CALIFORNIA-Central Valley

CENTRAL VALLEY IS–     AVA.- 17     @Bakersfield, Sacramento

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

GEOGRAPHY– California(Central-Interior), REGION-Central Valley, LATITUDE: 40.58- 34.94° ‘N’

  • BETWEEN-Chico(North) to Bakersfield(South), @Hw.#5/ #99, (450 mi. Long/ 40-60 mi. Wide)
  • COUNTIES-Yolo, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Stanislaus Fresno, Merced, Madera, Fresno
  • North Sacramento Valley(Redding) to South San Joaquin Valley(Grape Vine)
  • Sub-Zones– The DELTA    SACRAMENTO VALLEY     SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY
  • AVA.’s– Capay Valley AVA., Clarksburg AVA., Diablo Grande AVA., Dunnigan Hills AVA., Grape Vine,  Lodi AVA., Madera AVA., Meritt Island AVA., Paulsell Valley AVA., River Junction AVA., Salado Creek AVA., Squaw Valley/ Miramonte AVA., Tehachapi Mountains AVA., Tracy Hills AVA., Winters/ Berryessa Gap

TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Sacramento/ San Joaquin)”

  • San Francisco Bay “Gap” Provides Moisture to Central Valley.
  • Central Valley is One Large Valley Composed of Sacramento Valley In the North and San Joaquin Valley In the South.

VITICULTURE

  • Hugh Series of Vineyards That Produce Overall Bulk of California Harvest. Wineries Geared More Towards Quantity Than Quality Producing High Yield, Over Fertilized, Over Watered Cheap Wine For Bulk, Box Wine or Overly Anonymous Wine to Drink the Masses of Non-Concerning Wine Drinker.
  • Parts of Central Valley Vineyards Dedicated to Raison, Table Grapes, Grape Juice.
  • 55% of California Vineyard Acreage.

VINICULTURE

  • Estate Producers-(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– Woodbridge(Alcampo)

SOILS– “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Wind-Loess

CLIMATE– “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influence

  • *Summers– Hot, Dry   |   *Winters– Cold, Wet

CULTURE–

  • ACADEMICS~ ~University of California Fresno~     @Fresno, California
    • Specialization~ Viticulture and Enology Program
  • PIONEERS~ ~Ernest & Julio Gallo~ Largest American Winery and Exporter of California Wines.
    • ~Fred Franzia~ Owner of Bronco Wine Co./ Champion of Inexpensive Wine/ Creator of Charles Shaw- Two Buck Chuck/ Critic of the High End California Wine Culture.
  • ACADEMICS~ ~International Fruit Genetics and the Grapery~      @Bakersfield
  • FESTIVALS~ ~Unified Wine & Grape Symposium~ (January/ Sacramento)
    • Mission~ Trade Show Where Producers Go to Buy Their Grape Growing and Wine Making Products…There is Every Thing There But Wine.

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

Central Valley North

SACRAMENTO VALLEY AVA. (Un-Official)   @Sacramento

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(North),COUNTY-Sacramento
    • BETWEEN-Coast Ranges & Sierra Nevada Mountain, Red Bluff to Sacramento
    • Sub-Zones- Capay Valley AVA., Dunnigan Hills AVA., Winters/ Berryessa Gap AVA.
  • VITICULTURE- 7,300 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone.)– Bokisch
    • Vinyards-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone.)– Andrus Island

CAPAY VALLEY AVA.      @Capay, Brooks, Rumsey

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tempranillo, Petit Sirah, Petite Verdot
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(North), COUNTY-Yolo, @Hw.#16
    • East of Lake Berryessa(   mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Capay)”, SLOPES/ Blue Ridge, Capay Hills, +Alt. ?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”
    • Soil Series-  –Yolo Series–      –Zamoro Series–
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 102,400ac./ 25ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Capay Valley, Casey Flat Ranch, Seka Hills, Sunce, Taber Ranch

DUNNIGAN HILLS AVA.    @Dunnigan

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Greco, Picpoul, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Vermentino
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Montepulciano, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(North), COUNTY-Yolo, @Hw.#505
    • North-West of Sacramento-City(    mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. ?, On~Cache~Creek~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE-   ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Matchbook, Tendu, Turner Road, Woodbridge
    • Vineyards- Gemmer, Gravel Pit, JK, Lederer, Matchbook“Estate”, Nova, Pheasant Farm, Richie Ranch, Rodergerdts Ranch, Sheep Ranch, Ten, Windmill

