CALIFORNIA-South Coast

SOUTH COAST IS–   AVA.- 11     @Los Angeles, San Diego

  • WHITE= Albarino, Arneis, Chardonnay, Clairette Blanc, Falanghina, Fiano, Godello, Grenache Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Loureiro, Marsanne, Muscat(Canelli), Pinot Gri, Pecorino, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Symphony, Torrontes, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Aglianico, Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Counoise, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mission, Montepulciano, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Pinotage, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo, Terret Noir, Teroldego, Zinfandel

GEOGRAPHY– STATE-California(South), REGION-South Coast AVA.

  • BORDERS- From…Ventura County(North), Mexico Border(South), Pacific Ocean(West)
  • COUNTIES-Malibu, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Ventura
  • Sub-AVA’s– Antelope Valley AVA., The Clairemont AVA., Cucamonga Valley AVA., Leona Valley AVA. Malibu Coast AVA., Newton Canyon AVA., Ramona Valley AVA., Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA., Saddle Rock AVA., San Pasquel Valley AVA., Santa Catalina AVA., Sierra Pelona Valley AVA., South Coast AVA., Tehachapi Mountains AVA., Temecula Valley AVA., Yucaipa Valley AVA.

TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous/ Terraced/ Valley”

  • SLOPES/ Peninsular Ranges, +Alt. 50 ft.- 4,600 ft.
  • Topographic Sub-Zones- Beach Basins, High Deserts

VITICULTURE

  • HISTORICAL VINEYARD SOCIETY
    • Shadow Mountain(HVS.,*1950’s) @San Diego County
    • El Aliso(HVS.,*1831)     @Los Angelas County
    • Schoolhouse(HVS.,*1890’s)    @Los Angelas County
    • The Ramona Vine(HVS.,*1770’s)    @Los Angelas County

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

CLIMATE– “Maritime”, “Mediterranean” and “Continental”

  • MISSIONS Of CALIFORNIA (Listed South to North)
    • ~San Diego de Alcala~ (1st./ Founded 1769)   
    • ~San Luis Rey de Francia~ (18th./ Founded 1798)
    • ~San Juan Capistrano~ (3rd./ Founded 1776)     
    • ~San Gabriel Arcangel~ (4th./ Founded 1771)
    • ~San Fernando-Rey de Espana~ (17th./ Founded 1797)     
    • ~San Buenaventura~ (9th./ Founded 1782)

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

SOUTH COAST*AVA.

  • GEOGRAPHY- California(South-West)
    • South Coast AVA. is From Ventura County to the Mexico Border.
  • VINICULTURE– Labeled– “SOUTH COAST” Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
    • Estate/ Producers-(Not Located In Delineated AVA.)– Acri Wine Company(Santa Clarita), Bellante(Mission Viejo/ Urban), Herzog(Oxnard/ Urban), Tranquil Heart(Hemet)
    • Vineyards- Stone Summit(6,700 ft./Highest Vineyard In America), Wild Horse Peak Mountain

VENTURA COUNTY

  • WHITE= Grenache Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Mourvèdre, Petite Manseng, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California(South-West), REGION-South Coast AVA.
    • COUNTY-Ventura, CITIES– Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura
    • Sub-Zones– Ojai Valley, Santa Rosa Valley
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”
    • SLOPES/ Santa Monica Mountains, Topa Topa Mountains, +Alt. 2,000ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic” , “Sedimentary”, “Volcanic” Silt-Loam, Fractured Limestone
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Labeled– “VENTURA COUNTY”  Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Estates/ Producers- Boccali, Cantara, Cavaletti, Doctor’s Orders, Four Brix, Labyrinth, Old Creek Ranch, Rancho Ventavo, Sin Qua Non, Topo Mountain
    • Vineyards- Bocali“Estate”, Cavaletti“Estate”, Cumulus(12.5ac.), Lewis, Rancho Baila Sol(10ac.), Russak Ridge(4ac.), Twin Horse
  • OJAI VALLEY     @Ojai
    • WHITE= Grenache Blanc, Viognier
    • RED= Barbera, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Ventura, @Hw.#33
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly”
      • SLOPES/ Topa Topa Mountains, +Alt.1,480 ft.-1,608 ft.
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic” Silt-Loam, “Volcanic” Sub-Soil
    • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, INFLUENCED/ Pacific Ocean, +Diurnal Shifts(+30° Variation)
    • VITICULTURE-   ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Alisal(3ac.), Casa Barranca, Ojai Vineyard(A. Tolmach), Majestic Oak, Topa Mountain
      • Vineyards- Ojai Alisal“Estate”(3ac.), Ojai Vineyard“Estate”(1.2ha.), Rich, Roll Ranch

