BAY AVA.
      • Estate Producers– Donkey & Goat(Berkley), Methode Sauvage
    • OAKLAND– ~Oakland Urban Wine Trail/ Jack London Square~
      • Producers- Brooklyn West, Campovida, Cote West, Dashe, Prima Materia, Rosenblum, Subject to Change, TinType, Two Mile Wine, Urban Legend
    • SAN FRANCISCO– ~DogPatch District~
      • Producers- Dogpatch Wine Works, Ungrafted, Yield Wine, Watts-Mast
    • ALAMEDA– ~Alameda Island’s Spirits Alley~
      • Producers- Alameda Cellars, Building 43, Dashe, Rock Wall, Rosenblum, Wachira

**Bay Area Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Wine Maps at Delongwine.com

CONTRA COSTA COUNTRY     @Entire County

  • WHITE= Malvasia, Muscat Blanc
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Carignan, Garnacha, Mataro AKA=Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Contra Costa
    • Bay Area, East of San Pablo Bay, @Hw.#4/ 680
    • Sub-AVA’s– Lamorinda AVA., (Laps)San Francisco Bay AVA.
    • CITIES-Antioch, Brentwood, Knightsen, Oakley, Pittsburgh
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~San Joaquin/ Sacramento~River~(Delta)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Delta Sands
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bedrock, Del Barba, Calder Wine Co., Cecchini, Cline, Dashe, Desire Lines, Deux Punx, Erggelet Brothers, Hatton Daniels, Jacuzzi, Presedent, Stagiaire
    • Vineyards- Big Break, Bloomfield, City, Del Barba(40ha.), Evangelho(HVS./ 1890), Lucchesi, Oakey Road, Pato(HVS.), Romiti(7ac.), Salvador(HVS.), Tamayo
  • VINICULTURE– Labeled– “CONTRA COSTA COUNTY” Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
      • History of Old Vines On Own Roots In Sand.

LAMORINDA AVA.     @Moraga

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Contra Costa
    • In San Francisco Bay AVA.(East), CITIES-Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Oringa Formation(Clay), Sand
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence, INFLUENCED/ Proximity San Francisco Bay
  • VITICULTURE- 29,369 ac./ 260 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Bullfrog Creek, Captain, Deer Hill, Los Arabis, Meadow View, Vincenza Ranch
    • Vineyards- Dona Lupita
  • CULTURE–
    • ~Etymology~ Name is Combination of 3 Cities That Make Up the Region:
      • Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Lamorinda Winegrowers~
      • Mission~ Provide On-Going Education and Support For Its Members In Areas of Vineyard Maintenance and Management and Winemaking.
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Pinotfest~ (November)

LIVERMORE VALLEY AVA.     @Livermore

  • WHITE= Albarino, Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Muscat-Orange, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Verdelho, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedr, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Souzao, Syrah, Tempranillo, Touriga, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Alameda, @Hw.#580
    • In San Francisco Bay AVA.(East), East of San Francisco Bay(35mi.), LATITUDE: 37.7° ‘N‘
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Livermore), Basin(Livermore)”
    • (25 mi. Long & 18 mi. Wide)
    • SLOPES/ Altamont, +Alt. 500ft.- 1,000ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gravelly/ Silty Old Riverbed, Sand
    • Pleasanton & Positas Gravelly Loam
  • CLIMATE– “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
    • *Summers– Warm, Dry   |    *Winters– Cold, Wet,  +Diurnal Shifts(+40°), Breezes From San Francisco Bay
  • VITICULTURE–  ? ac. Planted
    • Wente Clone- Chardonnay Cultivar Imported From Montpellier.
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Estates/ Producers– Boaventura, Bodegas Aguirre, Brophy Clark, Cedar Mountian, Concannon, Cuda, Kalin Cellars,  Eagle Ridge, Leisure Street, McGrail, Mitchell Katz, Murrieta’s Well, Las Positas, Rodrigue Molyneaux, Rubino, Ruby Hill, El Sol, Steven Kent, Stony Ridge, TateDog, Wente, Westover, Wood
    • Vineyards– Charles Wetmore, Chouinard, Darcie Kent, Del Arroyo, Elliston, Ernest(126ac.), Falling Star, Ghielmetti, Hayes(144ac.), Louis Mel(80ac.), El Macho, McGrail, Mother Vine, One Oak, Raboli(HVS./44ac.), Palomares, Sachau(84ac.), Southern Hills, Stone Patch, Wetmore, Wisner
  • CULTURE- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Livermore Valley Winegrowers~
    • PIONEERS~ ~Robert Livermore~ 1839, Purchased Most of Livermore Valley.
      • ~Carl H. Wente~ “German”,  Credited For Championing Chardonnay In California, First American Winery to Release Varietally Labeled Chardonnay In 1936.
    • ACADEMICS~ ~Las Positas College~

SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS AVA.     @Santa Cruz

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 25%, Grenache Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Malvasia, Marsanne, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Pinot Noir 25%, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto, Grenache, Merlot, Monastrell, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, San Francisco Bay AVA.(South)
    • COUNTIES-Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Mateo, LATITUDE: 37° ‘N’
    • North-East of Santa Cruz-City(20 mi.), From Highway #92 In West to Highway #152 In South
    • Penninsula From Half-Moon Bay/ Woodenside(North) to Mt. Madonna to Watsonville(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, ON FAULT-LINE/ San Andreas
    • SLOPES/ Coast Ranges/ Santa Cruz Mountains, +Alt. +400ft.- 2,700ft.(Peak 2990ft.)
    • Mountains Range Between Pacific Ocean & San Francisco Bay
    • “Western Coastal Side”
    • Chaine d’Or- (Un-Official) Ridge That Summits at Monte Bello and Slowly Descents Down Towards the Town of Woodside. The Chaine d’Or Consists of Small Vineyards That Enjoy Southern Exposure.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Salinian Complex, Mudstone Shale, Franciscan Shale, Schist, Decomposed Granite
    • Ben Lomond Casrock Complex– Fractured Weathered Sandstone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” INFLUENCED/ Fog, Proximity to Ocean
    • RAIN SHADOW EFFECT/ ~Santa Cruz Mountains~
  • VITICULTURE- 322,000 ac./ 1,500 ac. Planted
  • HISTORY- Wine Culture Since 1880’s
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Vineyard Association of the Santa Cruz Mountains~
      • Mission~ To Enhance the Quality, Profitability and Reputation of Winegrape Production In the Appellation Through Promotion and Education.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Santa Cruz Mountain Winegrowers~
    • PIONEERS~ ~Paul Masson~ 1870, Burgundy Winemaker Who First Planted Here.
      • ~Martin Ray~ “Santa Cruz”, 1940’s Help Develop Mount Edna Winery.
      • ~David Bruce~ “Santa Cruz” Influence In  AVA.’s Industry Revival.
      • ~David Bennion~ “Santa Cruz”, Founder of  Ridge Winery.
      • ~Paul Draper~ “Santa Cruz”, Winemaker at Ridge Estate.
    • FESTIVAL~ ~Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet Experience~
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE TRAILS~ ~Silicon Valley Wine Trail~
    • TASTING ROOMS~ ~City of Santa Cruz~
      • Equinox, MJA, Odonata, Rexford, Santa Cruz Mountain, Silver Mountain, Stockwell
  • SUB-ZONES Of SANTA CRUZ AVA.’S
  • WESTERN SILICON VALLEY
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(North)
      • West of Palo Alto City(10mi.)
    • Vineyards- Chain d’Or, Family Farm, Home, King Mountain, Liebeter, La Questa
  • WOODSIDE/ PORTOLA VALLEY
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(North), @Hw.#35
      • West  of Los Altos City(5mi.)
    • Estate/ Producers- Clos de la Tech, Martella, Portola Vineyards, Thomas Fogarty, Los Trancos Creek, Woodside Vineyards
    • Vineyards- Albatom, Damiana, Docteur Rodgers(1ac.), Langley Hill, Rapley Trail, Razorback, Spring Ridge, Walker’s, Windy Hill
  • SKYLINE
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(North-East)
      • West of Copertino(5mi.), @Hw.#84
    • Estate/ Producers- Copper-Garrod, Douglass Crest, Fellom Ranch, House Family, Kathryn Kennedy, Mount Eden(40ac.), Naumann, Ridge-Monte Bello, Rhy, Rousten, Skyline
    • Vineyards- Austin’s Dell, Budsview, Casanova, Luchessi, Monte Bello, Perrone, Torre
  • SARATOGA/ LOS GATOS
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(East)
      • West of Saratoga/ Los Gatos, @Hw.#9/ #17/ Zayante Rd.
    • Estate/ Producers- Big Basin(E.), Cinnabar, Left Bend, La Rusticana d’Orsa, Ser, Silvertip
    • Vineyards- Camel Hill, Gist Ranch, Pichon, Will’s Cabin(2,300 ft.)
  • SCOTTS VALLEY/ SOQUEL
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(South)
      • North-East of Santa Cruz City(10 mi.), @Hw.#17/ Branciforte Dr.
    • Estate/ Producers- Armitage, Bargetto, Bottle Jack, Bruzzone Family, Clos Tita, Kissed by an Angel, Osocalis, Poetic Celler
    • Vineyards- Bailey’s Branciforte Ridge, Branciforte Creek
  • SUMMIT ROAD
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(South-East-Central)
      • @Hw.#Summit Road
    • Estate/ Producers- Burrel School, Loma Prieta, Radonich Brothers, Regale, Silver Mountain, Villa Del Monte, Wrights Station
    • Vineyards- Lago Lomita, Muns
  • CORRALITOS/ PLEASANT VALLEY
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(South-East)
      • East of Gilroy City(  mi.), @Hw.#52, Hazel Dell Rd.
    • Estate/ Producers- Alfaro, Martin Ranch, Nicholson, Windy Oaks
    • Vineyards- Alfaro, Hidden Spring, Lester, Lindsay Paige, Mary Katherine, Pajaro, La Playita, Purisisima Ridge, R Bar R Ranch, Regan, Ryan Spencer, Saveria, Split Rail, Woodruff
  • CITY Of SANTA CRUZ
    • Geography- Central Coast AVA., In Santa Cruz Mountains AVA.(South)
      • Technically City is Not In AVA. Urban Zone At Base of Santa Cruz Mountains On Monterey Bay
    • Estate/ Producers- Equinox, MJAa, Odonata, Rexford, Santa Cruz Mountain, Stockwell
  • OTHERS NOT IN NAMED SUB-ZONE
    • Estates/ Producers- Alfaro, Aptos Creek, Bonny Doon, Byington, David Bruce, Louis Louise, Mignanelli, Mindego Ridge, Ottavino, Picchetti, Sonnet, Storrs, Trail Marker, Tressier, Varner
    • Vineyards- Alpine, Ascona, Blue Jay, Chapel, Coastview, Deerheart, Douglas Crest, Dorich, Gali, Glenwood, Granite Ridge, La Vida Bella, Lester, Lois Louise, Klein, Martin Ray, Meadowridge, Mindego Ridge, Nelson Family, Odonato, Old Oak, Perrone, Pescadero, Picchetti(HVS.), Rapley, Rattle SnakeRock, Trout Gulch, Twisty Ridge, Valeta(3.5ac.), Woodside(HVS.)

