CALIFORNIACentral Coast South


CENTRAL COAST “SOUTH” IS   AVA.s- 21       @Paso Robles, Santa Barbara

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

GEOGRAPHY California(West-Central), REGION-Central Coast South

  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~ The Central Coast is Actually 1 Big, Long Region. (From Golden Gate Bridge In North to Santa Barbara County In South.)  For the Purposes of DtheV.com I Have Broken It Into to 2 Sub-Region…Central Coast North and Central Coast South.
  • BETWEEN-San Luis Obispo County to Santa Barbara County, @Hw.#101
  • COUNTIES-San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, +Latitude(35.6° to 34.6°N)
  • MAJOR CITIES-San Luis Obispo, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles
  • Sub-Zones/ AVA.’s- Adelaida AVA., Los Alamos AVA., Alisos Canyon AVA., Arroyo Grande AVA., Avila Valley AVA., Ballard Canyon AVA., Creston AVA., Edna Valley AVA., Estrella AVA., Los Foxen Canyon AVA., Geneseo AVA., Happy Canyon AVA., Highlands AVA., Los Olivos AVA., Paso Robles AVA., El Pomor AVA., San Juan Creek AVA., San Luis Obispo Coast AVA., San Miguel AVA., Santa Barbara Highlands, Santa Margarita AVA., Santa Maria Valley AVA., Santa Ynez Valley AVA., Sta. Rita Hills AVA., Templeton Gap AVA., Willow Creek AVA., York Mountain AVA.

TOPOGRAPHY FEATURES-

  • Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Arroyo Grande, Avila, Edna, Santa Maria, Santa Ynez)
  • SLOPES/ Pacific Coast Range/ Coast Mountain Ranges(Santa Lucia Mountains), +Altitude(238ft. to 3,200ft.)

TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS Monterey Formation

SOILS Metamorphic, Volcanic, Sedimentary

  • Monterey Formation- **Refer to Monterey County For Detailed Information.
  • Limestone Soil(One of 4 AVA.’s In California Where Limestone is Located.)
  • Ancient Sea Bed(Uplifted Sea Floor With Oyster Fossils/ Mollusks)

CLIMATE Mediterranean With Maritime and Continental Influences, With Micro-Climates

  • *Summers– Cool to Hot, Fog   |   *Winters– Cold, Rainy

VITICULTURE

  • HISTORICAL VINEYARD SOCIETY
    • Benito Dusi(HVS./*1920’s)  @Willow Creek AVA.
    • Dante Dusi(HVS./*1940’s)  @Willow Creek AVA.
    • Hoffman Mountain(HVS./*1960’s/23ac.)  @Adelaida AVA.
    • Pesenti(HVS./*1920)  @Willow Creek AVA.
    • Saint Marie(HVS./*1964)  @Paso RoblesAVA.
    • Saucelito Canyon(HVS./*1880’s/3ac.)  @Arroyo Grande AVA.
    • Steinbeck(HVS./*1880’s)  @GeneseoAVA.

CULTURE

  • RHONE RANGERS- Group of American Wine Makers Who Grow Grape Varieties Native to the Rhone Region of France. This Non-Profit is Dedicated to Wine Education and the Promotion of American Rhone Varietals.
    • History Originally Formed In the 1987 When 16 Rhone Grape Producers Got Together In Berkley to  Discuss How to Unite This Movement.
      • Today Its Members Include Wineries, Growers, Associate and Customer Members Located In Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Michigan and Virginia.
    • PIONEERS~ All Original Members of the Rhone Rangers.
      • ~Randall Graham~ ~Joseph Phelps~ ~Ken Brown~ ~John Macready~
      • ~Bill Crawford~ ~Fred Cline~ ~Bob Lindquist~ ~John Cushman~
  • ACADEMICS~ ~Allan Hancock College~     @Santa Maria, California 
    • Specialization~ Viticulture and Enology Degree Programs.

GOING THERE

  • Wine Touring the Central Coast Can Be Done as a One Stop Weekend Destination or Done as an Extended Wine Tour In Which Multiple Regions or AVA.’s 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.
  • DEMYSTIFYING PROCEDURE~ ~Don’t Do an Entire Central Coast South In One Day or One Weekend.~
    • When Traveling to a Large Wine Region Like the Central Coast South Don’t Try to Consume It In All at Once.  Don’t Go to a Winery In Santa Ynez In the Late Morning and Then Drive Up to Paso Robles For an Afternoon Tasting.  This Rushes the Entire Experience All While Passing Multiple Quality Wine Areas Along the Way.  Take Your Time to Explore an Area and Get the Feel For the Vineyards and Wine by Visiting Multiple Wineries In One Area.

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


SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY      @Entire County

  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
  • VITICULTURE LabeledSAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY, Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.

PASO ROBLES AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 5%, Sauvignon Blanc 2%, Albariño, Bourboulenc, Chenin Blanc, Clairette Blanc, Falanghina, Garnache Blanc, Malvasia Bianco, Marsanne, Muscat/ Canelli,/ Orange, Muscardin, Petit Manseng, Picardin, Picqoul Blanc, Pinot Gri, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Tannat, Traminer, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 39%, Merlot 14%, Syrah 9%, Zinfandel 8%, Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Cinsault, Counoise, Dolcetto, Gamay, Garnacha, Graciano, Lagrein, Malbec, Marselan, Mencia, Merlot, Mission, Montepulciano, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Nero d’Avola, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sagrantino, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, Terret Noir, Touriga Nacional, Vaccarese, Valdiguie
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • BORDERS-Monterey Country(North), Kern County(East), Cuesta Grade(South)
    • (25 Miles Long & 25 Miles Wide), 6 Miles to Pacific Ocean, +Latitude(35.6°N)
    • BETWEEN-San Francisco & Los Angeles
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.’s Adelaida AVA., Creston AVA., Estrella AVA., Geneseo AVA., Highlands AVA., El Pomar AVA., San Juan Creek AVA., Santa Margarita AVA., San Miguel AVA., Templeton Gap AVA., Willow Creek AVA., York Mountain AVA.
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101/ #46
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous
    • On~Salinas~River~(North & South)
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains(La Panza Range)(West), Cholame Hills(East)
    • On~Nacimiento/ Santa Margarita~Lake~
    • West Side- West of 101, Hillsides & Canyons, +Altitude(850ft. to 2,000ft.)
      • Hilly/ Mountainous, Resulting From Uplift of Monterey Formation
    • South Side- East of 101, Rolling Hills, +Altitude(700ft. to 1,200ft.)
      • Flat/ Rolling, Estella River Plain
    • TOPOGRAPHIC-EVENTS– Monterey Shale Formation
    • ON FAULT/~Huerhuero~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, SedimentarySoil Series-(30)-
    • Old Sea Floor(Ancient Marine Sediment), From Mesozoic Period(28 Million Years Ago).
    • Clay, Limestone, Sandy, Silty, Loams, Gravel, Calcareous Shales, Sandstone
    • Calleguas(Well Draining Clay-Loam),  Calodo(Calcareous Shale & Sandstone)
    • Danville(Sandy-Loam),  Linne(Shale, Sandstone, Clay-Loam), Nacimiento(Silty-Clay-Loam)
  • CLIMATE- Continental With Micro-Climates,  +Rain(15in. to 30in./yr.)
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+45°Variation), High to +100°
    • GAP/~Templeton Gap~ Air Flowing In From the Pacific Ocean(Estrello Bay) Following Huer Huero Creek.
      • ~Cuesta Grade~
  • VITICULTURE- 614,000 ac./ 35,000 acPlanted, +200 Wineries
    • CHALLENGES– Wild Boars
  • HISTORY- 1930 First Zinfandel Vines Planted
    • 1960 & 1970’s @Paso Robles First Cabernet Sauvignon Vines Planted.
      • By Dr. Staley Hoffman & Andre Tchelistcheff
    • 1980’s  @Paso Robles Large Scale Wineries Start to Be Built.
    • 1983 @Paso Robles AVA. Officially Established.
    • 1990’s @Paso Robles Rhone Varietals Start to Be Planted In Vineyards.
  • CULTURE-  ~Etymology~ Originally Named El Paso de Robles AKA=The Pass of the Oaks.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Gary Eberle~ Original Planted Syrah, Lead Petition For Paso Robles AVA..
      • ~Jerry Lohr~ Paso Robles, 1980, Recognized Potential For Bordeaux Varietals.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance~
      • Mission~ Non-Profit Trade Association Aiming to Strengthen Awareness and Attract Wine Enthusiasts to Paso Robles.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Paso Robles CAB Collective PRCC.~
      • Mission~ Members Aim to Produce Not Only High-Quality Wines But Also Expressions That Wholly Embody Their Unique Piece of Paso Robles.
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE SQUARE~ ~Paso Robles Square/ Downtown~ Tasting Rooms, Plus, Breweries, Restaurants, Other
      • D’Anbino, Asuncion Ridge, Copia, Derby, Justin, LXV., Tudor
    • WINE SQUARE~ ~Tin City~ Tasting Room Complex In Former Warehouse/ Industrial Structure Nestled Amongst the Oaks Where Friends, Adventurers, and Aficionados Come Together to Partake in Craft Wine, Beer and Spirits Served Up By Paso Robles’s Most Passionate Artisans.
      • Wineries– Aaron, Al Lago, Benom, Desperada, Fableist, Field Recordings, Giornata, Groundwork, Jacob Toft, Levo, Powell Mountain, Sans Leige, Untion Sacre, Wine Shine
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Wine Speak~ (January)
      • ~Rhone Rangers(February)
      • ~Paso Robles CAB.Cabernet and Bordeaux~ (April/ Paso Robles)
      • ~Garagist Wine Festival(November/ Paso Robles)
    • MUSIC/ CONCERTS~ ~Vina Robles Amphithéâtre~ See a Concert at Night After Wine Tasting.