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

LOS ANGELES COUNTY

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Garnacha Bianca, Muscat(Alexandria), Muscat(Orange), Palomino, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Viognier
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mission AKA=Listan Prieto/Pais, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California(South-West), REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angelas
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA.’s- Antelope Valley AVA., Leona Valley AVA., Malibu Coast AVA., Newton Canyon AVA., Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA., Sierra Pelona Mountains Valley AVA.,  Saddle Rock AVA., Santa Catalina AVA., Santa Clarita
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Labeled– “LOS ANGELES COUNTY”  Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
    •  CHALLENGE– Mold, Mildew, Bird Flocks, Wasps, Gopher, Deer
    • The Ramona Vine- Oldest Grape-Vine In America Planted In 1770’s at the San Gabriel Mission.
  • VINICULTURE-
    • Estates/ Producers-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– Accidental, Angeleno Wine Co., Byron Blatty, Cavaletti, Cornel Winery, Los Angeles River Wine Company, Moraga Bel Air(7.4ac.), San Antonio
    • Vineyards-(Not Located In Demarcated Sub-Zone)– El Aliso(*1831), Lone Wolf(*1920), Maglite, Moraga(7.4ac.), Neenach, Schoolhouse(*1890’s), Smith Family
  • CULTURE- FESTIVALS~ ~Raw Wine Fair~ (November/ Los Angelas)
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Los Angels Vintners~
      • Mission~ Winery Members Who Have a licensed and Bonded Winery, are Making Wine For Commercial Purposes, and Have a Passion For Promoting and Selling Los Angeles Made and Grown Wines.
      • Members~ Acri Wine Co., Angeleno Wine Co., Byron Blatty, Cavaletti, Golden Star
    • MISSIONS Of CALIFORNIA (Listed South to North)
      • ~San Diego de Alcala~ (1st./ Founded 1769)   
      • ~San Luis Rey de Francia~ (18th./ Founded 1798)
      • ~San Juan Capistrano~ (3rd./ Founded 1776)     
      • ~San Gabriel Arcangel~ (4th./ Founded 1771)
      • ~San Fernando-Rey de Espana~ (17th./ Founded 1797)     
      • ~San Buenaventura~ (9th./ Founded 1782)

