CALIFORNIA–Central 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”,  LATITUDE: 35.6°- 34.6° ‘N’

  • 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
  • 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), +Alt. 238ft.- 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” 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 Robles AVA.
    • Saucelito Canyon(HVS.,*1880’s/3ac.)   @Arroyo Grande AVA.

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”
  • VITICULTURE– Labeled– “SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY”, Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
    • Estate/Producers-(Not Located Within a Demarcated AVA.)–
    • Vineyards-(Not Located Within a Demarcated AVA.)– Riven Rock, Steiner Creek(13ac.)

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, 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(West), Cholame Hills(East)
    • On~Nacimiento/ Santa Margarita~Lake~
    • West Side- West of 101, Hillsides & Canyons, +Alt. 850ft.- 2,000ft.
      • “Hilly/ Mountainous”, Resulting From Uplift of Monterey Formation
    • South Side- East of 101, Rolling Hills, +Alt. 700ft.- 1,200ft.
      • “Flat/ Rolling”, Estella River Plain
    • TOPOGRAPHIC-EVENTS– Monterey Shale Formation
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”,  Soil Series-(30)-
    • Old Sea Floor, 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/ 15 in.-30 in. /yr.
    • +Diurnal Shifts(+45°), High to +100°
    • GAP/~Templeton Gap~ Air Flowing In From the Pacific Following Huer Huero Creek.
      • ~Cuesta Grade~
  • VITICULTURE- 614,000 ac./ 30,000 ac. Planted
    • 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, Jacob Toft, Levo, Powell Mountain, Sans Leige, 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.
  • Estates/ Producers- (Not Found In Sub-AVA.)– Ascension, Ayden Tyler, Field Recordings, Herman Story, Kinero, MCV
  • Vineyards-(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Bella Collina, Cross Creek, Gemeny, Luna Matta, Rosewynn, Saint Marie(HVS.,*1964)

Western Hilly Area

ADELAIDA AVA.     @San Miguel

  • WHITE= Bourboulenc, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Muscardin, Roussanne, Picardan, Picqoul 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- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(North-West), @Hw.#101(West)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley/ Terraced”
    • SLOPES/ San Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 900ft.- 2,367ft.(Vines to 2,000 ft.),  +Gradient(to 60°)
    • On~Tablas~Creek/ On~Nacimiento~Lake~(Near)
  • 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°- 50°), +RAIN/ 25 in. /yr.
  • VITICULTURE- 53,342 ac./ 979 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Adelaide*, Barton, Brecon, Calcareous, Carmody McKnight, Daou*, Dubost, Halter Ranch*, Hammer Sky, Justin, Kukkula, Law, Lone Madrone, Rangeland, Paix Sur Terre, Parrish Family(E.), Sixmile-Bridge, Starr Ranch, Tablas Creek*(E.,135ac./ Collaboration-Beaucastel), Thacher, Tolo, Villa Creek, Whalebone*, Wild Coyote
    • Vineyards- Adelaide“Estate”, Alta Colina, Anna’s, Bobcat Crossing, Calcareous(1.5ac.), Danger Zone, Gean Ranch, Glenrose, Halter Ranch, HMR, Hoffman Mountain(HVS.,*1960’s/23ac.), Michael’s, Old Bailey Ranch, Rancho San Ignacio, Surf Song, Tom Colburn(7 ac.), Ueberroth(1885), Viking(16.5ac.), La Vista

YORK MOUNTAIN AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Clairette, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Graciano, Garnacha, Malbec, Mourvedre, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, @Hw.#101(West), 46(North & South)
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(West), York Mountain AVA., *Technically Not Part of Paso Robles.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 1,412ft.- 1,678ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Chalk, Limestone, Decomposing Sandstone
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, Influence From Pacific Ocean(Near/ 6 Miles)
  • VITICULTURE- 9,350 ac./ 358 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Epoch*, Lago Giuseppe, Ledge, Rocky Creek, Royal Nonesuch Farm, Stephen’s Cellar, York Mountain
    • Vineyards- Carver(15ac.), Royal Nonesuch(7ac.), Shadow Mounain, 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, Picpoul, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsaut, Counoise, Garnacha, Graciano, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(West), @Hw.#101(West), 46(North & South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, On~Willow~Creek~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 1,000ft.- 2,000ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Calcareous, Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, Cool Afternoon Coastal Air From Proximity to Pacific Ocean.
  • VITICULTURE- 1,162 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Allegretto, L’Aventure, Copia, Clos Solene, Dark Star, Denner, Dunning, Ecluse, Hardesty, Hoyt, Hunk, Jada(E./46ac.), Linne Calodo, Ledge, LXV., Miles Garrett, Niner, Opoch, Opolo*, Proulx, Rangeland, Rotta, Saxum, Shadowbrook, Tooth & Nail*, Turley, Venteux,
    • Vineyards- Allegretto“Estate”, Benito Dusi(HVS.,*1920’s), Booker, Catapult, Coakley, Dante Dusi(HVS.,*1940’s), Denner“Estate”, Dunning“Estate”, Heart Hill,  James Berry, Kiler Canyon, Jade, Miracles Ranch, Paderewski(67ac.), Pesenti(HVS.,*1920), Rail Naps, Turtle Rock, Ueberroth, Willow Creek(40ac.)
  • GOING THERE- ESTATE TOUR~ ~Opolo~

