5 Regions

Diurnal shifts - cool mornings, followed by warm sunny days and then cool nights allow grapes to ripen while enjoying a cooling down at night and in the morning to retain acidity and primary fruit aromas and flavors. The topography of notable wine regions in the state have a combination of valleys, sloped elevation and mountain ranges that provide ideal growing conditions that tolerate swings in temperature.

Relatively dry weather patterns with over 300 days of sunshine and limited rainfall - unlike most vegetation, grapevines do not like too much water. In fact, many varietals suffer when they have access to a plentiful water supply. Grapevines like to absorb water at key stages in the growing cycle (bud break through to flowering and again after veraison), but continuous access to water encourages heavy leaf and vine growth and dilution of sugars in the grape. In the atmosphere, too much rain during the summer and fall months prior to harvest can expose grapes to fungal diseases and rot. Dry sunny weather with limited rain provides ideal grape growing weather conditions to limit water access.

A long continuous coast with notable topography that creates unique coastal/marine influences to growing conditions - Ocean air is typically quite cool, and when it meets up with warm temperatures, fog develops. When burned off midday, fog acts as a cooling, acid pumping blanket to grapevines. Think of it as a nice break to regroup from ripening to develop fresh aromas and flavors, controlling sugar levels in the grape from getting to high (which can lead to overpowering flavors and high ABV levels during fermentation). Cool air from the Pacific Ocean is pulled into Sonoma via the Petaluma Gap, Carneros via the San Pablo Bay, into Monterey via the Blue Canyon, and transversely between mountain ranges in Santa Barbara. Cooler temperatures also allow for an expansion of varietals that can thrive in California; without these cooling influences, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir would struggle to grow successfully. Converse to marine influences, there are wine growing regions of California that have lengthy mountain ranges that serve as a shield to humid coastal air and fog. Because of the diurnal shift, cooler climate grapes can thrive in these regions, but do produce richer bodied wines, lower in acid with spice and non-fruit characteristics.

Diurnal shifts - cool mornings, followed by warm sunny days and then cool nights allow grapes to ripen while enjoying a cooling down at night and in the morning to retain acidity and primary fruit aromas and flavors. The topography of notable wine regions in the state have a combination of valleys, sloped elevation and mountain ranges that provide ideal growing conditions that tolerate swings in temperature.

Relatively dry weather patterns with over 300 days of sunshine and limited rainfall - unlike most vegetation, grapevines do not like too much water. In fact, many varietals suffer when they have access to a plentiful water supply. Grapevines like to absorb water at key stages in the growing cycle (bud break through to flowering and again after veraison), but continuous access to water encourages heavy leaf and vine growth and dilution of sugars in the grape. In the atmosphere, too much rain during the summer and fall months prior to harvest can expose grapes to fungal diseases and rot. Dry sunny weather with limited rain provides ideal grape growing weather conditions to limit water access.

A long continuous coast with notable topography that creates unique coastal/marine influences to growing conditions - Ocean air is typically quite cool, and when it meets up with warm temperatures, fog develops. When burned off midday, fog acts as a cooling, acid pumping blanket to grapevines. Think of it as a nice break to regroup from ripening to develop fresh aromas and flavors, controlling sugar levels in the grape from getting to high (which can lead to overpowering flavors and high ABV levels during fermentation). Cool air from the Pacific Ocean is pulled into Sonoma via the Petaluma Gap, Carneros via the San Pablo Bay, into Monterey via the Blue Canyon, and transversely between mountain ranges in Santa Barbara. Cooler temperatures also allow for an expansion of varietals that can thrive in California; without these cooling influences, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir would struggle to grow successfully. Converse to marine influences, there are wine growing regions of California that have lengthy mountain ranges that serve as a shield to humid coastal air and fog. Because of the diurnal shift, cooler climate grapes can thrive in these regions, but do produce richer bodied wines, lower in acid with spice and non-fruit characteristics.

Sonoma AVA Map

The Sonoma region offers some of the best values. Should we expand on this ??