Western Hilly Area

ADELAIDA AVA.     @San Miguel

  • WHITE= Bourboulenc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Muscardin, Roussanne, Picardan, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Petit Mansing, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Counoise, Gamay, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Muscardin, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tannat, Terret Noir, Touriga Nacional, Vaccarese, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(North-West)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(West)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley/ Terraced
    • SLOPES/ San Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(900ft. to 2,367ft.)Vines to 2,000 ft.)
    • On~Tablas~Creek/ On~Nacimiento~Lake~(Near), +Gradient(to 60°)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Calcareous, Clay-Silt, Loam-Shale, Sandstone, Chalk, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Continental Influences
    • Cool Afternoon Coastal Air From Proximity to Pacific Ocean.
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation), +RAIN/25in./yr.
  • VITICULTURE- 53,342 ac./ 979 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Adelaide*(E./*1981), Barton, Brecon, Calcareous, Carmody McKnight, Daou*, Dubost, Halter Ranch*(50ac.), Hammer Sky, Justin, Kukkula, Law, Lone Madrone, Rangeland, Paix Sur Terre, Parrish Family(E./40ac.), Sixmile-Bridge, Starr Ranch, Tablas Creek*(E./*1989/115ac./Perrin & Haas), Thacher, Tolo, Villa Creek, Whalebone*, Wild Coyote
    • Vineyards- Adelaide“Estate”(30ac.), Alta Colina, Anna’s East, Anna’s West, Bobcat Crossing, Calcareous(1.5ac.), Danger Zone, Gean Ranch, Glenrose, Halter RanchEstate”(50ac.), HMR, Hoffman Mountain(HVS./*1960’s/23ac.), Michael’s, Old Bailey Ranch, Old Oak, Rancho San Ignacio, Rolph, Scruffy Hill, Sixmileridge(9ac.), Surf Song, Tir na NOG, Tom Colburn(7ac.), Ueberroth(*1885), Viking(16.5ac.), La Vista
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.

YORK MOUNTAIN AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Clairette, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Graciano, Malbec, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(West)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(West), 46(North & South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(1,412ft. to 1,678ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Chalk, Limestone, Decomposing Sandstone
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean, Influence From Pacific Ocean(Near/ 6 Miles)
  • VITICULTURE- 9,350 ac./ 358 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Epoch*, Lago Giuseppe, Ledge, Rocky Creek, Royal Nonesuch Farm, Stephen’s Cellar, York Mountain
    • Vineyards- Carver(15ac.), Mountain Meadows(5ha.),  Royal Nonesuch“Estate”(7.5ac.), Shadow Mountain, York Mountain(21ac.)
  • CULTURE- 1984- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ~Etymology~ Named After Andrew York, the First to Plant Vines In 1870’s.

WILLOW CREEK AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Picpoul, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Carmenere, Cinsaut, Counoise, Garnacha, Graciano, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(West)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(West), 46(North & South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- Rolling/ Hilly/ MountainousOn~Willow~Creek~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(965ftto 2,000ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Calcareous, Loam
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean, Cool Afternoon Coastal Air From Proximity to Pacific Ocean(11mi.)
  • VITICULTURE- 1,162 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Allegretto, Austin Hope, L’Aventure, Copia, Clos Solene, Dark Star, Denner, Dunning, Ecluse, Four Lanterns(20ac.), Hardesty, Hoyt, Hunk, Jada(E./46ac.), Linne Calodo, Ledge, LXV., Miles Garrett, Niner, Opoch, Opolo*, Proulx, Rangeland, Rotta, Saxum, Shadowbrook, Thacher, Tooth & Nail*, Torrin, Turley, Venteux, Windward(15ac.)
    • Vineyards- 4Hearts, Allegretto“Estate”, Benito Dusi(HVS./*1920’s), Booker, Broken Stones, Catapult, Coakley, Dante Dusi(HVS./*1940’s), Denner“Estate”, Dunning“Estate”, G2(40ac.) Heart Hill(79ac.), James Berry(*1981), Kiler Canyon, Jade, Miracles Ranch, Old Oak, Paderewski(67ac.), Pesenti(HVS./*1920), Rail Naps, Thibido(11ac.), Turtle Rock, Ueberroth, Willow Creek(40ac.), Windward“Estate”(15ac.)
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.
  • GOING THERE- ESTATE TOUR~ ~Opolo~

TEMPLETON GAP AVA.    @Templeton

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Falanghina, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Picpoul Blanc, Pinot Gris, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Dorsa, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Cinsault, Counoise, Dolcetto, Garnacha, Graciano, Malbec, Merlot, Montepulciano, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(West-Central)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(West & East)/ Hw.#46(North & South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraces/ Gap, On~Salinas~River~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(777ft. to 1,157ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Alluvial Terraces, Silt, Clay, Loams, Rocky
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Maritime Influence
    • Templeton Gap In Coastline at Morro/ Estero Bays Allowing Ocean Air to Follow Highway #46 Corridor West to East.
  • VITICULTURE- 641 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Aronhill, Bella Luna, Bethel Road, Caliza, Castoro*, Clesi(10ac.), Cypher, Dark Star, Derby“Estate”, Donatoni, Donati, Dover Canyon, Dunning, Four Lanterns, Fratelli Perata, Hope Family, Hunt, Jada, J. Dusi, Niner, Red Soles, Rotta, Peachy Canyon*, Seven Angels Summerwood*, Turley, Zenaida
    • Vineyards- Alta Colina, Aronhill“Estate”, Derby, Derby Westside(34ac.), Dusi, Hansen, Holmestead, Martinelli, Mustang Springs(55ac.), Old SchoolHouse(15ac.), Templeton Preserve(112ac.)Rotta“Estate”, Whale Rock, Winward, Zenaida“Estate
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.