BEN LOMOND AVA.     @Santa Cruz

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Santa Cruz
    • In Santa Cruz Mountain AVA.(South), @Hw.#1(East), (4mi. Long & 16mi. Wide)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Cruz Mountains, +Alt. 987ft.- 1,793ft., On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime”, INFLUENCED/ Fog, Proximity to Ocean
  • VITICULTURE- 9,000 ac./ 56 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Beauregard, Big Basin, McHenry
    • Vineyards- Bald Mountain, Coast Grande, Ranch Estate

SANTA CLARA VALLEY AVA.     @San Jose

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Fiano, Muscat Canelli, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
  • RED= Carignane, Cabernet Pfeffer, Garnacha, Grignolino, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, @Hw.#101
    • COUNTIES-Santa Clara, (Laps)San Benito
    • In San Francisco Bay AVA.(South-East), LATITUDE: 37.3° ‘N‘
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Valley(Santa Clara)”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Cruz Mountains(East) & Diablo Mountains(West)
    • Sub-AVA’s–  Pacheco Pass AVA., San Ysidro AVA.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gravelly Loam, Clay, Sandstone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”,  RAIN SHADOW EFFECT/ ~Santa Cruz Mountains~
  • VITICULTURE- 322,800 ac./ 1,500 ac. Planted
    • Vineyards- Bellicittii, Besson, Sarah’s, Under the Mountain(HVS./1910)
  • HISTORY-
  • CULTURE- “Monks & Monasteries”  ~Mission Santa Clara de Asis~  (Founded-1777)
  • SUB-ZONES Of SANTA CLARA VALLEY AVA.
  • GILROY
    • Geography- Santa Clara(   )
    • Estate/ Producers-  Alara Cellars, Aver, Calerrain, Church Creek, Dorcich, Fernwood, Fortino, Hecker Pass, J Winston, Jason-Stephens, Knight, La Vie Dansante, Martin Ranch, Mederios, Rapazzini, Sarah’s, Satori, Solis, Stefania, Tass
    • Vineyards- Besson, Mary Carter
    • Sub-Zones- Hecker Pass
  • MORGAN HILL/ ST. MARTIN
    • Geography- Santa Clara(   )
    • Estate/ Producers- Clos LaChance, Creekview, Guglielmo, Heller, Lion Ranch, Miramar, Morgan Hill, Seeker, Tank House, Verde
  • SARATOGA
    • Geography- Santa Clara(   )
    • Estate/ Producers- Cooper-Garrod