Carneros AVA Map

Los Carneros AVA is an American Viticultural Area known for a significantly cooler climate due to its proximity to fog and cooling breezes of the San Pablo Bay. Established in 1983, it actually straddles land in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys, making it the first California wine region to be defined by its unique climate as opposed to political boundaries.

The Carneros region covers 90 square miles (58,000 acres) located along the low-lying hills of the Mayacamas Range as it descends underneath San Francisco Bay. Elevations of most vineyards range from 400 feet in the foothills to near sea level closer to the bay. The official boundaries of the AVA fall into both Napa and Sonoma counties with the largest portion being in Sonoma and entitled to use the Sonoma Valley AVA designation as well. The Napa portion of Los Carneros is similarly entitled to use the Napa Valley AVA designation.

The soils of the Carneros region are predominantly clay and very thin and shallow (approximately 3 feet deep), providing poor drainage and fertility. The fierce and persistent winds coming off the bay encourages the grapevines to struggle and retain moisture. While this aids in keeping crop yields small, it can also delay the grapes from ripening sufficiently. In vintages with a long, drawn out growing season that allow the grapes to ripen, intense and vivid flavors can develop.

The cooler climate has made Los Carneros attractive for the cultivation of cooler climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Carneros Chardonnay is marked by its high acidity that can bring balance to the fatter, rounder Chardonnays produced in the warmer climate areas of Sonoma and Napa. While in the past, Chardonnay was usually put through malolactic fermentation and was given significant oak treatment to soften some of the acidity, the current winemaking style in California emphasizes the fruit. A newer style now favors stainless steel and neutral French Oak, while rarely using more than a portion of the wine undergoing malolactic fermentation.

Pinot Noir from the Carneros is known for its crisp acidity and tight structure and frequently exhibits spicy berry fruit. The Carneros region was one of the early pioneers of cool-climate Pinot Noirs in California. The older clones found in Carneros include the Martini and Swan clones which produce wines that are lighter, more elegant with some earthy complexity. They are also noted for their distinctive aromas of green herbs, beets and mint. The newer French clones being planted, (such as the Dijon 115, 667 and 777) produce more alcoholic and concentrated wines with black fruit notes.

Russian River Valley AVA Map

The Russian River Valley AVA is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in Sonoma County, CA. Centered on the Russian River, the Russian River Valley AVA accounts for about one-sixth of the total planted vineyard acreage in Sonoma County. The appellation was granted AVA status in 1983 and enlarged in 2005. The area generally lies between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa in the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg in the north. The Russian River Valley has a characteristically cool climate, heavily affected by fog generated by the valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The area is known for its success with cool climate varietals notably Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

With parts of the AVA located less than 10 miles from the Pacific, the climate of the Russian River AVA is characterized by cool morning fog that comes in from the ocean through the Petaluma Gap and burns off during the day. The cooling influence of the fog is responsible for the large diurnal temperature variation with nighttime temperatures dropping as much as 35 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit from daytime highs. The Russian River is a rain-fed waterway that swells in the winter and provides vital irrigation to the region's vineyards during the dry season in late spring. In the summertime, the warmth of the season is tempered by the maritime influence of fog that facilitates a long, slow ripening period and limits the risk of over ripeness or "baked" flavors in the grapes. Harvest in the Russian River Area often take place at later dates than in its neighboring regions. The central and western reaches of the AVA are the coolest and tend to be most extensively planted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The eastern parts of the AVA, located near US 101 and including the sub-AVA of Chalk Hill, are the warmest areas of the Russian River AVA being the furthest away from the ocean.

Within the mere 165,000 acres of the Russian River Valley AVA, there is a huge range of soil compositions throughout the area.

The Russian River Valley was formed millions of years ago when the North American and Pacific tectonic plates repeatedly collided. These collisions caused volcanic eruptions that covered the ground with layers upon layers of volcanic ash. This ash created a sandstone equally rich in sand, silt, and clay which geographers would call “loam” and the people of the Russian River Valley would come to call “Goldridge soil.” As it turns out, it’s a perfect match for Pinot Noir grapes. If grapes could sing, this soil would make Pinot Noir grapes burst out in the most joyful, happy love song you’ve ever heard.