Inland Valley Area

SAN MIGUEL AVA.     @San Miguel

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Aglianico, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(North)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(West & East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(638ft. to 852ft.)
    • On~Estrella/Salinas~Rivers~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Alluvial Terraces
  • VITICULTURE- 1,901 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Rabbit Ridge, San Marcos Creek, Domaine Degher
    • Vineyards- Bottom Line Ranch(265ac.), Casa Grande, J. Lohr“Estate”, Rabbit Ridge, Sunbelt, Wild Rose
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.
    • Monks & Monasteries ~San Miguel Arcangel~ (Founded 1797 by Father Lasuen)

ESTRELLA AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Falanghina, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Pfeffer, Cabernet Sauvignon Garnacha Legrein, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Petite Syrah, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central CoastSouth, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(North)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(East), 46(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling/ Valley
    • SLOPES/ Cholame Hills, +Altitude(1,200ft.)
    • On~San Juan Creek~Tributary~Estrella~River~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Sandy-Loam, Alkaline Calcareous Base
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Continental Influences
  • VITICULURE- ? acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Brady, Broken Earth(700ac.), Dracaena, Four Sisters, Hearst Ranch, High Camp, J Lohr*, RN. Roger Nicolas, San-Juliette(108ac.), Tackett
    • Vineyards- Brady“Estate”, Hilltop, Home Ranch, Laura’s(*1997), Jack Knife, Plummer, Saunders, Seven Oaks, St. Eva Hill
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.

GENESEO AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier
  • RED= Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(Central)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(West), 46(South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraced
    • Uplifted Hills Along Huerhuero-La Panza Fault.
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(600ft. to 1,300ft.)
    • On~Huerhuero Creek/ Estrella~River~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Gravel, Silt, Clay, Alluvial Terraces, Alkaline Calcareous Elements
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Continental Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 17,300ac./ acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Allegretto, Asuncion, Bianchi*, Brochelle, Cass(145ac.), Ernst, EOS, Eberle*(38ac.), Penman Springs, Robert Hall, Sculpterra, Steinbeck, Vina Robles
    • Vineyards- Bootjack Ranch(84ac.), Cass(145ac.), Estrella River, Frankel, Lago de los Patos, Mill Stone, Steinbeck“Estate”(HVS./*1880’s)
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Gary Eberle~ 1970, Planted First Syrah Vineyard In California.

El POMOR AVA.     @PasoRobles

  • WHITE= Riesling, Viognier
  • RED= Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(Central)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#101(East), #41(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly, SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(842ft. to 1,180ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Alluvial Terraces, Loamy, Standstone
    • Linne-Calodo Soils, Arbuckle-Positas Soils
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Continental Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 2,387 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- AmByth(Bio.-Dyn.), Burbank Ranch, Hansen, J. Lohr, Pomar Junction, Riboli, Still Water(E./60ac.), Vina Robles
    • Vineyards Huerhuero, Maddalena, El Pomar, Pomar Junction, Pretty Penny, RBZ(80ac.), Shotwell, Stefano
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.

Inland Hilly Area

SAN JUAN CREEK AVA.     @Shandon

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central CoastSouth, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(East)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#41(West & East), #46(North & South), Near Coast(25 Miles)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling, On Fault(San Juan), On~San Jaun~Creek~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(1,153ft. to 1,192ft.)(Peak…1,600ft.)
    • On~San Juan~Creek/Cholame~Creek~Tributaries~Estrella~River~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Alluvual Plain
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Continental Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 26,004 ac./ 2,826 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Glunz, Hearst Ranch, Red Cedar, Tobin James*
    • Vineyards- Red Cedar“Estate”, San Juan
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ~Robert Young~ Planted First Commercial Vineyard In San Juan Creek In 1960’s.

HIGHLANDS DISTRICT AVA.     @Templeton

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malvasia Bianca, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Lagrein, Malbec, Petite Sirah Syrah, Syrah, Valdiguie, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(South-East)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#58(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling, Near Pacific Ocean(33mi.)
    • SLOPES/ La Panza Range, +Altitude(1,160ft. to 2,086ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, “Sedimentary”, Limestone, Sandy Loam
  • CLIMATE- Continental, Warmest/ Paso AVA., +Diurnal Shifts(+35°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 60,305 ac./? acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Miller Family, Outward, Thatcher
    • Vineyards- French Camp(2,000ac.), Shandon Hills, Shell Creek(*1971/165ac.)
  • HISTORY- Highlands Had a Cattle Ranching History Going Back to 1800’s.
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.

Southern Area

CRESTON AVA.     @Creston

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Roussanne
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central CoastSouth, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(South-East)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw.#229/ #41(North & South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling,
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains(La Panza Range), +Altitude(1,012ft. to 1,370ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Granite, Sedimentary, Loams, Clay
    • Eroding Plateau at Base of La Panza Range.
  • VITICULTURE- 47,000 ac./ 1,387 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- August Ridge, B. &  E., J. Lohr, Loading Chute, Margene(9ac.), Olivia’s de Oro, Parrish Family, Riboli, Shadow Run, Stanger
    • Vineyards- Becks(115ac.), Michael’s, Riboli Creston, Shadow Run“Estate”, Stella’s
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.

SANTA MARGARITA AVA.    @Santa Margarita, Pozo

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- REGION-Central Coast South, SUB-REGION-Paso Robles AVA.(South)
    • COUNTY-San Luis Obispo, @Hw#101(West & East)
    • Southernmost Sub AVA. In Paso Robles, North of San Luis Obispo-City(10mi.)
    • 14 Miles From Pacific Ocean, 
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly, Higher Southern Mountain Slopes
    • On~Lake~Margarita~/On~Santa Margarita~Creek~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Altitude(55ft. to 1,811ft.)(Vines 1,027ft. to  1,198ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Volcanic
    • Ancient Sea Bed(Uplifted Sea Floor With Oyster Fossils/ Mollusks), Limestone, Shale, Granite, Rocky Alluvium
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Continental Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 1,318 acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers- Ancient Peaks*, Vintage Cowboy
    • Vineyards- Margarita(857ac.)
  • CULTURE- 2014- AVA. Officially Established.
  • GOING THERE- NON-WINE~  Zip Line Through the Margarita Vineyard.

OTHERS Paso Robles    @Not Found In Demarcated AVA.