PACHECO PASS AVA.    @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Merlot, Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Santa Clara
    • In Santa Clara Valley AVA.(South), North of Hollister-City(    mi.), @Hw.#152
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Diablo Mountains(South), GAP/ Pajaro River
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Zanger, Casa de Fruta

SAN YSIDRO AVA.     @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Merlot, Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito
    • In Santa Clara Valley AVA.(South), East of Gilroy-City(     mi.), @Hw.#152
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Diablo Mountain(East),+Alt. 184ft.- 265ft., GAP/ Pajaro River
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Sandy Loam, Clay
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- 486 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Storrs
    • Vineyards- Mistral, San Ysidro

MONTEREY COUNTRY     @Entire County

  • WHITE=   |   RED= “Almost Everything/ Too Many to List.”
    • **Refer to “AVA.’s” For Varietal Information.
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • TOPOGRAPHIC FORMATION–
      • Monterey Formation- Extensive Miocene Era Geological Sedimentary Formation Resulting In Soils Predominant In the Coast Ranges/ Peninsular Ranges of the Central Coast.  The Monterey Formation is Made Up of Mud Stone, Silt Stone, Calcium Carbonate, Small Amounts of Limestone and Diatoms(Single-Celled Organisms With a Silia Shell). During the Formation of the Coast Ranges the Monterey Formation Uplifted, Folded and Faulted.  The Weathering of the Monterey Formation Makes Up Much of the Soils of the Central Coast.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • VITICULTURE- Labeled– “MONTEREY COUNTY”, Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
  • HISTORY- 1800’s- Monterey Was Capital of “Alto California”
    • Under the Rule of Spain/ Mexico Rule Monterey Was the Only Port Where Taxable Good Could Come Into.
  • CULTURE- CHEESE… Monterey Jack(Cow/ Semi-Hard)