But due to the way the volcanic ash was disrupted and mixed with the existing soil, the exact composition varies even within the region. You can find clay-heavy soil in the Sebastopol Hills which retains less water and lends especially well to Pinot Noir grapes. In comparison, the soil near the Russian River contains more gravel and sand, producing an altogether different nuance to its award-winning Pinot Noir wines.

The AVA plants around 20 percent of all of California's Pinot Noir grapes. Slightly under half of the grapes harvested in the Russian River Valley are Chardonnay with Pinot Noir second at around 1/3 of the grapes harvested there.

Is there a Central Coast AVA Map ??

Central Coast AVA contains the following AVAs:
Adelaida District, Alisos Canyon, Arroyo Grande, Arroyo Seco, Ballard Canyon, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Cienega Valley, Creston District, Edna Valley, El Pomar District, Gabilan Mountains, Hames Valley, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara, Lamorinda, Lime Kiln Valley, Livermore Valley, Los Olivos District, Monterey, Mt. Harlan, Pacheco Pass, Paicines, Paso Robles, Paso Robles Estrella District, Paso Robles Geneseo District, Paso Robles Highlands, Paso Robles Willow Creek District, San Antonio Valley, San Benito, San Bernabe, San Juan Creek, San Luis Obispo Coast (SLO Coast), San Lucas, San Miguel District, San Ysidro District, Santa Clara Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Margarita Ranch, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Templeton Gap District, York Mountain.

Carmel Valley AVA - Carmel Valley encompasses over 19,000 acres, with 300 acres of grapes under cultivation. Vineyards are located primarily within Carmel Valley and Cachagua Valley. Cachagua Valley’s unique mountainous terrain elevates grapes above the fog line, exposing them to a warmer climate, though temperatures vacillate.

These temperature swings elongate ripening time and growing season, which enacts a gradual maturation to generate greater fruit complexity and, consequently, wine complexity. Generally, this region produces rich, full-bodied Bordeaux and Burgundian varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, all of which we help you sample in the best wine-tasting experiences in Carmel Valley.

AVA Approval: 1983
Acres Planted: 300
Climate: Extensive coastal influence; hillside has moderate temperature swings.
Dominant Soils: San Andreas Fine Sandy Loam, Arroyo Seco Gravelly Sandy Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 203 ft. / 2,762 ft.

San Antonio Valley AVA - The San Antonio Valley is encircled by the Santa Lucia Range and positioned in the bowl-shaped concavity at the southernmost region of Monterey County. This AVA experiences wide-ranging temperatures, with warmer temperatures doused by cool evening breezes from the pacific and morning fog from neighboring Lake San Antonio. San Antonio Valley, includes over 800 acres of vinifera grapes and over 20 varietals under cultivation. Due to its fluctuating elevation, warm and dry conditions, and gravelly loam and clay soils, the conditions are perfect for full-bodied Rhone, Bordeaux, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian varietals, including: Cabernet Sauvignon - Petite Sirah -Syrah – Marsanne – Tempranillo – Grenache – Albarino

AVA Approval: 2006
Acres Planted: 800
Climate: Hot, minor coastal influence.
Dominant Soils: Loam, Lockwood Shaly Loam, Chamise Shaly Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 587 ft. / 2,789 ft.

Gabilan Mountains AVA - The newest AVA shares land in Monterey County and some of San Benito County. Vineyard acreage in the Gabilan Mountains is relatively small, but the wines produced from these vineyards have minerality, complexity, and dense, pure fruit flavors. The quick-draining soils of the AVA stress the vines during the growing season, resulting in more intense flavors and rich, hardy skins less associated with vines grown in sub-optimally-drained soils. Additionally, well-drained soils are at less of a risk for root decay than waterlogged soils. The Gabilan Mountains AVA contains 6 commercially-producing vineyards covering a total of approximately 436 acres, as well as 4 wineries.