  • Estates/ Producers Ascension, Ayden Tyler, Field Recordings, Herman Story, Kinero, MCV
  • Vineyards Bailey Ranch, Bella Collina, Booker, Cross Creek, G2(40ac.), Gemeny, Hastings Ranch, Herdsman, Heart Stone(7ac.), Kentucky Ranch, Klau Mine, Luna Matta, Osgood, Pipestone, Rosewynn, Saint Marie(HVS./*1964), Terry Hoage, Webster


SAN LUIS OBISPO COAST AVA   @San Luis Obispo

  • WHITE= Albariño, Aligote, Altesse, Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanco, Gewürztraminer, Gringet, Grüner Veltliner, Jacquere, Marsanne, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Savagnin Vert, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise, Gamay, Garnacha, Lagrein, Mencia, Merlot, Mondeuse, Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Syrah, Tempranillo, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • BETWEEN: Monterey County Line(North) & Santa Barbara County Line(South)
    • CITIES– Arroyo Grande, Avila Beach, Cambria, Moro Bay, San Luis Obispo, San Simeon
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA’s- Avila Valley AVA.(Un-Official), Edna Valley AVA, Arroyo Grande AVA., Pismo Beach, Price Canyon
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Avila, Edna)
      • Santa Lucia Mountains(In North-East)
      • San Luis Mountains(In South-West)
      • Gaps- Morro Bay Gap, Los Osos Bay Gaps
    • TOPOGRAPHIC EVENTS
      • Coast and Soils Formed 17 Million Years Ago From the Tectonic Collision of the Pacific Plant and the Continental.
      • Franciscan Formation-
  • CLIMATE- Maritime With Mediterranean Influences
    • Fog Rolls Into San Luis Obispo From Morro Bay In the North, and Arroyo Grande In the South.
    • Morning Fog Burning Off Leaving Late Morning/ Afternoon Sun.
    • Coolest Grape Growing AVA. In State.
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, VolcanicSedimentary, Sandstone, Guadalupe/Pismo Sand Complex
    • Marine Shale, Fossilized Shells, Sandy Loam, Clay, Volcanic Deposits
  • VITICULTURE- 408,000 ac./  3,949 acPlanted, CHALLANGE/ Leaf Roll Virus
    • Sustainability In Practice– (SIP.) The Majority of Wineries Focuses On Sustainability.
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Located Within Demarcated Sub-AVA.) Absolution, Acquorea, Croma Vera, Cutruzzola, Filipponi, El Lugar, Maidenstoen, Phelan Farm(11.5ac.), Piedra Creek, Ragtag, Stolo, Timbre, Verdad & Lindquist
    • Vineyards-(Not Located Within Demarcated Sub-AVA.) Derbyshire, Divine(2.91ac.), Jensen(3.08ac.), Phoenix(3.83ac.), Silva(1.66ac.), Spanish Springs, Steiner Creek(13ac.), Stolo“Estate
  • HISTORY/ CULTURE- AKA= SLO Coast
    • 2022- AVA. Officially Established.
    • Monks & Monasteries ~Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa~ (Founded 1772)
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~SLO. Coast Wine Collective~
      • Mission~ With Just 32 Members Wineries Averaging Only Five Miles From the Coast, We Invite You to Thoroughly Explore the Cool Climate, Handcrafted Wines of the SLO Coast.
    • ACADEMIC~ ~University of California San Luis Obispo~
      • Specialization~ Distinctive Interdisciplinary Major In Wine & Viticulture.

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


EDNA VALLEY AVA.     @Edna

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 6%, Albariño, Gewürztraminer, Garnacha Blanco, Grüner Veltliner, Marsanne, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
    RED= Pinot Noir 4%, Garnacha, Petite Sirah, Poulsard, Syrah, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • In San Luis Obispo Coast AVA., South of San Luis Obispo-City(2mi.)
    • @Hw.#227/ Orcutt Rd./ Biddle Ranch Rd., BORDERS-Arroyo Grande AVA.(South)
    • Sub-Zones- Hw.#227(West-Valley Floor), Orcutt Rd.(East-Hillsides)
  • TOPOGRAPHY Features Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Edna/ Semi-Transverse)
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains +Altitude(238ft. to 480ft.)
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 8mi.), On~Lake Lopez~(Near)
    • VOLACNISM~ Islay Peak Volcano
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Volcanic
    • Calcareous Clays, Marimel Sandy Clay, Black Humus
    • Valley Floor– Clay   |   Hillsides– Sandstone, Clay Loam, Shale
  • CLIMATE- Marine With Mediterranean Influences
    • Morning Fog Burning Off Leaving Late Morning/ Afternoon Sun.
    • Cool Marine Air From Los Osos/ Morro Bay Area.
    • *Generally– Considered Central Coast South Coolest Wine AVA.
  • VITICULTURE- 22,400 ac./ 2,569 acPlanted,  CHALLENGE/ Leaf Roll Virus
    • Estate/ Producer Alban(E./25ac.), Alfred, Autry, Balieyana, Biddle Ranch, Cadre, Center of Effort(E./121ac.), Chamisal, Clairborne & Churchill, Edna Valley*, Kynsi, Lady of the Sunshine, Niven Family*(Produces… Baileyana, Tangent, True Myth), Ragtag, Sextant, Sllide Hill, Stephen Ross, Saucelito Canyon, Tolosa*(150ac.), Wolff(E./161ac.)
    • Vineyards Alban“Estate”, Bee Sweet, Biddle Ranch“Estate”, Carroll Ranch, Center of Effort“Estate”, Chene, Chamisal, Difrozo, Donati, Edna Ranch, Firepeak(111ac.), Greengate Ranch(76ac.), Hollister, Jack Ranch(262ac.), Jespersen Ranch(77ac.), Kynsi, Lady of the Sunshine(6.5ac.), Lewis, La Lomita Ranch, MacGregor, MarFarm, Marshall, Monighetti, Moretti Canyon(63ac.), Morro View, Mountainside(439ac.), Oceanside(96ac.), Odyssey Thurlestone(120ac.), Oliver’s(36ac.), Paragon(700ac.), Platt, Poletti, Righetti Ranch, Salaal Flats(85ac.), Sawyer-Linquest(40ac.), Silva, Slide Hill”Estate”, Stephen Ross“Estate”, Stone Corral(28ac.), Stornettia, Tiffany Hill, Traverse, Twin Creeks, Wolff“Estate

ARROYO GRANDE AVA.     @Arroyo Grande

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Marsanne, Riesling, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Counoise, Garnacha, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central CoastSouth, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • In San Luis Obispo Coast AVA., East of Arroyo Grande-City(2mi.),  @Hw.#227
    • BORDERS-Edna Valley AVA.(North/1mi.), Sub-Zones- Upper Valley, Lower Valley
  • TOPOGRAPHY Feature- Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Arroyo Grande/ Semi-Treverse)
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountain Range, +Altitude(178ft. to 991ft.)
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/3.5 mi.)
    • On~Lake Lopez~(Near/mi.), On~Arroyo Grande~Creek~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, VolcanicSedimentary, Diablo Clay, Rocky Clay Loam
    • Ocean Floor Parent Material.  +Formations/ Bedrock/~Franciscan Complex~
  • CLIMATE- Marine With Mediterranean Influences
    • Morning Fog Burning Off Leaving Late Morning/ Afternoon Sun.
  • VITICULTURE- 42,880ac./ 1,235acPlanted, CHALLANGE/ Leaf Roll Virus
    • Estate/ Producer- Laetitia*, Kysinky, Peacock, Phanton Rivers, Surreal Wines, Talley*(E./159ac.)Timbre, Qupe, Zinnia
    • Vineyards East Rincon, Les Galets, Monte Sereno(3ac.), Old Potrero, Oliver’s, Rancho Arroyo Grande, Rosemary’s(29ac.) Rincon(74ac.), Saucelito Canyon(HVS./*1880’s/3ac.), Stone Corral, Talley“Estate”(28ac.), Las Ventanas(4ac.)
  • CULTURE- 1990- AVA. Officially Established.