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

WINTERS HIGHLANDS/ BERRYESSA GAP AVA. (Un-Official)     @Winters

  • WHITE= Albarino, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), COUNTIES-Solano/ Yolo
    • East of Napa-City(    mi.), @Hw.#128
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Valley”, SLOPES/ Coastal Range(East), +Alt.?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Clay, Silt
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 7,296 ac./ 150 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Berryessa Gap
    • Vineyards- Coble Ranch

THE DELTA AVA. (Un-Official)     @Sacramento

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), COUNTIES-Solano, Yolo
    • Where Sacramento Valley & San Joaquin Valley Converge
    • East of San Francisco(100mi.)
    • Sub-Zones- Lodi AVA, Clarksburg AVA., Meritt Island AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Sacramento~River~Delta~
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND/ ~Delta~
    • Cooled by Maritime Breezes From San Francisco Bay Gap.

CLARKSBURG AVA.   @Clarksburg

  • WHITE= Albarino, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, Falanghina, Gewurtztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Symphony, Verdejo, Verdelho, Viognier
  • RED= Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Merlot, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Petit Sirah, Pinot Noir, Tannat, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Valdigue, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), South-West of Sacramento, @Hw.#5
    • COUNTY-Yolo/(Laps)Sacramento, Solano,  Sub-Zones- Meritt Island AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Sacramento~River~Delta~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Alluvial Silt, Clay
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences, +WIND/~Delta~
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Baron Herzog(230ac.), Bogle(E.), Blacksmith, Heringer, Herzog, Idle Hour, Julietta, Lange Twins, McCormack, Miner’s Leap, Reamer’s, River Grove, Ryme, San Pasqual, Todd Tayor, Wilson(E./104ac.)
    • Vineyards- Berry, Clark-Ranch(46ac.), Foggy Hollow, Heringer“Estate”, Gorter Ranch, Johas Home Ranch, J.R. Perry, Kirchoff, Lost Slough, Mapson, Merwin, Miller, Ogilvie Merwin, Prince, Pylman, Stillwater Oaks, Vella Seco
  • CULTURE-  1985- AVA. Officially Established.
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Clarksburg Wine Growers and Vintners~
      • Mission~ Committed to Growing Awareness, Improving Quality, and Fostering Sustainable Growth For the Clarksburg Appellation.
  • MERITT ISLAND AVA.     @
    • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier
    • RED= Gamay, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), In Clarksburg AVA.
      • COUNTY-Yolo, (6mi. Long/ 1.5mi. Wide)
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, +Alt. 13ft., On~Meritt~Island~
      • On~Elk/ Sutter~Sloughs~Sacramento~River~/ Sacramento~Delta~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • CLIMATE– “Maritime” With “Mediterranean” Influences,  +WIND/~Delta~
    • VITICULTURE- 5,000 ac./ 374ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Bogle, Gros Ventre, La Pitchoune
    • CULTURE- 1983- AVA. Officially Established.