AVA Approval: 2022
Acres Planted: 436
Climate: Warm, high elevation reduces coastal influence.
Dominant Soils: Moderately coarse textured soils over a bedrock of granite, Sheridan-Cieneba-Auberry, high limestone content.
Min./Max. Elevations: 1,500 ft./2,370 ft.

Chalone AVA - Part of the Gabilan Mountain Range and set against the dramatic backdrop of Pinnacles National Monument, Chalone boasts the oldest producing vines in Monterey County. Chalone’s elevation exposes grapes to a dramatic shift from high daytime temperatures to the cold nighttime air to instill a full varietal character in the grapes.

Most importantly, however, this AVA experiences limited rainfall and contains limestone and granite found nowhere else in the world. This contributes to the rich bouquet found in its wines by limiting grape yields and optimizing drainage for the root system to maintain healthy vines and full flavors. This region produces varietals like: Chardonnay - Pinot Noir - Pinot Blanc - Chenin Blanc – Syrah

AVA Approval: 1982
Acres Planted: 300
Climate: Warm, high elevation reduces coastal influence.
Dominant Soils: Vista Coarse Sandy Loam, McCoy-Gilroy Complex
Min./Max. Elevations: 1,201 ft. / 2,323 ft.

At its surface, the blue expanse of Monterey Bay is one of Northern California’s most picturesque places. The bay acts as a large funnel that shunts cold winds and fog from the Pacific across the valley, cooling the vineyards. As host to the largest undersea canyon on the west coast of North America, Monterey Bay’s geography is unique. The dark, cold bottom of its underground chasm, which plunges two miles deep, not only lowers the surface temperatures of the Bay, but also directly influences the valley, enabling us to grow cool-climate grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Spanning 23 miles, Monterey Bay acts as an immense funnel, channeling ocean air through the Salinas Valley that is home to the Santa Lucia Highlands and other American Viticultural Areas. The funneling process works this way: air from the southern end of the valley close to King City and points farther south warms and rises, which produces strong suction that in its turn draws in cooler air from Monterey Bay. The wind created is shunted from the Bay through the narrower Salinas Valley. The geographical constriction produces a decrease in air pressure, which increases the flow of cold ocean air across the farms and vineyards of this valley. Both Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley are uniquely positioned to be strongly influenced by these winds, which enhances the Venturi effect even more. The ocean air and winds act as an “air conditioning system”, mitigating temperatures and extending the growing season.

At their peak, wind speeds approach 30 miles per hour and there is a 40 degree differential from the Bay to the south end of the county. Where a vineyard is located goes a long way to determining which of the region’s forty-two varietals are planted there. Cool climate-loving Pinot Noir and Chardonnay do well in the north; Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and Rhone grape types flourish in the warmer south.

In the early morning, the entire region is cool and, for a large part, covered by a thick marine layer. Temperatures at Monterey Bay in the north and the southern end of the county are both around 55 degrees. As the sun rises, the valley starts to warm. The heat burns off the fog and begins the slow rise in temperature at the southern end of the county.

A true sanctuary of wine-growing, Monterey County is home to world-class microclimates that generate nine large AVAs.

Monterey AVA Map

The Monterey AVA is the largest in the area, with over 40,000 acres, and extends the entire length of the county. Because it covers so much terrain, it has a diverse climate, which translates to exceptional grape diversity. Still, Chardonnay reigns supreme throughout the region, accounting for over 50% of vines in production.

Cooler weather, ocean breezes, and fog characterize the northern section, which produces cool-climate grapes like Riesling and Pinot Noir. In the South, it opens up to Salinas Valley, which can reach up to 100 degrees during the daytime. This warmer weather produces Bourdeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot), Rhone varietals (Syrah and Petite Sirah), and some Zinfandel.

AVA Approval: 1984
Acres Planted: 40,000
Climate: Cool to hot, based upon location within the 100-mile stretch of land.
Dominant Soils: Lockwood Shaly Loam, Chualar Loam, Placenta Sandy Loam, Rincon Clay Loam, Garey Sandy Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 0 ft. / 2,320 ft.