TEMPLETON GAP AVA.    @Templeton

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Falanghina, Pinot Gris, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Dorsa, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Montepulciano, Mourvèdre, Sagrantino, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(West-Central), @Hw.#101(West & East)/ Hw.#46(North & South)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraces”, On~Salinas~River~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 777ft.- 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 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Aronhill, Caliza, Castoro*, Clesi(10ac.), Cypher, Dark Star, Donatoni, Donati, Dover Canyon, Dunning, Four Lanterns, Fratelli Perata, Hope Family, Hunt, Jada, J. Dusi, Niner, Red Soles, Rotta, Peachy Canyon*, Summerwood*, Turley, Zenaida
    • Vineyards- Aronhill“Estate”, Dusi, Martinelli, Rotta“Estate”, Whale Rock, Winward

Inland Valley Area

SAN MIGUEL AVA.     @San Miguel

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

ESTRELLA AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Falanghina, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“South”
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(North), @Hw.#101(East), 46(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley”
    • SLOPES/ Cholame Hills, +Alt. 1,200 ft.
    • On~San Juan Creek~Tributary~Estrella~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Sandy-Loam, Alkaline Calcareous Base
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Brady, Dracaena, Four Sisters, Hearst Ranch, J Lohr*, RN. Roger Nicolas, San-Juliette(108ac.), Tackett
    • Vineyards- Brady“Estate”, Hilltop, Home Ranch, Jack Knife, Saunders, Seven Oaks, St. Eva Hill

GENESEO AVA.     @Paso Robles

  • WHITE= Viognier
  • RED= Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Primitivo, Syrah, Tannat, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, @Hw.#101(West), 46(South)
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(Central)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Terraced”
    • Uplifted Hills Along Huerhuero-La Panza Fault.
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 600ft.- 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./ ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Allegretto, Asuncion, Bianchi*, Brochelle, Cass(145ac.), Ernst, EOS, Eberle*(38ac.), Penman Springs, Robert Hall, Sculpterra, Steinbeck, Vina Robles
    • Vineyards- Bootjack Ranch, Cass(145ac.), Estrella River, Frankel, Lago de los Patos, Mill Stone
  • CULTURE–
    • 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, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”,  @Hw.#101(East), #41(North)
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(Central)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 842ft.- 1,180ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial Terraces, Loamy, Standstone
    • Linne-Calodo Soils, Arbuckle-Positas Soils
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 2,387 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- AmByth(Bio.-Dyn.), Burbank Ranch, Hansen, J. Lohr, Pomar Junction, Still Water, Vina Robles
    • Vineyards– Huerhuero, Maddalena, El Pomar, Riboli, Shotwell, Stefano

Inland Hilly Area

SAN JUAN CREEK AVA.     @Shandon

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(East), @Hw.#41(West & East), #46(North & South), Near Coast(25 Miles)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Flat/ Rolling”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 1,153ft.- 1,192ft.(Peak 1,600ft.)
    • On Fault(San Juan), On~San Jaun~Creek~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Alluvual Plain
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 26,004 ac./ 2,826 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Glunz, Hearst Ranch, Red Cedar, Tobin James*
    • Vineyards- Red Cedar“Estate”

HIGHLANDS DISTRICT AVA.     @Templeton

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

Southern Area

CRESTON AVA.     @Creston

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Roussanne
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“South”,  @Hw.#229/ #41(North & South)
    • In Paso Robles AVA.(South-East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 1,012ft.- 1,070 ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Granite, “Sedimentary”, Loams, Clay
    • Eroding Plateau at Base of La Panza Range.
  • VITICULTURE- 47,000 ac./ 1,387 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- August Ridge, B. &  E., J. Lohr, Loading Chute, Margene, Olivia’s de Oro, Parrish Family, Riboli, Shadow Run, Stanger, Stella’s
    • Vineyards- Becks(115ac.)