MALIBU COAST*AVA.     @Malibu

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Muscat(Orange), Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Mouvedre, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angelas/(Laps)Ventura
    • North of Los Angeles-City(      mi.)
    • Sub-Zones/ AVA’s- Newton Canyon AVA., Saddle Rock AVA., Solstice Canyon
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, On~Coast/ Pacific Ocean~(Near/  mi.)
    • SLOPES/ Peninsular Ranges/ Santa Monica Mountains(Coastal), +Alt. 1,500ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, INFLUENCED/ Pacific Ocean
    • RAIN SHADOW/ ~Santa Monica Mountains~
  • VITICULTURE- 198 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Aja, Byron Blatty, Case Dumetz, Cielo Frams(E.), Colcanyon, Cornell, Dolin, Hayes Family, Malibu Rocky Oaks, Malibu Sanity, Malibu Solstice, Mandeville, Montage
    • Vineyards– Lobo Canyon, Rising Sun, Triunfo Canyon, Wish
  • VINICULTURE- Wine From Malibu Coast Are Said to Possess Noticeable Salinity.
  • CULTURE-
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Malibu Coast Vintners and Grape Growers Alliance~
  • SADDLE ROCK AVA.    @Malibu
    • WHITE= Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
    • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angelas
      • In Malibu Coast AVA., @Hw.#1(North)
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”, On~Coast/ Pacific Ocean~(Near/  mi.)
      • SLOPES/ Santa Monica Mountains(Above Malibu)+Alt. 650ft.
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, “Volcanic”
    • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, INFLUENCED/ Pacific Ocean
    • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Semler Malibu Estate/ Malibu Family, Saddle Rock Winery
  • NEWTON CANYON AVA.     @Malibu
    • WHITE= Chardonnay, Muscat(Orange), Viognier
    • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot
    • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angelas
      • In Malibu Coast AVA., @Hw.#1(North)
    • TOPOGRAPHY- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Mountainous”
      • On~Coast/ Pacific Ocean~(Near/ 4 mi.)
      • SLOPES/ Santa Monica Mountains(Newton Canyon), +Alt.1,480 ft.-1,608 ft.
    • SOILS- “Metamorphic” Silt-Loam, “Volcanic” Sub-Soil
    • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, INFLUENCED/ Pacific Ocean, +Diurnal Shifts(+30° Variation)
    • VITICULTURE- 850 ac./  28 ac. Planted
      • Estates/ Producers- Rosenthal(28ac.)
      • Vineyards- The Devon
    • CULTURE- 1996- AVA. Offiically Established.

PALOS VERDES PENINSULA AVA.      @Palos Verdes

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angelas
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Altamira Shale
  • VITICULTURE- 30,000 ac./   ? ac. Planted
    • Estate/ Producers- Catalina View
    • Vineyards-

SANTA CATALINA AVA. (Un-Offical)    @Alalon

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angelas
    • West of Los Angeles-City(25 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling”, On~Santa Catalina Island~Pacific~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean”, INFLUENCED/ Pacific Ocean
  • VITICULTURE-  27 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Rusack
    • Vineyards- El Rancho Escondido, Rusack
  • GEOGRAPHIC DISCLAIMER~ “Tehachapi Mountains AVA., is Technically Located In Kern County/ Central Valley Wine Region But I Located it Here In the South Coast Region/ Antelope Valley Area Because of the Proximity and Similarities In Geography, Topography and Climate.”

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.

ANTELOPE VALLEY AVA.     @Lancaster

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Muscat(Alexandria), Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angeles/(Laps)Kern
    • In High Dessert, North of Los Angeles-City(    mi.), @Hw.#138/ #14
    • CITIES-Landcaster, Littlerock
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Antelope)”, SLOPES/ Tehachapi Mountains, +Alt.?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Angeleno Wine Co., Antelope Valley, Coruce, Donato Family, Golden Star(5ac.), Willow Springs Village
    • Vineyards- Golden Star“Estate”(5ac.), Swayze(10ac.)
  • CULTURE- AKA=Antelope Valley of the California High Desert

LEONA VALLEY AVA.      @Palmdale

  • WHITE= Chardonnay
  • RED= Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angeles, @Hw.#14
    • In High Dessert, North of Los Angeles-City(60 mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY– “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Leona)”
    • SLOPES/ Sierra Pelona Mountains(Portal Ridge/Santa Susana), +Alt. 2,500 ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 8,600 ac.,  ? Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Harris, Leona Valley
  • CULTURE- 2008- AVA. Officially Established.