Arroyo Seco AVA -The Arroyo Seco AVA, which translates to “dry riverbed,” starts in a steep, narrow gorge at the foot of the Santa Lucia mountain range and extends east into a widening topography that eventually opens up to the warm, fertile soil of the Salinas Valley.

Because of the diverse topography, this AVA contains several microclimates, soil types, and unique features like large river stones that facilitate drainage. These properties nurture the vineyards and their root systems while protecting them from the elements. Because of this diverse terrain, this AVA yields several varietals, including: Chardonnay – Riesling – Zinfandel - Bordeaux varietals - Rhone varietals

AVA Approval: 1983
Acres Planted: 7,000
Climate: Moderate, partially sheltered from breezes.
Dominant Soils: Garey Sandy Loam, Oceano Loamy Sand, Lockwood Shaly Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 266 ft./1,670 ft.

Hames Valley AVA - Hames Valley is the southernmost AVA in Monterey County, giving it a unique climate. At the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains, oak trees populate its rolling hills. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean protects vines from winds blowing in from the Salinas Valley corridor, which generates a warmer climate than northern regions. Because it experiences the most significant temperature swing of all the Monterey AVAs, grape growers are particularly attentive to row direction, trellis design, and canopy management to minimize direct exposure to sunlight. Its shale soil and warm climate enable it to grow grapes with intense, bold flavors, particularly Rhone varietals.

AVA Approval: 1994
Acres Planted: 2,200
Climate: Very warm, minor coastal influence.
Dominant Soils: Lockwood Shaly Loam, Chamise Shaly Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 472 ft. / 1,289

San Bernabe AVA - The most centrally located AVA in Monterey County, San Bernabe, consists of over 5,000 cultivated acres. San Bernabe has a variety of microclimates with temperatures varying 5 degrees Fahrenheit from end to end, resulting in some grape blocks ripening months before others within the same vineyard.

Temperatures are reminiscent of Napa Valley, but its variance of warm days and cool evenings often elongates the growing season by up to four weeks. Its unusual sandy Aeolian soil combined with modern irrigation techniques enables growers to adjust the vigor and quality of the fruit and produce rich, full-bodied wines with complex and mature aromas. This AVA grows over 20 varietals, including: Merlot – Syrah - Pinot Noir – Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc – Riesling

AVA Approval: 2004
Acres Planted: 5,000
Climate: Moderate, partially sheltered from breezes.
Dominant Soils: Garey Sandy Loam, Oceano Loamy Sand, Lockwood Shaly Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 266 ft. / 1,670 ft.

San Lucas AVA - San Lucas is nestled on the southwestern edge of the Salinas Valley. Comprised of sweeping alluvial fans and terraces, grape growers have cultivated over 8,000 acres. Unlike other AVAs in Monterey County, San Lucas experiences significantly less cooling from Monterey Bay, which results in a warmer overall climate. Fluctuating elevations expose this area to morning fog and temperatures that oscillate as much as 40 degrees during the summer from day to night. These conditions contribute to a protracted growing season that yields grapes with full bodies and flavors. These grapes boast stunning color commensurate with their flavor, and varietals include:

Cabernet Sauvignon – Merlot – Chardonnay - Sauvignon Blanc

AVA Approval: 1987
Acres Planted: 8,000
Climate: Moderate to warm, some coastal influence.
Dominant Soils: Lockwood Shaly Loam, Snelling-Greenfield Complex
Min./Max. Elevations: 325 ft. / 1,250 ft.

Santa Lucia Highlands AVA - The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA contains over 4,700 cultivated acres planted high up on southeast-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountain range overlooking the Salinas River Valley. This AVA has a climate comparable to Burgundy.

This elevated position exposes vines to morning sunshine and afternoon maritime breezes. Ultimately, this climate results in a long growing season, enabling grapes to achieve maximum varietal potential. Varietals include: Chardonnay - Pinot Noir – Syrah

AVA Approval: 1991
Acres Planted: 5,000
Climate: Cool, steady temperature climate.
Dominant Soils: Chualar Loam, Arroyo Seco Gravelly Sandy Loam
Min./Max. Elevations: 98 ft. / 2,349 ft.