AVILA VALLEY AVA. (Un-Official)   @Avila Beach

  • WHITE= Albariño, Aligote, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central CoastSouthCOUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • In San Luis Obispo Coast AVA., South-West of San Luis Obispo-City(9mi.)
    • @Hw.#101/ San Luis Dr.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Avila)
    •  SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountain Range(Ontario Ridge), +Altitude(269ft.)
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ .5mi.- 2mi.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Arnold-Pismo Loamy Sand, Marine Sandstone
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean With Maritime Influence
    • Morning Fog Burning Off Leaving Late Morning/ Afternoon Sun.
  • VITICULTURE-acPlanted
    • Estate/ Producer- Alapay, Avila Wine, Croma Vera, Culton Wine Co, Kelsey See Canyon, Morovino, Peloton, Silver Horse, Sinor-Lavallee*(M. Sinor), Scar of the Sea, Stolo Family
    • Vineyards- Bassi(30ac.), Topotero(5ac.)
  • CULTURE- FESTIVALS~ ~Wine & Waves~ (May/ Avila Beach)

OTHERS San Luis Obispo County    @Not Found In Demarcated AVA.

  • Estate/Producers
  • Vineyards Bassetti, Riven Rock, Steiner Creek(13ac.)

The Nine Sisters

  • GEOGRAPHY California, REGION-Central Coast South
    • Nine Sisters/ The Morros (9 Large and 12 Smaller) Chain of Nine Volcanic Mountains and Hills Formed by Volcanic Plugs of Magna Rising Up From Left Over Congealed Lava Vents In Western San Luis Obispo County.  These Series of Volcanic Plugs or Sisters” Are 12 Miles Long and Start In Morro Bay With Morro Rock and Run East Past the San Luis Obispo to Islay Peak In Edna Valley. These Resulted From the Oligocene Era.(20 Million Years Ago)
    • Morro Rock (576 ft.)   Black Hill (665 ft.)   Cerro Cabrillo (911 ft.)
    • Hollister Peak (1,404 ft.)   Cerro Romauldo (1,306 ft.)   Chumash Peak (1,257 ft.)
    • Bishop Peak (1,559 ft.)   Cerro San Luis (1,292 ft.)   Islay Peak (775 ft.)

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY    @Entire County

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 35%, Sauvignon Blanc 5%, Albariño, Aligote, Chenin Blanc, Friulano, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Malvasia, Marsanne, Melon de Bourgogne, Müller Thurgau, Picpoul, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Semillon, Valdiguie, Vermentino, Viognier, Xarel-lo
  • RED= Pinot Noir 20%, Syrah 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 4%, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Counoise, Dolcetto, Dornfelder, Gamey, Garnacha, Graciano, Mencia, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Meunier, Refosco, Ruche, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • BORDERS-San Luis Obispo County(North), +Latitude(34.42° to 35.6°N)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous
    • SLOPES/ Transverse Ranges, +Altitude(750ft. to 3,250ft.)
    • Topographic Events- Central Coast(South)
      • 12 Million Years Ago Pacific Plate Slipped Under North American Plate Pushing the Sea-Floor up Onto Land. An Earthquake Event Broke Off Part of Plate Around Point Conception and is Now Rotating Freely Creating Transverse Valley Starting at Point Arguello In West On the Coast and Moving Eastward.
    • Transverse Valley- A Valley That Runs Perpendicular (West to East) to the General Strike of the Underlying Strata Which it Usually Runs. (North to South)
      • Without Mountains to Act as a Barrier the Fog and Cool Air Has an Unobstructed Past Funnel Inland and Has a Distinct Cooling Effect On the Area.
      • Santa Barbara County is Made Up of 4 Transverse Valleys.
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Diatomaceous Earth, Shaley-Loam, Corralitos Loamy Sand, Botella-Clay, Limestone
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean,  +WINDS~~Esolu~(Origins…Pacific Ocean)
    • Humboldt Current(From North) Collides With Japanese Current(From West).
  • VITICULTURE- 21,349 acPlanted
  • VINICULTURE- Labeled– S.B. COUNTY” Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
  • CULTURE Monks & Monasteries ~Mission Santa Barbara~ (Founded 1804)
    • PIONEERS~ ~Richard SanfordFirst to Plant Pinot Noir In Santa Rita Hills.
      • ~Bryan BabcockPrince of Pinot Noir, On of First to Plant In Santa Rita Hills.
      • ~Rick Longoria~ Helped Santa Barbara County Wines Commercially.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Santa Barbara Vinters~
      • Mission~ To Support and Promote Santa Barbara County as a World-Class, Authentic Wine Producing and Wine Grape Growing Region.
  • GOING THERE-
    • URBAN WINE TRAILS~
      • ~Santa Barbara Funk Zone~ Santa Barbara Area a Couple Block From Beach
        • Tasting Rooms– Car(TR.), Deep Sea/ Conway(On Sterns Wharf)(TR.), Jaffurs(TR.), Lafond(TR.), Miller Family*(TR.), Municipal Winemakers(TR.), Pali Wine Co.*(TR.), Valley Project*(TR.), Whitcraft(TR.)
      • ~Santa Barbara Presidio~
        • Tasting Rooms– Au Bon Climat(TR.), Barden(TR.), Frequency Wine(TR.), Grassini(TR.), Happy Canyon Vineyards(TR.), Jamie Slone(TR.), Silver(TR.)
      • ~Other Urban Wine Trails~ La Arcada, Midtown, Summerland
        • Margerum(TR.)
      • ~Solvang~ 
        • Tasting Rooms– La Arcada Alisal(TR.), Blackjack(TR.), Buttonwood(TR.), Cali Love(TR.), Carivintas(TR.), Casa Cassara(TR.), Cecchetti(TR.), Dana V.(TR.), Feliz Noche(TR.), Lions Peak(TR.), Lucas & Lewellen/Toccata*(TR.), Lucky Dogg(TR.)
    • FESTIVAL~ ~World of Pinot~ (March, Santa Barbara)
      • ~California Wine Festival~ (July, Santa Barbara)
      • ~Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival(June, Santa Barbara)