**Monterey Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Wine Maps at Delongwine.com

MONTEREY AVA.    @Monterey

  • WHITE=  |   RED= “Almost Everything/ Too Many to List”
    • **Refer to “AVA.’s” For Varietal Information.
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey
    • Corridor From Monterey Bay to Paso Robles, LATITUDE: 36.6° ‘N‘
    • Sub-Zones- Northern Salinas Valley   | Southern Salinas Valley
    • Sub-AVA’s– Arroyo Seco AVA., Carmel Valley AVA., Hames Valley AVA., San Antonio Valley AVA., San Bernabe AVA., San Lucas AVA., Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Salinas(Semi-Traverse-N-W. to S.-E.)”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Ranges, +Alt. Min./ Max. 0ft.- 2,325 ft.
    • Salinas Valley– (90 mi. Long) Between Santa Lucia Mountains. & Gavilin Mountains
    • Monterey Gap– Gap In Coast Mountain Range
    • Blue Grand Canyon–  Sub-Marine Canyon In Monterey Bay. (60 mi. Long & 2 mi. Deep)
      • Everything In Monterey County is Influenced by the Bay and the Canyon. The Blue Grand Canyon Provides and Climatic Pathway That Connects the Ocean With the Salinas Valley and Deep, Cold Waters Influence Has a Direct Effect On the Weather.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, 8 Primary Types:
    • Arroyo Seco Gravelly/ Sandy Loam, Chamise Shaly Loam, Chualar Loam 15%, Garry Sandy Loam, Lockwood Shaly Loam 28%, Oceano Loamy Sand, Placentia Sandy Loam, Rincon Clay Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence, Multi Micro-Climates
    • Effected by Proximity to Monterey Bay ‘Gap”, Afternoon Wind/ Fog
    • RAIN SHADOW EFFECT/ ~Santa Lucia Range~
    • Afternoon Maritime Breezes, Pick Up In Mid-Afternoon and Push Down Salinas Valley From the Cold Monterey Bay.
    • Northern Monterey– Cooler, Ocean Breezes, Fog
    • Southern Monterey– Warmer, Less Moisture
    • THERMAL RAINBOW/ Metaphorical Term For the 35 Degree Difference In Temperature From the Cooler Northern Salinas Valley Near Monterey Bay  to the Cooler Temperatures In the Southern Valley.  The Ocean Air and Wind Acts Like an Air Conditioner System Mitigating the Temperature and Extending the Growing Season.
  • VITICULTURE- 40,000 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- (Outside of Delineated AVA.) Brig Basin, Conundrum, Jack’s Hill, Joyce, Kendall Jackson, Morgan
    • Vineyards- (Outside of Delineated AVA.) Coastview, Mesa Del Rio, Riverview,  Submarine Canyon
  • CULTURE- PIONEERS~ ~Krafzeck, Marta~ Monterey County’s First Female Winemaker.
  • GOING THERE~
    • TASTING ROOMS~  Monterey Wine Taste, Wine Experience, Sovino.
      • ~Carmel Wine Walk~ Urban Wine Tour at Carmel by the Sea City.
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Pebble Beach Wine~ (April/ Pebble Beach/ Monterey)
      • ~Monterey Wine~ (June/ Monterey)

CARMEL VALLEY AVA.     @Carmel Village

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gri, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey
    • In Monterey AVA.(North), East of Carmel Village-City(   mi.), @Carmel Valley Rd.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Carmel)”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range/ Santa Lucia Mountains
      • +Alt. Min./ Max. 200ft.- 2,700ft.(Vines-1,200 ft.)
    • Carmel Valley & Cachgua Valley(East)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Arroyo Seco” Sandy-Loam
    • “San Andreas” Sandy-Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influenced, On~Pacific~Ocean~(Near/  )
  • VITICULTURE- 19,2000 ac./ 300 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Albatros Ridge, Big Sur, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Cheesebro, Folktale, Georis, Galante, Heller, Holman Ranch, Jarman, Joullian, Morgan, Testarossa
    • Vineyards- Albatros, Joyce, Galente, Heller, Holman, Marinus

SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS AVA.     @Gonzales, Soledad

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 22%, Gewurztraminer, Muscat(Canelli),  Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Pinot Noir 55%, Grenache, Malbec, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey
    • In Monterey AVA.(Central), @Hw.#101(West)/ River Rd./ Arroyo Secco Rd.
    • BORDERS-Arroyo Seco AVA.(South), (18 Miles Long & 1 to 2 Miles Wide)
    • Sub-Zones- North– Low Alt., Cooler      South– Higher Alt., Warmer
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraced/ Valley(Salinas)”
    • On~Arroyo Seco~River~Tributary~Salinas~River~
    • SLOPES/ Coast Ranges/ Santa Lucia Mountains(East), +Alt. 50ft.- 1,650ft.
    • Alluvial Fans- Forming South-West Facing Terraces(Chuarlar Fan/ Gloria Fan, Holocene Fan, Placentia Fan)
    • Benches(North & South) Above Salinas Valley.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Gravelly Loam, Sandy Loam, Granite-Based Alluvial Deposits, Schist
    • Soil Series-    ~Chualar Series~      ~Arroyo Seco Series~     ~Placentia Series~
    • Paso Robles Formation.
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence/ Proximity to Monterey Bay “Gap”
    • Afternoon Wind/ Fog,  RAIN SHADOW EFFECT/ ~Coast Range/ Santa Lucia Mountains~
  • VITICULTURE- 22,000 ac./ 6,400 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Belle Glos, Boekenoom, Clarice, Hahn Family*(E.), McIntyre, Manzoni*(E.), Odonata(E.), Paradiso(E.), Pessagno(E.), Puma Road(E.), Salinas, Smith, Talbott, Ventana, Wrath(E.)
    • Vineyards-(59)– Las Alturas(177ac.), Apex(84ac.), Bianchi Bench(749ac.), Boekenoogen(97ac.), Cortada Alta(39ac.), Costa(106ac.), Courtney’s, Deer Valley, Delicato, Diamond T, Doctors(246ac.), Double L(48ac.), La Estancia Stonewasll(84ac.), Evelina Marie(5ac.), Escolle(123ac.), Firestone(46ac.), Fogstone(46ac.), Gary’s, Guidotti, Hahn Smith, Hook(123ac.), Highlands’ Ranch(32ac.), Kelly’s(11ac.), KW Ranch(14ac.), Leavens(50ac.), Lemoravo(26ac,), Loma Linda(68ac.), Lone Oak(146ac.), Manzoni(6ac.), McIntyre(60ac.), Mer Soleil(663ac.), Montelinda(14.8ac.), Morgon Double L, Olson, Paraiso, Pavo Real, Peterson, Pisoni(39ac.), Poppy Hillside(200ac.), La Reina(61ac.), Rosella’s(50ac.), Sierra Mar(48ac.), Silvio’s(9ac.), Sleepy Hollow(505ac.), Smith & Lindley(509ac.), Soberanes(38ac.), Sumida Sisters(7ac.), Tondre Grapefield(104ac.), Vigna Borrego(23ac.), Vigna Monte Nero(172ac.), White Sage(8ac.)
  • HISTORY- 1973- First Grapes Planted
    • 1991- AVA. Offically Established
  • CULTURE- Wine History Since 1973
    • “Monks & Monasteries” ~Misson de Maria Santisima~ AKA=Soledad Mission
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE TRAILS~ ~River Road~
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Salinas Valley Wine~ (August/ Salinas)