LODI AVA.     @Lodi

  • WHITE= Albariño, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Kerner, Marsanne, Picpoul, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Tokay, Torrontes, Verdelho, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Aglianico, Alicante Bouschet, Bastardo, Black Prince, Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Charbono, Cinsaut, Dolcetto, Garnacha, Graciano, Mencia, Merlot, Mission, Montepulciano, Mourvedre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Syrah, Tannat, Teroldego, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel, Zweigelt
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), South-East of Sacramento(  mi.)
    • East of San Francisco-City(80mi.), North of Stockton-City(   mi.)
    • COUNTIES-Sacramento/(Laps)San Joaquin, BORDERS-Sierra Foothills(East)
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA’s-  Alta Mesa AVA., Borden Ranch AVA., Clement Hills AVA., Consumnes River AVA., Jahant AVA., Mokelumne River AVA., Sloughhouse AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • On~Conumnes/ Mokelumne~Rivers~Tributary~San Joaquin~River~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”, “Sedimentary”, Sand
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences/ Micro-Climates, +WIND/ ~Delta~
    • *Summers– Warm/ Dry     |     *Winters– Cold/ Wet
    • Lodi Benefits From a Location Directly East of San Francisco Bay “Gap”,Via the Sacramento River Delta. While Central Valley Temperature Reach 100°.
    • In Summer Lodi is Cooled by a Constant Air Flow.
  • VITICULTURE-  100,000ac. Planted
    • HISTORICAL VINEYARD SOCIETY
      • Bechthold(HVS.,*1880’s/25ac.) @Mokelumne River AVA., Brovelli(HVS.,*1950’s) @Jahant AVA.,  Church Block(Borra)(HVS.,*1930/1.5ac.) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Cut the Mustard(Noma)(*1910) @Lodi AVA.,  DeLuca(*1961) @Clements Hills AVA.,   Dogtown(HVS.,*1944) @Clements Hills AVA., Kirschenmann(HVS.,*1915) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Fire Mountain(HVS.,*1950’s),  Giorgi/Ferrari(HVS.,*1920’s),  Grandpa Bill Ranch(HVS.,*1950’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Katushas’(HVS.,*1910’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Lizzy James(HVS.,*1904)      @Lodi AVA.,  Marian’s(Mohr-Fry)(HVS.,*1900’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  McCay Cellars Faith(Lot 13)(HVS.,*1906/7ac.) @Lodi AVA.,  Mohr-Fry(HVS.,*1930’s)      @Lodi AVA.,  Mule(HVS.,*1920’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Old School(HVS.,*1900’s/3ac.) @Lodi AVA.,  Rous(HVS.,*1900’s) @Mokulemne River AVA.,  Schmiedt(Dairy)(HVS.,*1910’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Schmiedt(Carl)(HVS.,*1960’s) @Mokelumne RiverAVA.,  Soucie(HVS.,*1910’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Stampede(HVS.,*1920’s) @Clements Hills AVA.,  Star Valley(HVS.,*1962/8ac.) @Lodi AVA.,  Stubborn Scot(HVS.,*1960’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.,  Viola’s(HVS.,*1940) @Clements Hills AVA.,  ZinStar(HVS.,*1930’s) @Mokelumne River AVA.
  • VINICULUTRE-
    • Estates/ Producers-(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Brazin Cellars, Gnarly Head, Klinker Brick, Maggio(2,500ac.), Michael David, Monte Rio, Peltier, Predator, Ravenswood, Soquel
    • Vineyards-(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-AVA.)– Bains, Cut the Mustard(Noma)(*1910), Fire Mountain(HVS.,*1950’s), Giorgi/Ferrari(HVS.,*1920’s), Inez’s, Lizzy James(HVS.,*1904), Maley, McCay Cellars Faith(Lot 13(HVS.,*1906/7ac.), Mohr-Fry(HVS.,*1930’s), Old School(HVS.,*1900’s/3ac.), Shergill, Star Valley(HVS.,*1962/8ac.), Sumer’s, Teresi, Under the Sea
  • HISTORY- 130 Year Wine History
    • 1850’s @Lodi– First Vines Planted
  • CULTURE- “Self-Proclaimed”–“Zinfandel Capital of the World”
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Lodi Rules, Sustainable Winegrowing~
      • Mission~ Support Farmer, Vintners and Entire Agricultural Community That Embraces Their Responsibility to Are For the Environment and the People.
        • Water– Carefully Managing Qualityand Efficiency While Appreciation Every Drop.
        • Ecosystem– Encouraging Biodiversity and  Practicing Stewardship.
        • Community– Engaging and Supporting Our Neighborhoods.
        • People– Making Our Vineyards a Safe, Rewarding Environment to Work In.
        • Soil– Building Organic matter and Maximizing Water Penetration.
        • Pest Management– Using an Integrated System Which Includes Natural Predator and Minimizes Risk to Birds Bees, Water, and People.
        • Quality– Producing Exceptional, Flavorful Grapes to Turn Into Remarkable Wines.
  • GOING THERE–  Possesses Great Biking and Wine Tasting Infrastructure.
    • ~Downtown Lodi Tasting Rooms~
      • Cellardoor, Dancing Fox, McCay, Mckenzie, Scotto’s, Toasted Toad, Twitsted Barrel, Weibel Wine Social
    • ~Lodi Wine Visitors Center~
      • Center Carries Hundreds of Wines From Different Lodi-Grown Wine Grapes.
    • FESTIVALS~ ~Lodi Wine Festival~ (April)
      • ~Zin-Fest~ (May)           ~Lodi Grape Festival~ (September)