SIERRA PELONA VALLEY AVA.     @Palmdale

  • WHITE= Albariño, Chardonnay, Godello, Loureiro, Muscat
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Tannat, Tempranillo
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-Los Angeles, @Hw.#14
    • In High Dessert, North of Los Angeles-City(    mi.)
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Pelona)”
    • SLOPES/ Sierra Pelona Mountains, +Alt. ?
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE-  ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Agua Dulce, High Desert, Reyes, Stephen Hemmert, Thomas Ludas-Bobcat
    • Vineyards- Agua Dolce“Estate”, Alonso Family, Aneas
  • CULTURE– FESTIVALS~ ~Sierra Pelona Valley AVA. Wine~ (April)
    •  ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Sierra Pelona Valley Vintners~
      •  Mission~ Organization That Brings Together the Talents and Resources of Its Members, Partners and Community to Promote the Production and Appreciation of Wine Grown or Produced With the AVA..

CUCAMONGA VALLEY AVA.     @Fontana

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Chasselas, Muscat, Palomino, Sauvignon Blanc
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, Mission, Mourvèdre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, South Coast AVA., COUNTY-San Bernardino/(Laps)Riverside
    • East of Los Angeles(45 mi.), @Hw.#15
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Cucamonga/ Pomona)”
    • SLOPES/ San Gabriel Mountains, +Alt. 500 ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Alluvial Runoff From Mountains(Rocky, Sandy), Sandy-Loam
  • CLIMATE- “Mediterranean” With “Continental” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 109,400 ac./ 800 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Carol Shelton, Galleano, Joseph Filippi, Rancho de Philo, Robert Renzoni, San Antonio, Scar of the Sea, Virginia Dare(Garrett & Co.)
    • Vineyards- Galleano Ranch(HVS.), Hofer, Lopez(HVS.,*1918)
  • HISTORY- PIONEERS~ ~Tiburcio Tapia~ 1838, Planted Vines at Rancho Cucamonga.
    • 1850’s- Largest Grape Growing Region In California.
    • 1870- Padre Vineyard Company Received 1st. Bonded Winery In California.
    • 1995- AVA. Officially Established.

YUCAIPA VALLEY AVA.     @Yucaipa

  • WHITE= 
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA.,
    • COUNTY-San Bernardino/ Riverside, @Hw. #10/38
    • Sub-Zones– North Bench, East End
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Yucaipa)”
    • SLOPES/ San Bernardino Mountains, +Alt. 2,600 ft.- 5,000 ft.
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Granite
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- 100 ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Suveg
    • Vineyards- 
  • CULTURE-
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Yucaipa Valley Wine Alliance~
      • Mission~ To Raise Awareness About the Emerging Wine Industry In the Yucaipa Valley.