ARROYO SECO AVA.     @Greenfield

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Grenache Blanc, Picpoul, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Viognier
  • RED= Garnacha, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Valdiguie, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey, @Hw.#101
    • In Monterey AVA.(Central),  BORDERS-Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley”
    • SLOPES/ Coast Mountain Range/ Santa Lucia Range, +Alt. 250ft.- 1,000ft.
    • Sub-Zones-  Saucelito Canyon     Valley Floor     Western Bench
      • On~Arroyo Seco~River~Tributary~Salinas~River~
  •  SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Lockwood and Rincon Clay-Loam
    • Saucelito Canyon- Chualar Loam, Arroyo Seco Loam
    • Valley Floor-  Shale, Limestone, River Stones AKA=Greenfield Potatos
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
    • Proximity to Monterey Bay “Gap”, Afternoon Wind/ Fog
  • VITICULTURE- 4,7000 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Alta Loma, Arroyo Seco, Blair, Carmel Road, Chareva, J. Lohr(1971’/ 1,400ac.), Jekel, Joullan, Martin Ranch, Scheid, Scott, Sycamore, Union Sacre, Vaquero, Ventana, Zanetta
    • Vineyards- Baja Viento, Beeswax, Big Sur, Cobblestone, Delfina’s, Elm, Franscioni, Griva, Hacienda, Los Ositos, Panorama, Riva Ranch, Roger Rose, Ste. Nicolas, Therese, Viento, Windsong, Zabala
  • CULTURE-
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Arroyo Seco Winegrowers~
      • Mission~ Provides Advocacy, Marketing and Support to Its Members by Educating Customers, Media and Trade.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Jerry Lohr~ One of First Wine Producers to Mass Produce Wine In Monterey County.

SAN BERNABE AVA.     @San Lucas

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Malvasia, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED=  Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lagrein, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey
    • In Monterey AVA.(South), South of King City-City(    mi.), @Hw.#101(West)
    • BORDERS-San Lucas AVA.(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Salinas)”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Range, +Alt. Min./Max. 266ft.- 1,670ft.
    • BETWEEN-Salinas River & Santa Lucia Foothills
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Garey/ Oceano Sandy Loam, Lockwood Shaly Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°), +WINDS
  • VITICULTURE- 5,700 ac. Planted, Largest Contiguous Vineyard In World.
    • Estates/ Producers- Diora, Delicato(1,800ac.), Encore, Fog Head, Kenneth Volk, Night Owl, Noble Vines, Ranch 32
    • Vineyards- San Bernabe, Three Crowns
  • CULTURE- 2004- AVA. Officially Established.