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

  • COSUMNES RIVER AVA.     @Galt
    • WHITE= Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino
    • RED= Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.(North-West)
      • COUNTY-Sacramento, @Hw.#5/#99
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, +Alt. 5ft.- 48ft., On~Cosumnes~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Alluvial, Soir Series- ~San Jaoquin~
    • CLIMATE- Fog Influence From Delta
    • VITICULTURE- 54,700ac./ 3,500ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- McConnell, Peltier, Valley Oak
      • Vineyards- Wackman Ranch
  • MOKELUMNE RIVER AVA.     @Lodi
    • WHITE= Albariño, Bacchus, Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Kerner, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
    • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Blaufrankisch, Carignan, Cinsaut, Dornfelder, Graciano, Merlot, Mission, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Zweigelt
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.(South-West)
      • COUNTY-San Joaquin, @Hw.#5/ #12/ #99
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, +Alt. 50ft.- 150ft.
      • On~Mokelumne~River~Tributary~San Joaquin~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”,  Alluvial Fan, Sandy Loam, Granitic Origin
      • Soil Series-   –Tokay Series–        –Acampo Series–
    • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
    • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Birichino, Bokisch, Cantara, Fields, Harrington, Koth’s(26 ac.), Oak Ridge, Omega, Sidebar, Spenker Ranch, Trail Marker(Nat.Pro.), Watts
      • Vineyards- Bechthold(HVS.,*1880’s/25ac.), Bishofberger(12ac.), Block 4, Las Cerezas, Church Block(HVS.,*1930/1.5ac.), Gill Creek, Grandpa Bill Ranch(HVS.,*1950’s), Hatterle, Katushas'(HVS.,*1910’s), Kirschenmann(HVS.,*1915), Marian’s(Mohr-Fry)(HVS.,*1900’s), Marisa, Mule(HVS.,*1920’s), Monkelumne Glen, Montague, Mule Plain, Nies(HVS.,*1950/12ac.), Noma Ranch(8ac.), Perley(HVS.,*1940/13ac.), Rauser, River Song, Rous(HVS.,*1900’s), Ruth’s, Schmiedt(Carl)(HVS.,*1960’s), Schmiedt(Dairy)(HVS.,*1910’s), Schulenburg(HVS.,*1950/6.5ac.), Serenity Oak(HVS.,*1961/14ac.), Soucie(HVS.,*1916), Somers, Spenker, Stubborn Scot(HVS.,*1960’s), Trulix(HVS.,*1940’s/30ac.), Wegat(HVS.,*1960/21ac.)ZinStar(HVS.,*1930’s)
  • ALTA MESA AVA.     @Elk Grove
    • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Torrontes, Verdelho
    • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.(North-Central)
      • COUNTY-Sacramento, @Hw.#99
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, ON PLATEAU/ Alta Mesa, On~Cosumnes~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Clay, Gravel, Soir Series- ~San Jaoquin~
    • VITICULTURE- 55,400ac./ 5,300ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Forlorn Hope, Morgan, Odonata, Toshokan, Vannatta
      • Vineyards- Oak Farm, Silvaspoons
  • JAHANT AVA.     @Jahant
    • WHITE= Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Symphony, Viognier
    • RED= Carignan, Garnacha, Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.(Central-Interior)
      • COUNTIES-San Joaquin/(Laps)Sacramento, @Hw.#99
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Dry Creek/ Mokelumne~Rivers~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Rocklin-Jahant Loam, Clay, Soir Series- ~San Jaoquin~
    • VITICULTURE- 28,000 ac./ 9,000 ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers-
      • Vineyards- Abba, Brovelli(HVS.,*1950’s), Creekside(250ac.), Louis Abba(8ac.), Mule Plane
  • SLOUGHHOUSE AVA.     @Sloughhouse
    • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
    • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.(North-East)
      • COUNTY-San Joaquin, @Hw.#16
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Cosumnes~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
    • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers-
  • BORDEN RANCH AVA.     @Borden Ranch
    • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
    • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Verdejo, Zinfandel
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.(East)
      • COUNTIES-Sacramento/(Laps)San Joaquin
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Dry Creek~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Red Clay
      • Soil Series-  –Redding Series–(Gravelly Clay-Loam)
    • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Clay Station, McManis, Neyers, Odisea
      • Vineyards- Clay Station“Estate”(144ac.), Liberty(225ac.), Sierra Loma(650ac.), Vista Luna
    • CULTURE-
      • ~Etymology~ Named After a Horse Ranch Established In the Area In the Late 1800’s.
  • CLEMENTS HILLS AVA.     @Clement
    • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
    • RED= Graciano, Garnacha, Nebbiolo, Petite Verdot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, In Lodi AVA.
      • COUNTYSan Joaquin, @Hw.#88
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Calaveras/ Mokelumne~River~
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite(Decomposed)
    • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Anaya, Bokisch, Borra, Precedent, Scholium Project, Quinta Cruz, Watts
      • Vineyards- The Bench, DeLuca(*1961), Dogtown(HVS.,*1944), Hunter Oak, Lone Oak(320ac.), Potrero, Los Robles, Stampede(HVS.,*1920’s), Suess(HVS.,*1920’s/15ac.), Terra Alta, Viola’s(HVS.,*1940)