SANTA MARIA VALLEY AVA.     @Santa Maria

  • WHITE= Aligote, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Friulano, Malvasia, Marsanne, Melon de Bourgogne, Picpoul, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Tocai Friulano, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Garnacha, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Ruche, Refosco, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central CoastSouth, +Latitude(34.95°N)
    • COUNTY-Santa Barbara, (Laps)San Luis Obispo,  @Hw.#101(East)
    • Sub-Zones- Somomon Hills, Tepusquet Canyon
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Santa MariaTransverse)/Mesa
    • SLOPES/ San Rafael Mountains(North/ East), Solomon Hills(South), +Altitude(120ft. to 1,100ft.)
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 15 Miles)
    • On~Sisquoc/ Cuyama~Rivers~On~Twitchell~Reservoir~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Chamise Shale/ Clay
    • Elder Loam, Los Osos Clay Loam, Macho Loam, Sorrento Silty/ Clay Loam, Monterey Shale
    • Oceana Marina– Finely Grained Sand, INFLUENCE/ GAP-Santa Maria
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean+WINDS~~Esolu~(Origins…Pacific Ocean)
  • VITICULTURE- ? acPlanted
    • Estate/ Producer- A Tribute to Grace, AuBon Climat, Belle Glos, Bein Nacido*(E.), Cambria*(E./1,600ac.), Colson Canyon(16ac.), Cottonwood Canyon, Costa de Oro, Deirberg*, La Fenetre, Foxen*(E.), J Wilkes*, Kenneth Volk, Lumen, Miller Family, Rancho Sisquoc(E.), Presqu’ile(E.), River Bench(E.), Scar of the Sea, Sin qua Non, Qupe, Tatomer, Tensley
    • Vineyards Allan Hancock(4ac.), Angle of Repose, AuBon Climat(52ac.), Bien Nacido“Estate”(*1973/500ac./The Captain“Block”/X “Block”/“Block 1-1”/“Block 11D1”/“Block 11D3”/“Block 42A”/“Block 42.B”/“Block 49A”), Clark & Telephone, Colson Canyon“Estate”, Convergence, Deirberg“Estate”, Ernesto Wickenden, Flagstone, Garey, Golden Cross, Goodchild, Halo, High 9, Julia’s, Katherine, Live Oak, Lo-Fi, Lumen, Molly Aida, Murmur, Nelson/ Byran, North Canyon, Old Adobe, Presqu’ile“Estate”, Rancho Ontiveros(8ac.), Rancho Real, Rancho Sisquoc“Estate”, Rancho Vinedo(*1973), Riverbench, Runway(16ac.), Sierra Madre(151ac.), Solomon Hills(99ac.), Sisquoc, Tepusquet(14ac.), Thompson, Tinaquaic, Upper Bench, Warner Henry, White Glove, Wild King
  • CULTURE-
    • PIONEERS~ ~Jim Clendenen~ Original Rhone Ranger, Founder of Au Bon Climat Winery.
      • ~Bob Lindquist~ Original Rhone Ranger Founder of  Qupe Winery.
      • ~Bob & Steve Miller~ Grape Growers Planted Bien Nacido Vineyard In 1973.
    • ACADEMICS~ ~Allan Hancock College~
      • *Specialization~ Viticulture and Enology Degree Programs.

**Santa Maria Images Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com


LOS FOXEN CANYON AVA. (Un-Official)      @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Picpoul, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South,  COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • @Hw. Foxen Canyon Rd.
    • BETWEEN-Interior Santa Maria & Santa Ynez, East End of Santa Maria Valley.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Canyon(Foxen), SLOPES/ ?, +Altitude(1,400ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean
  • VITICULTURE- ? acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers Andrew Murray, Curtis, Demetria, Fess Parker*(E.), Firestone*(E.), Koehler, Tres Hermanas, Zaca Mesa(E.)
    • Vineyards Baby Bear, Black Bear Block(3.5ac.), Firestone“Estate”, Martini Ranch, Rodney’s
  • GOING THERE- WINE TRAIL~ ~Foxen CanyonSanta Ynez

LOS ALAMOS AVA.     @Los Alamos

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Malvasia, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Dolcetto, Gamay, Garnacha, Graciano, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • BETWEEN-Santa Ynez Valley & Santa Maria Valley, @Hw.#101(E. & W.) & #135
    • Sub-Zones- Los Alamos Flats, Alisos Canyon(East), Cat Canyon, Comasa Canyon, Palmer Canyon
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Los Alamos/ Transverse)
    • Los Alamos Valley is Between Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley.
    • SLOPES/ Solomon Hills, +Altitude(848ft.), On~San Antonio~Creek~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary,  Botella Series Shale, Clay, Gravel, Guadalupe/Pismo Sand Complex
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean
  • VITICULTURE-acPlanted
    • Estate/ Producer A Tribute to Grace, Bedford*, Burnetz, Casa Dumetz, Lo-Fi, Lucas & Lewellen*, Kendall Jackson, Sine Qua Non, Tatomer, Varner, Whitecraft
    • Vineyards Los Alamos(459ac.), Clos Mullet, Kick On Ranch, Lucas & Lewellen, My Friend Matt’s, Portico Hills, Rancho la Cuna(20ac.), Sam’s, Third Man, Third Twin, Thompson, Verna’s, Watch Hill(20ac.), White Hawk(39ac.)

ALISOS CANYON AVA.     @Los Alamos

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Xarel-lo
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Clairette, Gamay, Garnacha, Graciano, Mencia, Monastrell, Nebbiolo, Pitite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast SouthCOUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • In Los Alamos AVA.(East), @Hw.#101(East) & Alisos Canyon Rd.
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 20mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(San Antonio Creek)/ Canyon, SLOPES/?, +Altitude(? ft.)
    • On~San Antonio Creek~
  • CLIMATE- Maritime
  • SOILS- Metamorphic,  Soil Series-  Arnold Series
    • San Andreas-Tierra Complex, Chamise Shale, Sandy Loam, Sandstone
  • VITICULTURE- 5,775 ac./ 238 acPlanted
    • Estate/ Producers- Bedford, Dovecote, Martian*(E./20ac./Bio-Dyn.), Ojai Vineyard
    • Vineyards- Alisos, Cat Canyon, Kunin Alisos, Martian Ranch, Nolan Ranch, The Third Twin, Thompson’s, Watch Hill