SAN LUCAS AVA.     @San Lucas

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey, @Hw.#101,
    • In Monterey AVA.(South),  BORDERS-San Bernabe AVA.(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Salinas)”(South-West)
    • Alluvial Fans & Terraces, +Alt. Min./Max. 325ft.- 1,270ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Lockwood Shaly Loam, Diatomaceous Shale, Snelling-Greenfield Complex.
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- 8,000 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Lockwood, San Lucas, Scheid
    • Vineyards- Basport, Chalk Knoll, Coyote Canyon, Lockwood, Mesa Del Rio, Paris Valley Ranch, Scheid, Wilson

SAN ANTONIO VALLEY AVA.     @Lockwood

  • WHITE= Albarino, Marsanne, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdelho, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Petite Syrah, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Valdgiue, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey, @Hw.#?
    • In Monterey AVA.(South),  BORDERS-Hames Valley AVA.(East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features-  “Rolling/ Valley(San Antonio)”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountain Range, +Alt. Min./Max. 587ft.- 870ft.
    • On~Lake~San Antonio~(Near)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Lockwood/ Chamise Shaly Loam, Nacimiento Clay Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, Warmest AVA./ Monterey
  • VITICULTURE- 800 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Line Shack, Jolon, Marin’s, Pierce Ranch
    • Vineyards-
  • CULTURE- “Monks & Monasteries” ~Mission San Antonio de Padua~ (Founded-1772)

HAMES VALLEY AVA.      @Bradley

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Tourigo Nacional, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey
    •  In Monterey AVA.(South),  @Hw.#101, BORDERS-San Antonio AVA.(West)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Valley(Hames)”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountain Range, +Alt. 478ft.- 1,300 ft.(Vines-876ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Lockwood Shaly Loam, Chamise Shaly Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” Warmer, +Diurnal Shifts(35°)
  • VITICULTURE- 10,000ac./ 2,051ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Craftwork, Hames Valley, Scheid, Stokes’ Ghost
    • Vineyards- Harvey, Porter Smith II, S & C, Scheid

Monterey East

Gabilan Mts. Range & Diablo Mts. Range

SAN BENITO COUNTRY     @Entire County

  • WHITE=   |   RED= “Almost Everything/ Too Many to List”
    • **Refer to “AVA.s” For Varietal Information.
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito, @Hw.#25
  • VITICULTURE- Labeled– “SAN BENITO COUNTY”, Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Cienega)”

**San Benito Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Wine Maps at Delongwine.com

SAN BENITO AVA.     @Tres Pinos

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Negrette, Pinot Noir, Ruche, Susumaniello, Syrah, Truseass
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito, @Hw.#25
    • West of Coast/ Pacific Ocean(25 mi.)
    • Sub-Zones- Cienega Valley AVA., Palicines AVA., Mount Halan AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”, On~San Benito~River~
    • SLOPES/ Gabilan Mountains & Diablo Mountains Ranges, +Alt. 920ft.- 2,500ft.
    • TOPOGRAPHIC FORMATION– On San Andreas Fault-Line
      • Over the Years, the Geologic Uplift of Limestone, Shale and Granite Has Created a Fantastic Mix of Topography and Soil.
  • SOILS-  “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Calcareous, Granite, Limestone
  • CLIMATE-  “Continental”, With “Mediterranean” Influence, +RAIN/ 15 in., +Diurnal Shifts(+35°)
  • VITICULTURE- 45,000 ac./ 3,000 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-(Not Found In Demarcated AVA.)- Bonny Doon, Joyce
    • Vineyards-(Not Found In Demarcated AVA.)– Vista Verde, Popelouchum(45ac./ Randle Grahm)
  • CULTURE-
    • PIONEERS~ ~Theophile Vache~ “California” 1850’S First Planted Vines In San Benito.

CIENEGA VALLEY AVA.     @Paicines

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Carignan, Grenache, Merlot, Negrette, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito
    • In San Benito AVA.(West), South of Hollister-City(    mi.),  @Hw.#25
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Cienega)”
    • SLOPES/ Gavial Mountain Range(Central), +Alt. 920ft.- 1,100ft.
    • ON FAULT/ San Andreas
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Sandstone, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Semi-Arid” With “Continental” Influence, +Diurnal Shifts(40°)
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Companion Wine Co., DeRose, Eden Rift, Pietra Santa, Stirm
    • Vineyards- Gimeli, Petra Santa“Estate”(HVS./ Planted 1880), Warz
  • CULTURE- Wine From Petra Santa Vineyard In Cienega Valley Won a Medal at the 1900 Exposition In Paris, France.