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY AVA. (Un-Official)     @Modesto

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Syrah, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), COUNTIES-Solano, Yolo
    • (220 Miles Long & 40-60 Miles Wide)
    • Sub-Zones- Tracy Hills AVA., River Junction AVA., Diablo Grande AVA., Salado Creek AVA., Madera AVA., Squaw Valley/ Miramonte AVA., GrapeVine
  • VITICULTURE- 
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Found In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– Cederquist(HVS.,*1890’s)@Fresno County, Cowell Ranch

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

TRACY HILLS AVA.     @Tracy

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola, Sagrantino, Syrah, Teroldego
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), COUNTIES-San Joaquin/(Laps)Stanislaus, 
    • South of Modesto-City(10 mi.), @Hw.#5 & Hw.#580
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 100ft.- 500ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • VITICULTURE- ?  ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Dante Robert, Giovinazzo, Jacuzzi Family, Tulip Hill, Windmill Ridge

RIVER JUNCTION AVA.     @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Muscat Canelli, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), West of Modesto-City(8 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Stanislaus/ San Joaquin~Rivers~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Sandy Loam
  • VITICULTURE-  400 ha. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- McManis, Runquist
    • Vineyards- River Junction(400 Ac.)

DIABLO GRANDE AVA.     @Stanislaus

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Barbara, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Syrah
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, Central Valley(Central), COUNTY-Stanislaus, @Hw.#5(West)
    • East of San Jose(28mi.), South-West of Patterson-City(3 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • SLOPES/ San Joaquin Valley(Diablo Mountain)(West), +Alt.1,000 ft.-1,800 ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • VITICULTURE- 30,000ac./ 36ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Diablo Grand Vineyards, Isom Ranch
  • CULTURE- 1998 AVA. Officailly Established
    • ~Etymology~ Named After Mt. Diablo (Peak 3,964 ft.) Which is to the West.

SALADO CREEK AVA.   @Patterson

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), COUNTY-Stanislaus, @Hw.#5(West)
    • South-West of Patterson-City(1 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, SLOPES/ Diablo Mountains, +Alt. ?, On~Salado~Creek~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 2,940 ac./ 44 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Kit Fox
  • CULTURE- 2004- AVA. Officially Established.

MODESTO (Un-Official)      @Modesto

  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-Central Valley, COUNTY-Stanislaus
  • VITICULTURE- Many California/ Worlds Largest Wien Produces Use Modesto to House Their Wineries. Some of the Largest Vineyards In the World Are Located Here In Central Valley.
    • Estate/ Producers- Barefoot, Bronco Wine Company, Carlo Rossi, E. & J. Gallo, McManis Family
  • CULTURE-
    • PIONEERS~ ~Giuseppe, Ernest & Julio Gallo~ “Modesto”, Italian-American Wine Family