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

TEMECULA VALLEY*AVA.    @Temecula

  • WHITE= Chardonnay 16%, Chenin Blanc, Cortese, Gewurztraminor, Muscat, Pecorino, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon 11%, Zinfandel 10%, Merlot 8%, Barbera, Black Muscat, Cabernet Franc, Cinsault, Gamay, Garnacha, Malbec, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinotage, Primativo, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tannat,  Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, South Coast AVA., LATITUDE: 33.5° ‘N’
    • COUNTY-Riverside, North of San Diego-City(40 mi.),  @Hw.#15(East)
    • Sub-Zones- Rancho California Rd., De Portola Rd., Oceanside
    • 60 Miles/ Minutes From San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Temecula)”
    • SLOPES/ ?, +Alt.1,168 ft.- 1,460 ft., GAPS/ Deluz, Rainbow, Santa Margarita
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Decomposed Granite Which Breaks Down to Sandy Loam.
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences, +Diurnal Shift(+40°)
    • *Summers– Hot/ Dry    |   *Winters– Mild, Cold, Wet
  • VITICULTURE- 33,000 ac./ 1,900 ac. Planted
    • CHALLENGE– Pieces Disease(Glasses Winged Sharp-Shooter)
    • Estates/ Producers- Avensole, Baily, Bel Vino, Briar Rose, Callaway, Carter, Chapin, Cougar, Danza Del Sole, Doffo(E./22ac.), Europa Village*, Falkner*, Fazeli, Footpath, Frangipani, Gershon Bachus, Hart(8ac.,*1973), Leoness*(E./26ac.), Longshadow, Lorenzi, Lorimar, Lumiere, Masia de la Vinya, Maurice Car’rie, Miramonte, Monte de Oro, Mount Palomar, Oak Mountain*, Palumbo, Pelzer, Ponte, Robert Renzoni(12ac.), South Coast*, Thornton, Vindemia, Wiens, Wilson Creek*
    • Vineyards- Cazas(HVS.,*1880’s/3ac.), Hillside, Hunter(HVS.,1900’s), Los Suenos, Wagner
  • HISTORY- 
    • 1968- Vinenzo Cilurzo Planted First Commercial Vineyard.
    • 1971- Guasti/ Brookstone Opened First Commercial Winery.
    • 1984- AVA. Officially Estblished
  • CULTURE- ASSOCIATIONS~ ~Temecula Valley Winegrowers~
  • GOING THERE- Great Proximity to Los Angeles, Riverside and San Diego Counties.
    • WINE TRAILS~ ~De Portola Road Wine Trail~
    • FESTIVALS~ ~San Temecula Valley Wine Festival~ (May)
    • NON-WINE~ ~Hot Air Ballooning~ (California Dreaming/ Grape Escape)
    • AFTER DARK~ ~Visit Old Town Temecula~