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY AVA.     @Santa Ynez

  • WHITE= Albariño, Arneis, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Malvasia, Marsanne, Müller Thurgau, Muscat, Picpoul Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinto Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Barbara, Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Cortese, Dolcetto, Dornfelder, Garnacha, Graciano, Lagrein, Malbec, Merlot, Mission, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, St. Laurent, Syrah, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast SouthCOUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • North of Santa Barbara-City(30mi.), @Hw.#101, #246
    • North of Santa Ynez Mountain Range, +Latitude(34.6°N)
    • Sub-AVA’s- Alisos Canyon, Ballard Canyon, Happy Canyon, Los Olivos, Santa Rita Hills
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Santa YnezTransverse)
    • On~Santa Ynez~River~/ Santa Ynez River Basin
    • SLOPES/ San Rafeal Mountains, +Altitude(400ft. to 1,250ft.)
    • Most Significant West-East Transverse Valley Anywhere From Chile to Alaska.
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Silty Clay, Limestone, Chert, Beach, Diatomaceous Earth
  • CLIMATE- “Maritime With Mediterranean” Influence
    • Cooler In Western Portion of Valley, Warmer Inland In the Eastern Interior of Valley.
      • Generally Temperature Increases 1 Degree For Every Mile From Lompoc In West to Happy Canyon In East.
      • ~Sea Smoke~ Marine Layer of Fog That Seeps Into the Santa Ynez Valley Proximity to the Pacific Ocean
  • VITICULTURE- ? acPlanted
    • Estates/ Producers(Not Located In a Demarcated Sub-Zone.) Brander, Brave & Maiden, Buttonwood, Carr, E11even, Folded Hills, Gainey*, Grassini, Imagine, Kalyra, Mosby, Notary Public, Lincourt*, Longoria, Santa Barbara*, Sunstone*(28ac.), Two Wolves(Pink), Vincent
    • Vineyards(Not Located In a Demarcated Sub-Zone.)– Brander“Estate”, Brick Barn, Cebada East/ West, Christy & Wise, Clover Creek, Creekside(3ac.), Curtis, Cushman, Demetria, Duvanrita, Grassini, Hillside(12.4ac.), Hinnrichs, Honea, Ibarra-Young, Jorian Hill, Joughin, Jurassic Park, Kimsey, Lafond, Lavender Oak, Larner, L.A.W.N.(1.66ac.), Mosby 246, Mosby Bricco dell’Pico, Mosby Sori 101, Mosby Vigna della Casa Vecchia, Nojoqui(3.14ac.)Rancho Cebada, Right Left(7ac.), Shoestring, Two Wolves“Estate”(18ac.), Ulysses(3.57ac.), Valley View, Vincent, Williams, Williamham
  • CULTURE Monks & Monasteries ~Mission Santa Ynez~
    • PIONEERS~ ~Fred Brander~ One of Earliest People to Plant Vines In Santa Ynez.
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE TRAILS~ ~Buellton Bodegas~ Wineries, and Tasting Rooms In Industrial Area.
      • Wineries~ Bonaccorsi, Carivintas, Casa Dumetz, Conway/ Deep Sea, Coquelicot, Liquid Farm, Larner, Margerum, Municipal Winemakers, The Central Coast Group Project.

**Santa Ynez Image Courtesy of Delong Maps, Purchase These Maps at Delongwine.com


STA. RITA HILLS AVA.     @Lompoc

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Müller Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Dolcetto, Dornfelder, Gamay, Garnacha, Mission, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • @Hw.#246, Santa Rosa Road, In Santa Ynez Valley AVA.(West), +Latitude(34°N)
    • Westernmost Santa Ynez Vally, Base of Point Conception, (8mi. Long & 5mi. Wide)
    • Sub-Zones- #246, Central Corridor, Drum Canyon, Gypsy Canyon, Santa Rosa,, West End
    • Eastern Boundary Ridgeline Provides a North to South Natural Barrier to the Influence of the Cool Maritime Marine Layer./ 4 Miles West of Highway #101
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Transverse)/ Syncline
    • SLOPES/ Transverse Ranges, Hills Between Lompoc to Buellton, +Altitude(50ft. to 1,800ft.)(Vines to 700ft.)
      • North Valley(Highway 246 Corridor)- Between Purisima Hills & Santa Rita Hills, @Hw.#246
      • South Valley(Santa Rosa Road Corridor)- Between Santa Rosa Hills & Santa Rita Hills, @Santa Rosa Rd.
    • On~Santa Rita~Creek~Tributary~Sanat Ynez~River~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Diatomaceous Earth(Fossilized Allege), Sandy Loam, Shale, Rock, Clay, Siliceous(Silex)
  • CLIMATE- Maritime, Pacific Ocean Influence, +RAIN/ 13 in., +WINDS~~Sta. Rita Hills~(Origins…Pacific Ocean)
    • Micro-Climate…Coolest AVA. In Santa Ynez Valley, 12°- 15°  Cooler Than East.
    • Humboldt Current(From North) Collides With Japanese Current(From West).
    • Sea-Smoke, Name Given to Fog That Comes In Off the Coast.
  • VITICULTURE 30,700 ac./ 2,700 acPlanted
    • CHALLENGE – Powdery Mildew, Brett., Spring Frost
    • Estates/ Producers Alma Rosa, Ampelos, Arcadian, Avant, Babcock*, Barden, Brewer-Clifton, Clos Pepe, Crawford, Domaine de la Cote(25ac./S. Moorman, R. Parr), Dierberg*, Dragonette, Fiddlehead*, Foley*, Flying Goat, Gainey*, Hilliard Bruce, Hitching Post, Hilt, Joy Fantastic, Ken Brown, Kessler-Haak, LaFond, Liquid Farms, Longoria, Loring, Melville(E./120 ha.)*, Mosby, Oleandri, Pali Wine Co., Peake Ranch, Pence Ranch, Racines, Samsara, Sanford*, Sea Smoke, Sine Qua Non, Spear, Standing Sun, Strange, Tyler
    • Vineyards 3D(10ac.), Acin Hapgood(24ac.), Arita Hills, Bentrock, Bloom’s Field(7.5ac.), Buona Terra, Burning Creek, Brewer-Clifton(60ac.), Casa Cassara, Chapel(Huber), Cloud 9, Clos Juliet(1ac.), Clos Pepe, Confessions(22ac.), Courtney’s, La Cote(9.5ac.), Donna’s, Donnachadh, Drum Canyon, Duvarita, Eleven Confessions(33ac.), Encantada, Fe Ciega(9ac.), Hayes Family, Hibbits Ranch, Fe Ciega, Fess Parker West, Fiddlestix(80ac.), Francesca, Gaindy Evans, Hayer, Hilltop, John Sebastiano, Joy Fantastic“Estate”(5ac.), Kessler-Haak(23ac.), LaBarge West, Lafond, Luna, Mae(28ac.), Machado(15ac.), Memorious(3.5ac.), Mt. Carmel, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Pali(50ha.), Peake Ranch(50ac.), Puerta del Mar, Quinta Santa Rosa, Radient, La Rinconada, Rio Vista, Rita’s Crown, Sandy’s, Sea Smoke“Estate”, Sebastiano, Sanford, Salsipuedes, Siren’s Call(3ac.), SpearEstate”, Stowaway, Strange“Estate”, Theresa-Noelle, Turner(21ac.), Wenzlau, Yard(18ac.), Zotovick
  • HISTORY- Vines Planted Since 1971…Sanford & Benedict
  • CULTURE- 2001- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Santa Rita Hills Winemakers AllianceFormed In 1997
      • Mission~ To Support the Viticulture and Enological Business Interests of It’s 47 Members, as They Relate to Grapes and Wine Form the AVA.
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Wine & Fire~ Santa Rita Hills Festivals (August)
    • ~Etymology~ Sta. Rita Hills- Sta.” 
      • Abbreviation is Due to the Copyright That the Chilean Wine Producer Santa Rita Has.
    • WINNER Worlds Best~ DtheV.com Awards Best American AVA.  (4th. Place)
      • **Refer to WINE CULTURE/ Derek’s Top 6 List For Detailed Information.
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE TRAIL~ ~Wine GhettoLompoc, Collection of Small Wine Producers Working In an  Industrial Metal Warehouse Communal Area With Wineries and Tasting Rooms
      • Wineries~ Ampelos(TR.), Arcadian(TR.), Bratcher(TR.), De Su Propia Cosecha(TR.), Fiddlehead*(TR.), Flying Goat(TR.), Holus Bolus(TR.), Jalama(TR.), Kessler/ Haak(TR.), La Montagne(TR.), La Vie, Moretti(TR.), Pali(TR.), Palmina(TR.), Piedrasassi(TR.), Sandhi,(TR.) Samsara(TR.), Stolpman(TR.), Taste of Santa Rita Hills(TR.), Tyler, Zotovich(TR.)