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- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, In Paso Robles AVA.(South)
    • Southernmost Sub AVA. In Paso Robles, North of San Luis Obispo-City(10mi.)
    • 14 Miles From Pacific Ocean, @Hw#101(West & East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Rolling/ Hilly”, Higher Southern Mountain Slopes
    • On~Lake~Margarita~/On~Santa Margarita~Creek~
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountains, +Alt. 55ft– 1,811ft., (Vines 1,027ft.- 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 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Ancient Peaks*, Vintage Cowboy
    • Vineyards- Margarita(857ac.)
  • GOING THERE- NON-WINE~  Zip Line Through the Margarita Vineyard.

The Nine Sisters

  • GEOGRAPHY– California, REGION-Central Coast “South”
    • “Nine Sisters/ The Morros” (21 Large and Small), 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 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.)

SAN LUIS OBISPO COAST AVA.    @San Luis Obispo

  • WHITE= Albarino, Altesse, Chardonnay, Gruner Veltliner, Jacquere, Riesling, Savagnin Vert
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, 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
  • 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”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary” 
    • Marine Shale, Fossilized Shells, Sandy Loam, Clay, Volcanic Deposits
  • VITICULTURE- 408,000 ac./  3,949 ac. Planted, 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, Autry, Center of Effort, Croma Vera, Cutruzzola, Filipponi, El Lugar, Maidenstoen, Peloton, Phelan Farm(11.5ac.), Piedra Creek, Ragtag, Sinor-La Vallee, 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, 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, Gewurztraminer, Garnacha Blanco, Gruner Veltliner, 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 +Alt. 238ft.- 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 ac. Planted,  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, Niven Family*(Produces… Baileyana, Tangent, True Myth), Sextant, Stephen Ross, Saucelito Canyon, Tolosa*(150ac.), Wolff(E./161ac.)
    • Vineyards– Alban“Estate”, Bee Sweet, Biddle Ranch, Carroll Ranch, Center of Effort“Estate”, Chene, Chamisal, Difrozo, Donati, Edna Ranch, Firepeak(111ac.), Greengate Ranch(76ac.), Hollister, Jack Ranch(262ac.), Jespersen Ranch, Kynsi, 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.), Saucielito Cayon(HVS.), Sawyer-Linquest,, Silva, Slide Hill, 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, Grenache, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • In San Luis Obispo Coast AVA., East of Arroyo Grande-City(     mi.),  @Hw.#227
    • BORDERS-Edna Valley AVA.(North/ 1 mi.), Sub-Zones- Upper Valley, Lower Valley
  • TOPOGRAPHY– Feature- “Hilly/ Valley(Arroyo Grande/ Semi-Treverse)”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountain Range, +Alt. 178 ft. to 991 ft.
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/3.5 mi.)
    • On~Lake Lopez~(Near/   mi.), On~Arryo Grande~Creek~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Diablo Clay, Rocky Clay Loam
    • Ocean Floor Parent Material
  • CLIMATE- “Marine” With “Mediterranean” Influences
    • Morning Fog Burning Off Leaving Late Morning/ Afternoon Sun.
  • VITICULTURE- ?  ac. Planted, CHALLANGE/ Leaf Roll Virus
    • Estate/ Producer- Laetitia*, Kysinky, Peacock, Phanton Rivers, Talley*(E./ 159ac.), Timbre, Qupe, Zinnia
    • Vineyards– East Rincon, Monte Sereno(3ac.), Oliver’s, Rosemary’s(29ac.) Rincon(74ac.), Saucelito Canyon(HVS.,*1880’s/3ac.), Stone Corral, Las Ventanas(4ac.)
  • CULTURE- 1990- AVA. Officially Established