Central Valley South

MADERA AVA.     @Madera

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Marsanne, Moscato, Roussanne, Viognier
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto, Malbec, Nero d’Avola, Petit Sirah, Petite Verdot, Primitivo, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(Central), COUNTIES-Madera/(Laps)Fresno
    • North-West of Fresno-City(   mi.), @Hw.#41/ #99/ #145
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
    • On~Chowchill/ San Joaquin~Rivers~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Birdstone, Broc Cellars, Fasi, Ficklin, Idle Hour, Papagni, Quady, San Joaquin, Toca Madera, Westbrook
  • CULTURE-
    • PIONEERS– ~Fred Franzia~
      • Owner of Bronco Wine Co./ Champion of Inexpensive Wine/ Creator of Charles Shaw- Two Buck Chuck/ Critic of the High End California Wine Culture.
  • GOING THERE- WINE TRAILS~ ~Madera Wine Trail~

SQUAW VALLEY-MIRAMONTE AVA.     @Squaw Valley

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Symphony, Vermentino
  • RED= Aglianico, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Dolcetto, Merlot, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Teroldego, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California, Central Valley(Central/ San Joaquin), COUNTY-Fresno
    • East of Fresno-City(40mi.), @Hw.#5 to Hw.#180
    • CITIES-Dunlap, Miramonte, Squaw Valley
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Squaw)”
    • SLOPES/ Sierra Foothills(South) +Alt. 1,600ft.- 3,500ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Sedimentary”, Granite, Clay, Limestone
  • VITICULTURE- 44,690 ac./ 18 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Adrian Joseph’s, Celestial Highlands, Delilah Ridge, Riffelhof, Sierra Peaks
    • Vineyards- Adrian Joseph’s“Estate”, Buttercup, Inisfree, Purgatory, Riffelhof“Estate”, Trahumada

PAULSELL VALLEY AVA. @Oakday

  • WHITE= ?
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Teroldego
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), COUNTY-Stanislaus
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Paulsell)”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. 350ft.- 400ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE- 34,155 ac./  ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Rock Creek
    • Vineyards- Rock Creek“Estate”
  • HISTORY & CULTURE- 2022 AVA. Officially Established.

HARRIS RANCH AVA. (Un-Official)      @

  • WHITE= ?   |   RED= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), COUNTY-Kern
    • North-East of Coalinga-City(20mi.), @Hw.#5 & 198

UTICA AVA. (Un-Official)      @

  • WHITE= ?   |   RED= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), COUNTY-Kern
    • South-West of Bakersfield-City(25mi.), @Hw.#5 & Exit 305/ Utica Rd.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-    |    Vineyards-

COPUS AVA. (Un-Official)      @

  • WHITE= ?   |   RED= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), COUNTY-Kern
    • South-West of Bakersfield-City(20mi.), @Hw.#5 & 258/ Copus Rd.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-    |    Vineyards-

HIGHWAY 166 AVA. (Un-Official)      @

  • WHITE= ?    RED= ?
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), COUNTY-Kern
    • South of Bakersfield-City(25mi.), @Hw.#5  & Exit 255/ Hw.#166
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-  |    Vineyards-

GRAPE VINE AVA. (Un-Official)      @

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfindel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, Central Valley(South), “Non-Contiguous(?)”,  @Hw.#5
    • Base of “Grape Vine at Highway 5  Running North 30 Miles
    • Sub-Zones-  UPPER      LOWER
  • TOPOGRAPHY-  “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley”, +Alt. 500ft.- 1,500ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers-

TEHACHAPI MOUNTAINS AVA.       @Tehachapi

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Primitivo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California(South), REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Kern
    • CITIES-Cable, Golden Hill, Stallion Springs, Tehachapi
    • BORDERS-San Jaoquin Valley(North-West)/ Mojave Desert(East)
    • Sub-Zones- Cummings Valley(West), Tehachapi Valley(East)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Tehachapi)”
    • SLOPES/ Sierra Nevada Mountains(Tehachapi Mountains)
      • +Alt. 3,600 ft.-5,400 ft./ Vines Planted 3,800 ft.- 5,600 ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Continental”
  • VITICULTURE- 34,155 ac./ 35 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Dorner Family, Rancho de los Via Jeros, Tehachapi Vine & Cattle, Tehachapi Winery, Triassic
    • Vineyards-
  • CULTURE- 2020- AVA. Officially Established

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