LIME KILN VALLEY AVA.      @Paicines

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Gros Verdot, Mourvedre, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito
    • In Cienega Valley AVA., South of Hollister-City(     mi.), @Hw.#25
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Valley(Lime Kiln)”
    • SLOPES/ Gavial Mountain Range(Central), +Alt. ?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Sand-Loam, Gravel-Loam, Grant, Limestone, Dolomite Sub-Soil
  • CLIMATE- “Semi-Arid” With “Continental” Influence, +Diurnal Shifts(40°)
  • VITICULTURE- 2,300 ac./ 40 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Enz Family, Flint, Summerayne
    • Vineyards- Enz“Estate”

PALICINES AVA.     @Paicines

  • WHITE= Arneis, Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Petit Verdot
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito
    •  In San Benito AVA.(South-East), South of Hollister-City(   mi.),  @Hw.#25
    • 27 Miles From Pacific Ocean.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, SLOPES/ Gavial Mountain Range, +Alt.?
    • On~San Benito~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Sandy, Gravel, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Semi-Arid” With “Continental” Influence, +Diurnal Shifts(40°)
  • VITICULTURE- 500 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Donati Family, Madelein, Vista Verde Vineyard, Puma Road
    • Vineyards- Donati Family“Estate”(600ac.), Vista Verde“Estate”(900ac.)

MOUNT HALAN AVA.     @

  • WHITE= Aligote, Chardonnay, Viognier
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REIGON-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-San Benito
    • BORDERS-San Benito AVA.(North-East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Gavial Mountain Range, +Alt. 1,800ft.- 2,200ft.(Peak-3,800ft.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- “Semi-Arid” With “Continental” Influence, +Diurnal Shifts(40°)
  • VITICULTURE- 7,500 ac./100 ac. Planted,  1990– AVA. Officially Established
    • Estates/ Producers- Calera Wine Company(85ac.)
    • Vineyards- De Villiers, Jensen, Mills Early, Mills Late, Reed, Ryan, Selleck

CHALONE AVA.      @Soledad

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne, Pinot Blanc
  • RED= Garnacha, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REIGON-Central Coast“North”, COUNTY-Monterey, @Hw.#146
    • Not In Monterey AVA., East of Pacific Ocean(30mi.), East of Soledad-City(7mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, Above Salinas Valley
    • SLOPES/ Gavial Mountain Range(Central), +Alt. 1,200ft.- 2,300ft.(Vines-1,900 ft.), On~San Benito~River~
    • Gavialan Benchlands/ Plateau- Marine Deposits That Were Trapped Between North American Plate.  A Prehistoric Eruption of the Pinnacles Volcano Pushed a Large Tract of Limestone and Calcium Carbonate Soil to the Earths Surface.
    • TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS– Pinnacles National Monument
      •  Moving San Andreas Fault/ Tectonic & Volcanic Activity That Created Spires and Monolith Out-Cropping That’s the Back Drop of Chalone.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Limestone Over Decomposing Granite
    • Danvill Sandy-Loam, Vista Coarse Sandy-Loam, McCoy-Gilroy Complex
  • CLIMATE- “Semi-Arid” With “Continental” Influence, +Diurnal Shifts(40°)
    • +RAIN: 15in./ yr.
  • VITICULTURE- 8,500 ac./ 280 ac. Planted, Vines Since 1919,  ~Monopole~
    • CHALLENGES– Leaf Hopper, Willamette Mite, Birds, Small Rodents
    • Estates/ Producers- Chalone, Brosseau, I Brand & Family, Michaud
    • Vineyard- Antle, Blue Mountain, Dryhole, Graff Family, Grandpa’s, Grandma’s, Rockpile, Stonewall, Brosseau“Estate”, Chalone Vineyard(HVS.)
  • CULTURE- Chardonnay From Chalone Estate Placed 3rd. In 1976 Judgement of Paris.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Charles Tam~ “San Benito”, 1919,  Planted First Grapes In Chalone
      • ~Dick Graff~ “San Benito”, 1960’s Revitalized Chalone AVA.

**Refer to “BIBLIOGRAPHY/ Sources” For Details On Scholarly Works Referenced.