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

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, COUNTY-San Luis Obispo
    • In San Luis Obispo Coast AVA., South of San Luis Obispo-City(    mi.)
    • @Hw.#101/ San Luis Dr.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Rolling/ Valley(Avila)”, SLOPES/ Santa Lucia Mountain Range, +Alt.?
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 2mi.)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Maritime” Influence
    • Morning Fog Burning Off Leaving Late Morning/ Afternoon Sun.
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producer- Alapay, Avila Wine, Croma Vera, Culton Wine Co, Kelsey See Canyon, Morovino, Peloton Cellars, Silver Horse, Sinor-Lavallee, Scar of the Sea, Stolo Family
    • Vineyards- Bassi(30ac.), Topotero(5ac.)
  • CULTURE- FESTIVALS~ ~Wine & Waves~ (May/ Avila Beach)

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY    @Entire County

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 35%, Sauvignon Blanc 5%, Albarino, Aligote, Chenin Blanc, Friulano, Grenache Blanc, Malvasia, Marsanne, Melon de Bourgogne, Muller Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Semillon, Valdiguie, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Pinot Noir 20%, Syrah 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 4%, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Carignan, Cinsault, Clairette, Counoise, Dolcetto, Dornfelder, Gamey, Garnacha, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Refosco, Sangiovese, Tempernillo, Trousseau, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • BORDERS-San Luis Obispo County(North)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
    • SLOPES/ Transverse Ranges, +Alt. 750ft.- 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”,  +WIND/~Esolu~(Origins…Pacific Ocean)
    • Humboldt Current(From North) Collides With Japanese Current(From West).
  • VITICULTURE- 21,349 ac. Planted
  • VINICULTURE- Labeled– “S.B. COUNTY” Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Located Within a Demarcated AVA.)– Kunin
    • Vineyards-(Not Located Within a Demarcated AVA.)– Black Oak, Laird, Revelation Rodney’s, Sine Qua Non(Ojai)
  • CULTURE– “Monks & Monasteries” ~Mission Santa Barbara~ (Founded 1804)
    • PIONEERS~ ~Richard Sanford~ First to Plant Pinot Noir In Santa Rita Hills.
      • ~Bryan Babcock~ “Prince 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-
    • WINE TRAILS~
      • ~Funk Zone~ Santa Barbara Area a Couple Block From Beach
        • Wineries– Car, Jaffurs, Lafond, Municipal Winemakers, Valley Project, Whitcraft
        • Tasting Rooms– Pali Wine Co., Deep Sea/ Conway(On Sterns Wharf)
      • ~Presidio~
        • Tasting Rooms– Au Bon Climat, Barden, Frequency Wine, Grassini, Happy Canyon Vineyards, Jamie Slone, Silver
      • ~Other Urban Wine Trails~ La Arcada, Midtown, Summerland
    • FESTIVAL~ ~World of Pinot~ (March)(Santa Barbara)
      • ~California Wine Festival~ (July)
      • ~Santa Barbara Wine & Food Festival~ (June)

SANTA MARIA VALLEY AVA.     @Santa Maria

  • WHITE= Aligote, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Friulano, Malvasia, Marsanne, Melon de Bourgogne, Picpoul, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rousanne, Tocai Friulano, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Garnacha, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Pinto Meunier, Pinot Noir, Ruche, Refosco, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast“South”
    • COUNTY-Santa Barbara, (Laps)San Luis Obispo,  @Hw.#101(East)
    • Sub-Zones- Somomon Hills
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Valley(Santa Maria“Transverse”)/Mesa”
    • SLOPES/ San Rafael Mountains(North/ East), Solomon Hills(South), +Alt. 700ft.
    • 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”, +WIND/~Esolu~ Origins– Pacific Ocean
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producer- AuBon Climat*, Belle Glos, Bein Nacido, Cambria*(E./1,600ac.), Colson Canyon(16ac.), Cottonwood Canyon, Costa de Oro, Deirberg*, La Fenetre, Foxen*(E.), J Wilkes*, Kenneth Volk, Miller Family, Rancho Sisquoc(E.), Presqu’ile(E.), River Bench(E.), Scar of the Sea, Qupe, Tatomer, Tensley
    • Vineyards– Angle of Repose, Bien Nacido“Estate”(*1973/300ac./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, Lumen, 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, Sosquoc, 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 “Original Rhone Ranger” and Started Qupe Winery.
    • 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/ ?, +Alt. 1,400ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • 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 Canyon~ Santa 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, +Alt, 848 ft.,  On~San Antonio~Creek~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”,  –Botella Series– Shale, Clay, Gravel, Sand/ Sandy Dunes
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producer– A Tribute to Grace, Bedford*, Burnetz, Casa, Lo-Fi, Lucas & Lewellen*, Kendall Jackson, Ojai Vineyard, Varner, Whitecraft
    • Vineyards– Los Alamos, Clos Mullet, Kick On Ranch, Lucas & Lewellen, My Friend Matt’s, Portico Hills, Sam’s, Thompson, Verna’s, Watch Hill(20ac.), White Hawk(39ac.)