Santa Barbara Map

Santa Barbara County has 7 officially recognized American Viticultural Areas or AVAs. However, they are all within the Central Coast AVA.
NOTE: Santa Barbara County is not an AVA. However its an appellation which is a legal designation and can appear on a wine label. Wines with this designation must contain 85% of the grapes from the region.

Santa Maria Valley AVA . Santa Barbara’s northernmost AVA is within the Central Coast AVA. Santa Maria Valley, is located roughly 15 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. It was the first AVA in the county, receiving its official designation in 1981. It is widely recognized for producing some of Santa Barbara’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The region has approximately 7,500 acres under vine.

The east to west orientation of the Santa Maria Valley allows cool winds and fog to flow freely from the Pacific Ocean, with much of the coolness settling into the lower-lying basins. This cooling effect significantly influences the growing season, lengthening it and contributing to the sugar/acid balance of the grapes. Santa Maria’s grape growing season is among the longest in the world.

The mild temperatures and extended growing season are not the only features of the Santa Maria Valley’s terroir – the soil the grapes are grown in is relatively free draining and loamy, which prevents the vines from becoming waterlogged. The loams vary from area to area with limestone being present in some of the more “exceptional” vineyard plots.

The combination of climate and soil present in the Santa Maria Valley AVA consistently produces wines that display clean and concentrated fruit flavors balanced by a bright, refreshing acidity.

The dominant variety of grapes in the Santa Maria Valley is undoubtedly Pinot Noir. It grows exceptionally well in the AVA’s cooler microclimates. Chardonnay also grows incredibly well, with ⅓ of Santa Maria Valley’s wine output devoted to it. At the eastern end of the valley, at higher elevations further from the ocean, warmer-climate grapes including Viognier and Syrah, with Grenache and even Roussanne and Marsanne being grown as well – albeit in smaller quantities.

Alisos Canyon AVA is within the Central Coast AVA and has been renowned for its high-quality fruit for several years, and locals sought to give this informal recognition a more formal status by applying for their own AVA. The region is located in Santa Barbara County and covers 5,775 acres south of the Santa Maria Valley AVA near the town of Los Alamos.

Much like the town of Santa Ynez itself, Los Alamos offers the visitor a step back in history to a time when stagecoaches and railroads reigned supreme. Alisos Canyon is cooler than Santa Ynez, but warmer than Santa Maria Valley, which means it has a wide diversity of wine varieties. Although the region is famous for its premium stone fruit driven Chardonnay, other favorites include Grenache-Syrah blends and Pinot Noir.

Santa Ynez Valley AVA Map

Santa Ynez Valley AVA is within the Central Coast AVA and lies southeast of the Santa Maria Valley AVA. The windy Santa Ynez Valley covers over 76,000 acres of land and contains a variety of microclimates. Santa Ynez is home to the most wineries in the county and holds within it four district AVAs: Sta. Rita Hills, Happy Canyon, Ballard Canyon and the Los Olivos District AVAs.

The valley is formed by the San Rafael mountains in the north and the Santa Ynez mountains in the south, which offer a wide range of growing temperatures for the many different types of grapes that are grown here. The majority of the vineyards here are planted on hillsides which allows the grapes to see optimal levels of sunlight and develop the favorable levels of sugar and ripeness.

With four recognized AVAs present in the Santa Ynez Valley, there is no shortage of exceptional wines being made here from a variety of different grapes. Sta. Rita Hills is known for top quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Happy Canyon is host to some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the region, while the moderately warmer climates of Los Olivos and Ballard Canyon can sustain a wider range of grapes including Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.

Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Rita Hills) AVA is within Santa Ynez AVA which is within the Central Coast AVA. Encompassing a sprawling area over 30,000 acres but with just a fraction of that being dedicated to vineyards (roughly 2,000 acres), Sta. Rita Hills is the premium cool-climate AVA nestled within the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA.