BALLARD CANYON AVA.    @Ballard

  • WHITE= Sauvignon Blanc 6%, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Garnacha Bianco, Malvasia, Marsanne, Roussanne, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Syrah 40%, Garnacha 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 6%, Cabernet Franc, Counoise, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Tempranillo, Trousseau
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast SouthCOUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • In Santa Ynez Valley AVA.(Central),  @Hw.#246/ Balard Canyon Rd., +Latitude(34.63°N)
    • BORDERS-Los Olivos AVA.(East), BETWEEN– Solvang-City & Los Olivos-City
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Canyon(Ballard)North-South Canyon
    • SLOPES/ Purisima Hills, +Altitude(710ft. to 1,250ft.)
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary, Clay, Limestone, Chalk, Careaga Sand
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean, +Diurnal Shifts(+35°Variation)
    • Influence From Pacific Ocean/ Morning Fog.
  • VITICULTURE- 7,800 ac./ 600 ac. Planted
  • VINICULTURE- Still,  Blends
    • Estates/ Producers Beckman*, Harrison Clark, Hitching Post, Kimsey, Jonata’s(84ac.), Loring Cargasacchi, Rusack*, Stolpman(90ac.)
    • Vineyards Beckman“Estate”(E./25ac.), Dohmeyer, Fangaorne, Harrison Clark“Estate”, Kimsey, Hinnrichs, Jack McGinley, Jonata, Jorian Hills(7.5ac.), Kimsey“Estate”(E./22ac.), Larner, Purisima Mountain(124ac.(Block 6/8), Ranco Boa Vista, Rusack, Saarloos & Son, Stolpman, Tierra Alta, Viejo, Williamham
  • CULTURE- 2013- AVA. Officially Established.

LOS OLIVOS DISTRICT AVA.    @Los Olivos

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Marsanne, Muscat, Picpoul Blanc, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Garnacha, Graciano, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, St. Laurent, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • In Santa Ynez Valley AVA.(East-Central), @Hw.#246 & #154
    • BORDERS-Ballard Canyon AVA.(West), Happy Canyon AVA.(East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraces
    • SLOPES/ Purisima Hills, +Altitude(400ft. to 1,000ft.)
    • On~Alamo Pintado~Creek~Tributary~Santa Ynez~River~
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Soil Series-  ~Pleasanton Series~,  ~Positas Series~
    • Alluvial Terrace/Bench, Orcutt Sand, Careaga Sand, Gravel Loam, Clay Loam
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean
  • VITICULTURE- 1,120ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers Amplify, Barber, Beckman*(E./24ac./Bio. Dyn.)Blackjack Ranch, Brander(E.), Bridlewood*(105ac.), Hampton, Margerum(TR.), Rablar, Solminer(4ac.), Valley Project
    • Vineyards Beckman“Estate”, Camp 4(250ac.), Cent’Anni, Colson Canyon, Coquelicot, DeLanda, Estrelle, Faith, Fox Family, Giff’s, Great Oaks, Ibarra-Young(8ac.), Margerum, Maddahi, MargerumEstate”, Mario-Nello, Mesa Verde, Mirabella, Morehouse, Mormann, My Friend Matt’s, Rodney’s, Quail Grossing, Quarto Vientos, Stage Canyon, Thompson, Valley View, Vina de Santa Ynez, Walker, White Gate, Williamson-Dore, Woodstock
  • CULTURE- 2016- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Los Olivos District Winegrowers Alliance~
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE SQUARE/ DOWNTOWN~ ~Los Olivos Promenade27 Tasting Rooms, Plus, Breweries, Restaurants.
      • Wineries~ Alexander & Wayne(TR.), Artiste(TR.), Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills*(TR.), Black Sheep(TR.), Blair Fox(TR.), Brewer-Clifton(TR.), The Bubble Shack(TR.), Ca’ Del Grevino(TR.), Carhartt(TR.), Carucci(TR.), Community Craft(TR.), Coquelicot(TR.), Crawford Family(TR.), Dragonette*(TR.), E11even(Andrew Murray)(TR.), Epiphany Cellars(TR.), Evan’s Ranch(Gainey)(TR.), Four Brothers(TR.), Future Perfect(TR.), Grimm’s Bluff(TR.), Hideaway LO(TR.), Holus Bolus(TR.), Larner(TR.), Liquid Farm(TR.), Refugio Ranch(TR.), Saarloos & Sons(TR.), Samsara(TR.), Stolpman(TR.), Taste of Santa Rita Hills(TR.), Tensley(TR.), Terre et Sang(TR.), Waylan(TR.)

HAPPY CANYON AVA.     @Santa Ynez

  • WHITE= Chenin Blanc, Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast SouthCOUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • In Santa Ynez Valley AVA.(East), @Hw.#154
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- Rolling/ Hilly/ Canyon(Happy)
    • SLOPES/ San Rafael Mountains, +Altitude(550ft. to 1,500ft.)
    • On~Santa Agueda~Creek~Tributary~Lake~Cachuma~
    • Ancient Upland at End of Santa Ynez Valley.
  • SOILS- Metamorphic, Sedimentary
    • Loamy Clay, Yellow, Chert(Red/ Yellow), Serpentine Cobbles
  • CLIMATE- Mediterranean, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
    • *Generally– Considered Santa Barbara County’s Hottest Wine AVA..
  • VITICULTURE-  23,941 ac./ 490 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers Carr, Crown Point, Desparada, Dierberg, Happy Canyon, Grassini, Margerum, Martellotto, Star Lane, Three Saints, Westerly
    • Vineyards 1850 Stallion, Cimarone, Crown Point“Estate”, Davey’s(5.5ac.), Dierberg-Star Lane, Happy Canyon“Estate”, Grimm, Gorham, Gracies(6ac.), Grassini Family, Jaden’s(4.5ac.), Mcginley, McGinley/ Westerly, Le Mistral, Rossi(1ac.), Sophia’s, Star Land“Estate”, Tommy Town, Vogelzang(77ac.)
  • CULTURE- 2009- AVA. Officially Established.

SANTA BARBARA HIGHLAND AVA. (Un-Official)    @Cuyama

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Muscat(Orange), Pedro Xinenez, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast South, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • North of Los Padres National Forest, North of Pacific Ocean(60 mi.), @Hw.#166
    • North of Santa Barbara(33 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Cuyama)/ Plateau(Alta Mesa), On~Cuyama~River~
    • SLOPES/ Caliente Ranges/ Sierra Madre Mountains, +Altitude(2,800ft. to 3,200ft.)
      • High Desert, Head Waters Cuyama River Valley
  • CLIMATE- Continental” WithMediterranean, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°Variation)
  • VITICULTURE- 747  ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers Alta Mesa, Barwood, Dirty & Rowdy, Nadia, A Tribute to Grace
    • Vineyards- Alta Mesa“Estate”, Barwood“Estate”, Condor’s Hope(5ac.), North Fork, Santa Barbara Highlands
  • CULTURE- 
    • PIONEERS~ ~Larry Hogan~ Planted First 200 ac of Vines In 1981.

OTHERS Santa Barbara County    @Not Found In Demarcated AVA.

  • Estate/ ProducersKunin
  • Vineyards Black Oak, El Camino, Laird, Revelation Rodney’s, Sine Qua Non(Ojai)


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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