ALISOS CANYON AVA.    @Los Alamos

  • WHITE= Albarino, Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Clairette, Gamay, Garnacha, Monastrell, Nebbiolo, Pitite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • In Los Alamos AVA.(East), @Hw.#101(East) & Alisos Canyon Rd.
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near/ 20mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Canyon”, 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./ ? ac. Planted
    • 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= Albarino, Arneis, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Malvasia, Marsanne, Muller Thurgau, Muscat, Picpoul Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Pinto Gris, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Barbara, Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Cortese, Dolcetto, Dornfelder, Garnacha, Lagrein, Malbec, Merlot, Mission, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • North of Santa Barbara-City(    mi.), @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 Ynez“Transverse”)”
    • On~Santa Ynez~River~/ Santa Ynez River Basin
    • SLOPES/ San Rafeal Mountains, +Alt. ?
    • 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- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Brave & Maiden, Buttonwood, Carr, E11even, Gainey*, Grassini, Imagine, Kalyra, Mosby, Notary Public, Lincourt*, Longoria, Santa Barbara*, Sunstone*(28ac.), Vincent
    • Vineyards–  Brander, Brick Barn, Cebada East/ West, Christy & Wise, Clover Creek, Curtis, Cushman, Demetria, Duvanrita, Grassini, Hinnrichs, Honea, Ibarra-Young, Jorian Hill, Joughin, Jurassic Park, Kimsey, Lavender Oak, Mosby 246, Mosby Bricco dell’Pico, Mosby Sori 101, Mosby Vigna della Casa Vecchia, Rancho Cebada, Shoestring, 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, Gruner Veltliner, Muller Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Dolcetto, Dornfelder, 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, Santa Rosa, Drum Canyon, Gypsy Canyon
    • 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– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(“Transverse”)/ Syncline”
    • SLOPES/ Transverse Ranges, Hills Between Lompoc to Buellton,  +Alt. 50ft.- 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.,  +WIND/~Sta. Rita Hills~
    • 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 ac. Planted
    • CHALLENGE – Powdery Mildew, Brett., Spring Frost
    • Estates/ Producers– Alma Rosa, Arcadian, Avant, Babcock*, Brewer-Clifton, Clos Pepe, Domaine de la Cote(25ac.), Dierberg*, Foley*, Gainey*, Fiddlehead*, Hilliard Bruce, Hilt, Joy Fantastic, Ken Brown, LaFond, Melville(E./120 ha.)*, Mosby, Oleandri, Pence Ranch, Sea Smoke, Sine Qua Non, Sanford*, Standing Sun, Tyler
    • Vineyards– 3D, Ampelos, Arita Hills, Bentrock, Bloom’s Field(7.5ac.), Buona Terra, Burning Creek, Brewer-Clifton, Casa Cassara, Chapel, Cloud 9, Clos Juliet(1ac.), Clos Pepe, Confessions(22ac.), Courtney’s, La Cote(9.5ac.), Donna’s, Donnachadh, Drum Canyon, Duvarita, Encantada, Hayes Family, Hibbits Ranch, Fe Ciega, Fess Parker West, Fiddlestix(80ac.), Francesca, Gaindy Evans, Hayer, Hilltop, Huber, John Sebastiano, Joy Fantastic“Estate”(5ac.), Kessler-Haak, LaBarge West, Lafond, Luna, Mae(28ac.), Memorious(3.5ac.), Mt. Carmel, Pali(50ha.), Puerta del Mar, Quinta Santa Rosa, Radient, La Rinconada, Rita’s Crown, Sandy’s, Sea Smoke“Estate”, Sebastiano, Sanford & Benedict, Salsipuedes, Siren’s Call(3ac.), Spear, Stowaway, Theresa-Noelle, Turner(21ac.), Wenzlau, Yard(18ac.), Zotovick
  • HISTORY- Vines Planted Since 1971…Sanford & Benedict
  • CULTURE-
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Santa Rita Hills Winemakers Alliance~ Formed 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.
    • ~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 Ghetto~ Lompoc, Collection of Small Wine Producers Working In an Industrial Communal Area With Wineries and Tasting Rooms
      • Wineries~ Ampelos, Arcadian, Bratcher, De Su Propia Cosecha, Fiddlehead, Flying Goat, Holus Bolus, Jalama, Kessler/ Haak, La Montagne, La Vie, Moretti, Pali, Palmina, Piedrasassi, Sandhi, Samsara, Stolpman, Taste of Santa Rita Hills, Tyler, Zotovich