Officially designated an AVA in 2001, it did not receive its name until 2006 after a long legal battle with a similarly named Chilean wine growing region. In 2006, the legal negotiations ended and both parties agreed that the abbreviated written name “Sta. Rita Hills” was enough of a distinction to differentiate our region from theirs.

Located 12 miles from the Pacific, between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, this region sees cool breezes and warm afternoon sun which gives the grapes ample time to develop intense flavors. With a mix of minerals, limestone, diatomaceous earth and marine sediment, the soil composition contributes to the terroir forwardness of wines made from grapes grown in this esteemed AVA.

Happy Canyon AVA is within the Santa Ynez AVA which is within the Central Coast AVA. Receiving its official designation as an AVA in 2009, Happy Canyon is also located within the Santa Ynez Valley AVA and is one of the youngest AVAs in the area. Vines were first planted here in the early 90s, with the area producing its first vintage in 2001. After receiving its AVA the appellation has grown leaps and bounds to approximately 24,000 acres of which around only 500 is currently dedicated to grape growing.

Its position, farther inland on the eastern portion of the Santa Ynez Valley, still affords it some of the cooling temps from the Pacific Ocean but also leads to warmer days than its western neighbors. In fact, Happy Canyon possesses the warmest microclimate within the Santa Ynez Valley, with temps reaching up to 90°F after the morning fog has burned off in the summer months. The soil here is nutrient-poor but rich in minerals with areas varying from sandy, clay loams to serpentine and cherts cobbles.

The soil and climate within Happy Canyon make it incredibly suited for Bordeaux variety grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Rhone Valley grape varieties are also grown here with Syrah at the forefront. Wines coming out of Happy Canyon can be lushly textured, fruit-forward wines. With six vineyards and two active wineries to date, this new AVA is looking to boom with talented winemakers who see its potential.

Ballard Canyon AVA is another AVA situated within the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA which is within the Central Coast AVA. Officially recognized as an AVA in 2013, Ballard Canyon is protected from much of the ocean-generated winds by the north-south orientation of the hills that make up its western border. It lies both in geography and climate between the warmer Happy Canyon AVA and the cooler Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Comprising around 7,800 acres of land Ballard Canyon itself is a long, narrow canyon that runs north to south and is bordered by many smaller canyons, set against the dry rugged hills of the area.

Grapes grown in the south of the canyon are exposed to morning fog that sweeps in from the Pacific Ocean, with longer cool exposure than vines planted at the higher elevations in the northern part of the canyon. Vines grown at higher elevations require deep root systems due to the arid environment – improving the overall strength and hardiness of the vines. Soil here, while dry, is made up of sand, clay loam, and in certain areas, limestone, all of which possess good draining capacities. High levels of calcium are also found in the soil of Ballard Canyon. This contributes to the development of concentrated tannins, acids and sugars in the grapes, leading to balanced, rich, fresh flavored wines.

The Los Olivos District AVA is within the Santa Ynez AVA which is within the Central Coast AVA and is the newest AVA in Santa Barbara County. Established in early 2016, Los Olivos District is another sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley AVA. It borders the neighboring AVAs of Ballard Canyon to the west and Happy Canyon to the east.

Los Olivos sits on a large terrace above the Santa Ynez River. The area sees similar amounts of rainfall, fog, and sun as its neighbors to the east and west but with a thinner marine fog layer due to its more inland location. This low level of fog burns off quickly in the morning leading to warmer daytime temperatures and cool nighttime ones that benefit ripening, acidity maintenance and overall sugar accumulation. Due to its relatively flat geography and moderately sandy and clay loam soils Los Olivos District AVA is well suited for tractors and machine tilling operations that would be impossible on the rugged, steep terrain of the neighboring AVAs.

Due to its unique geography, and mineral-rich soil Los Olivos District AVA lies in the middle of climates for the area as well as wine styles. The length of the growing season is on par with Ballard and Happy Canyon but the wines produced can be more varied. Popular varieties of grapes planted here are typical of Bordeaux – Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Merlot, but it is also suited for Syrah.