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

SAN DIEGO COUNTY      @EntireCounty

  • WHITE= Albariño, Arneis, Chardonnay, Clairette Blanc, Falanghina, Grüner Veltliner, Marsanne, Muscat(Canelli), Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Symphony, Torrontes, Vermentino, Viognier
  • RED= Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Montepulciano, Mourvèdre, Nebbiolo, Petite Sirah, Pinotage, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY– California(South), REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-San Diego
    • BORDERS-Orange County(North), Mexico(South)
    • AVA’s- Ramona Valley AVA., San Pasquel Valley AVA.
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Laguna Mountains, +Alt. 15 ft.- 1050 ft.
    • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Decomposed Granite
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Labeled– “SAN DIEGO COUNTY” Wine Produced Non-Conforming to an AVA.
    • CHALLENGE– Mold, Mildew, Bird Flocks, Warps, Gopher, Deer, Raccoons
  • HISTORY- First Vineyard  Planted In 1778
  • CULTURE- “Monasteries & Monks” ~Mission San Diego de Alcala~ (Founded 1769)
    • ASSOCIATIONS~ ~San Diego County Vinters~
      • Mission~ Membership Organization That Supports and Promotes the Extensive Winegrowing Community Throughout San Diego County.
    • PIONEERS~ ~Father Junipero Serra~
      • ~A.E. Maxcy~ 1852, Planted First Commercial Winery In Valley Center, 350 Acre.
    • FESTIVALS~ ~San Diego County Vintners Wine~ (April)
      • ~Charbono Festival~ (April/ San Diego)
      • ~Nat-Diego~ (August/ San Diego) Natural Wines
      • ~Guildsomm~ (November/ San Diego)
  • NON AVA. SUB-ZONES Of SAN DIEGO COUNTY
  • CLAIREMONT AVA. (Un-Official)     @Clairemont
    • White= Albariño, Grüner Veltliner       Red= Garnacha, Syrah
    • Geography- San Diego County(West-Central)
    • Topography- “Flat/ Rolling/ Canyon(Tecolote)”, SLOPES/ Tecolote Canyon, +Alt. 331 ft.
      • On~Coast/ Pacific~Ocean~(Near 4.2mi.)
      • Sub-Zones- Bayho, East, The Mt. Streets, Tecolote Canyo
    • Climate- “Maritime”, “Mediterranean”,  +WINDS~~Tecolote Breeze~
    • Estates/ Producers-  The Clairemont Estate.(E./.22ac./D. Bacciocco)“Monopole”
    • Vineyards- Genessee, Tecolote(.22ac.), Mt. Pritchard
  • ESCONDIDO
    • Geography- San Diego County(North)
    • Topography- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. ?
    • Estates/ Producers- Bk Cellars, Belle Marie, Forgotten Barrel(Historical Ferrara Winery,*1886), Hungry Hawk(E.), Jack Simon, Screaming Chief(Urban), Stehleon(Urban), Vesper(Urban/ Nat.Pro.)
    • Vineyards- Elliott Ranch, Jack Simon
  • FALLBROOK
    • White- Falanghina, Fiano, Vermentino
    • Red- Barbera, Montepulciano, Petite Sirah, Pinotage
    • Geography- San Diego County(East), Sub-Zone- Deluz
    • Topography- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. ?
    • Estates/ Producers- Beach House(E.), Casa Tiene Vista, D’Lacobelli(E.), Fallbrook(E.), Monerate(E., 75 ac.), Myrtle Creek, Roadrunner Ridge(E.), Toasted Oak
    • Vineyards- Fallbrook“Estate”, Live Oak, Red Mountain
  • VALLEY CENTER
    • Geography- San Diego County(East)
    • Topography- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ ?, +Alt. ?
    • Estates/ Producers- Accidental, Hill Top(E.,55ac.), Triple Ranches(E.)
    • Vineyards- Grace Hill
  • JULIAN/ WARNER SPRINGS
    • Geography- San Diego County(East), @Hw.#78
    • Topography- “Rolling/ Hilly”, SLOPES/ Palomar Mountain, Sunshine Summit, +Alt. ?
    • Estates/ Producers- Edwards, Emerald Creek(E.,65ac.), Hawk Watch(E.), Julian, Menghini(E.), Milagro(E.), Old Julian, Poppaea, Shadow Mountain(E./9ac.), Serenissima, Sierra Roble(E.), Volcan Mountain(E.)
    • Vineyards- Emerald Creek, Shadow Mountain“Estate”(HVS.,*1950’s)
  • WINERIES ON HIGHWAY 94
    • Geography- San Diego County(South), @Hw.#94
      • CITIES-Campo, Dulzura, Jamul, Potero
    • Topography- “Rolling/ Hilly”,  SLOPES/ Laguna Mountains, +Alt.?
    • Estates/ Producers- Campo Creek(E.), Casi Cielo, Deerhorn Valley, Dulzura(E.), Granite Lion(E.), Hillside Ranch, Westfall(E.)
    • Vineyards- Campo Creek“Estate”, Hillside Ranch“Estate”
  • OTHER AREAS– (Outside of Delineated AVA’s./ Sub-Zone Boundaries)
    • Estates/ Producers– 2 Planks, Beach House, Bernardo(E./2ac.), Blue Door(Urban), Bichi, Caruth(Urban), Campo Creek, Charlie & Echo, Deerhorn Valley(E.), Dube, Dulzura, La Fleur’s, Gioanni Bounomo(Urban), J Brix(Nat.Pro.), LJ Crafted Wines(Tasting Room/ La Jolla), Koi Zen(Urban), Negociant(Urban), Los Pilares(Nat.Pro.), Rock Canyon, San Pasqual(Urban), Solterra(Urban/ Encinitas), Sunshine Mountain(E.), Triple B Ranches, Witch Creek(Urban), Wyatt Oak(Urban)
    • Vineyards- 842, Burtech(2.5ac.), Draga, Highridge(Lakeside), McCormick Ranch, Vigna al Mare, Weston