BALLARD CANYON AVA.    @Ballard

  • WHITE= Sauvignon Blanc 6%, Chardonnay, 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 “South”, COUNTY-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, +Alt. 750ft.- 1,250ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay, Limestone, Chalk, Careaga Sand
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, +Diurnal Shifts(+35°)
    • Influence From Pacific Ocean/ Morning Fog.
  • VITICULTURE- 7,800 ac./ 600 ac. Planted,  2013 AVA. Officially Established
  • VINICULTURE- Still,  Blends
    • Estates/ Producers– Beckman*, Harrison Clark, Hitching Post, Kimsey, Jonata’s(84ac.), Loring Cargasacchi, Rusack*, Stolpman(90ac.)
    • Vineyards– Dohmeyer, Fangaorne, Harrison Clark“Estate”, 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

LOS OLIVOS DISTRICT AVA.    @Los Olivos

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Garnacha Blanc, Gruner Veltliner, Marsanne, Muscat, Picpoul Blanc, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Cinsault, Counoise, Garnacha, Mourvedre, 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, +Alt. 400ft.- 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,  2016- AVA. Officially Established
    • Estates/ Producers– Amplify, Barber, Beckman*(E./24ac./Bio. Dyn.), Blackjack Ranch, Brander(E.), Bridlewood*(105ac.), Hampton, Margerum(E.), 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, Margerum“Estate”, 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-  ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Los Olivos District Winegrowers Alliance~
  • GOING THERE-
    • WINE SQUARE/ DOWNTOWN~ ~Los Olivos Promenade~  27 Tasting Rooms, Plus, Breweries, Restaurants.
      • Wineries~ Alexander & Wayne, Artiste, Bien Nacido & Solomon Hills*, Blair Fox, Brewer-Clifton, The Bubble Shack, Ca’ Del Grevino, Carhartt, Carucci, Community Craft, Coquelicot, Crawford Family, Dragonette*, E11even(Andrew Murray), Epiphany Cellars, Evan’s Ranch(Gainey), Four Brothers, Future Perfect, Grimm’s Bluff, Hideaway LO, Holus Bolus& Black Sheep, Larner, Liquid Farm, Refugio Ranch, Saarloos & Sons, Samsara, Stolpman, Taste of Santa Rita Hills, Tensley, Waylan

HAPPY CANYON AVA.     @Santa Ynez

  • WHITE= Malvasia, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Semillon, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Coast “South”, COUNTY-Santa Barbara
    • In Santa Ynez Valley AVA.(East), @Hw.#154
  • TOPOGRAPHY- Features- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Canyon(Happy)”
    • SLOPES/ San Rafael Mountains, +Alt.750 ft. – 1,500 ft.
    • On~Santa Agueda~Creek~Tributary~Lake~Cachuma~
    • Ancient Upland at End of Santa Ynez Valley.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Loamy Clay, Yellow, Red Chert, Serpentine Cobbles
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, +Diurnal Shifts(+40°)
    • *Generally– Considered Santa Barbara County’s Hottest Wine AVA..
  • VITICULTURE-  23,941 ac./ ? ac. Planted,  2009 AVA. Officially Established.
    • Estates/ Producers– Carr, Crown Point, Desparada, Dierberg, Grassini, Margerum, Martellotto, Star Lane, Three Saints, Westerly
    • Vineyards– 1850 Stallion, Cimarone, Crown Point“Estate”, Dierberg-Star Lane, Happy Canyon, Grimm, Gorham, Grassini Family, Mcginley, McGinley/ Westerly, Le Mistral, Rossi(1ac.), Sophia’s, Star Land“Estate”, Tommy Town, Vogelzang(77ac.)

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

  • WHITE= Grenache Blanc, Orange Muscat, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, 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)”, On~Cuyama~River~
    • SLOPES/ Caliente Ranges/ Sierra Madre Mountains, +Alt. 2,800ft.- 3,200ft.
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers– Alta Mesa, Nadia, A Tribute to Grace
    • Vineyards- Condor’s Hope

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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