SAN PASQUEL VALLEY*AVA.     @Escondido

  • WHITE= Chardonnay, Clairette, Counoise, Marsanne, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsaut, Counoise, Garnacha, Merlot, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Terret Noir, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-San Diego
    • North of San Diego-City(15mi.), West of Pacific Ocean(30mi.), @Hw.#15(East)
    • Sub-Zone- North of 78
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Hilly Valley(San Pasquel)”
    • SLOPES/ Peninsular Ranges, +Alt. 600ft., On~San Dieguito~River~ 
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Granite
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences
  • VITICULTURE- ? ac. Planted
    • Estates/ Producers- Deer Park, Ferrara, Orfila(E./40ac.), Rancho Guejito(E.,50ac.)
    • Vineyards- Chimney, East, Rockwood, West

RAMONA VALLEY*AVA.     @Ramona

  • WHITE= Albarino, Chardonnay, Clairette Blanc, Falanghina, Greco, Marsanne, Muscat(Orange), Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier
  • RED= Alicante Bouschet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Malbec, Merlot, Mourvèdre, Montepulciano, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Refosco, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Zinfandel
  • GEOGRAPHY- California, REGION-South Coast AVA., COUNTY-San Diego
    • North-East of San Diego-City(20mi.), West of Pacific Ocean(20mi.), @Hw.#67 & 78
  • TOPOGRAPHY- “Flat/ Rolling/ Valley(Ramona)”
    • SLOPES/ Pacific Coast Mountains(Front Range), +Alt. 800ft.- 1,466ft.
    • (15 Miles Long & 9.5 Miles Wide)
  • SOILS- “Metamorphic”, Granite
  • CLIMATE- “Continental” With “Mediterranean” Influences, +Diurnal Shifts
  • VITICULTURE- 89,000 ac./ 100 ac. Planted
    • CHALLANGES/ Powdery Mildew
  • VINICULTURE- 
  •  SUB-ZONES Of RAMONA VALLEY AVA.
    • HIGHLANDS VALLEY- WEST/ SOUTHWEST ROMONA
      • Geography- Ramona Valley AVA.(North-West), @Highland Valley Rd., Hw.#67
      • Topography- “Rolling/ Hilly/ Valley(Highland)”
      • Estates/ Producers- Altipiano(E.), Artefact*(E.), Castelli, Catus Star(E.), Cordiano(E.), Eagles Nest, Espinosa, Highland Hills, Highland Valley, Kohill, Mahogany Mountain, Mermaid Valley(E.), Principe di Triase, Salerno, Speckle Rock*(25ac.), Schwaesdall(E.), Wolf N Rose(E.,3ac.), ZXQ.
      • Vineyards- Catus Star“Estate”, Mermaid Valley“Estate”, Wolf N Rose“Estate”(3ac.)
    • CENTRAL RAMONA
      • Geography- Ramona Valley AVA.(North-West), @Hw#78
      • Estates/ Producers- Correcaminos, Lenora, Pamo Valley, Turquoise Barn
    • HIGHWAY 78
      • Geography- Ramona Valley AVA.(North-West), @Hw.#78
      • Estates/ Producers- Barrel 1, Edwards, Hatfield Creek, Julian Wine, Ramona Ranch(E.), Scenic Valley Ranch 
    • OLD JULIAN HIGHWAY
      • Geography- Ramona Valley AVA.(North-West)
      • Estates/ Producers- Crystal Hill, La Finquita, Grant James, Milagro(E.), Old Julian, Poppaea(E.), Turtle Rock(E.)
      • Vineyards– Grant James“Estate”(7.5ac.)
    • OTHERS–(Not Located Within Demarcated Sub-Zone)–
      • Estates/ Producers- Chuparosa(E.), C, La Finquita, Hacienda de las Rosas, Lathom Wines, Rancho San Martin, Rashelica(E.), Sunrise, Turtle Rock Ridge
      • Vineyards– Ballena Vista, Sunrise(2.5ac.)
  • CULTURE- Romona Was Originally Know as Nuevo.
    • ASSOCIATIONS– ~Ramona Valley Vineyard~
      • Mission~ To Promote, Protect and Enhance the Ramona Valley AVA., Our Wines, Vintners and Community.

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

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