West Coast Ava's

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Central Coast AVA

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The Central Coast AVA is a large American Viticultural Area that spans from Santa Barbara County in the south to the San Francisco Bay Area in the north. The boundaries of the Central Coast include portions of six counties. With around 100,000 acres (400 km2) planted to wine grapes, Chardonnay accounts for more than half of the total. Within this larger AVA are several smaller appellations that share the same cooling influence from the Pacific Ocean.

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Because U.S. county names automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine[3], which Central Coast appellations do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau:

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Contra Costa County
Monterey County
San Luis Obispo County
Santa Barbara County
Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz County

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Which AVAs are included in the geographic boundaries of the Central Coast AVA

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Arroyo Grande Valley
Arroyo Seco
Ben Lomond Mountain
Carmel Valley
Central Coast
Chalone
Cienega Valley
Edna Valley
Hames Valley
Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara
Lime Kiln Valley
Livermore Valley
Monterey
Mt. Harlan
Pacheco Pass
Paicines
Paso Robles
San Antonio Valley
San Benito
San Bernabe
San Francisco Bay
San Lucas
San Ysidro District
Santa Clara Valley
Santa Cruz Mountains
Santa Lucia Highlands
Santa Maria Valley
Sta. Rita Hills
Santa Ynez Valley
York Mountain

with the exceptions of Ben Lomond Mountain AVA and Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, which are surrounded by, but are specifically excluded from, the larger regional AVA.

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Central Valley AVA

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Unlike other regions of California, there is no large regional AVA designation that includes the entire Central Valley wine growing region

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Central Valley AVAs

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Alta Mesa
Borden Ranch
Capay Valley
Clarksburg
Clements Hills
Cosumnes River
Diablo Grande
Dunnigan Hills
Jahant
Lodi
Madera
Merritt Island
Mokelumne River
River Junction
Salado Creek
Sloughhouse
Tracy Hills

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Klamath Mountains AVAs

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These AVAs are located in the southern Klamath Mountains of far northwestern California.

Seiad Valley
Trinity Lakes
Willow Creek

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Sierra Foothills AVAs

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All of these AVAs are contained entirely within the geographic boundaries of the Sierra Foothills AVA.

California Shenandoah Valley
El Dorado
Fair Play
Fiddletown
North Yuba
Sierra Foothills

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South Coast AVAs

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All of these AVAs are contained entirely within the geographic boundaries of the South Coast AVA.

Antelope Valley
Cucamonga Valley
Leona Valley
Malibu-Newton Canyon
Ramona Valley
Saddle Rock-Malibu
San Pasqual Valley
Sierra Pelona Valley
South Coast
Temecula Valley

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North Coast AVA

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The North Coast AVA is an American Viticultural Area in the state of California that encompasses grape-growing regions in six counties located north of San Francisco: Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano. This large appellation covers over 3,000,000 acres (12,000 km2) and includes a number of smaller sub-appellations that all share the common ecology trait of having its weather affected by the cool fog and breezes of the Pacific Ocean.

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North Coast AVA Counties

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Because U.S. county names automatically qualify as legal appellations of origin for wine[3], the following appellations do not require registration with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau:

Lake County
Marin County
Mendocino County
Napa County
Solano County
Sonoma County

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Lake County AVA

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Lake County wine is an appellation that designates wine made from grapes grown mostly in Lake County, California, located north of Napa County. Although each region within the county has unique viticultural attributes, all are influenced by Clear Lake, the largest inland body of water in the state of California. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape varietal, with Merlot a distant second.

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Lake County AVAs

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Benmore Valley
Clear Lake
Guenoc Valley
High Valley
Red Hills Lake County

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Benmore Valley, Lake County AVA

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The Benmore Valley AVA was named for Benjamin Moore, a local 19th century cattle rustler. The valley is a high depression in the mountains of southwestern Lake County, and is much cooler than surrounding areas. There are no wineries located within the boundaries of the AVA, and most of the grapes produced there are sourced by Geyser Peak Winery.

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Clear Lake, Lake County AVA

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Half of the area contained within the boundaries of Clear Lake AVA is Clear Lake, the largest body of freshwater in the state of California, and the namesake for the county. The moderating influence of the lake on the surrounding area results in a climate with less diurnal variation in temperature than surrounding areas. Clear Lake AVA is one of the coolest climates in California, which has led to success with grape varietals like Sauvignon Blanc.

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Guenoc Valley, Lake County AVA

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Established in 1981, Guenoc Valley AVA was the first American Viticultural Area designation granted to an area with just a single winery. Guenoc Valley is a small inland valley comprising an alluvial fan of Arroyo Seco and Conejo Loam series soils isolated from surrounding areas by rocky ridges.

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High Valley, Lake County AVA

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The High Valley AVA is located in the eastern part of thecounty. True to its name, the valley is situated on high elevations ranging from 1,600 feet (490 m) to 3,000 feet (910 m) in elevation. Red volcanic soils can be found on the hillsides while alluvial fans and benches on the valley floor provide well-drained beds for the vines.

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Red Hills Lake County, Lake County AVA

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The Red Hills Lake County AVA lies along the southwestern shores of Clear Lake, separating Excelsior Valley to the east from Big Valley to the west. The hills lie at the foot of Mount Konocti, an extinct volcano. The terrain is rolling hills with elevations between 1,400 feet (430 m) and 3,000 feet (910 m) above sea level.

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WASHINGTON WINE APPELATIONS

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» Yakima Valley
» Walla Walla Valley
» Columbia Valley
» Puget Sound
» Red Mountain
» Columbia Gorge
» Horse Heaven Hills
» Wahluke Slope
» Rattlesnake Hills
» Snipes Mountain
» Lake Chelan

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Yakima Valley, Washington AVA

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Established 1983 Washington State's first federally-recognized appellation; includes more than 60 wineries.
Contains 16,042 vineyard acres (6,492 hectares), over one third of Washington's vineyards.
Most widely planted grape is Chardonnay, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Riesling and Syrah represent significant acreage, with Syrah in particular on the rise.
Silt-loam soils predominate allowing proper drainage necessary to keep vine's vigor under control.
190 day growing season with annual precipitation of approximately 8 inches (20 cm).

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Walla Walla Valley, Washington AVA

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Established 1984
Grape growing began in the Walla Walla Valley in the 1850s by Italian immigrants.
Nearly 100 wineries and more than 1,600 acres (648 hectares) of vineyards.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading varietal while Merlot, Chardonnay and Syrah are other predominant varieties. Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Grenache, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, and Viognier are also grown.
Loess derived soils which are essentially unconsolidated, unstratified calcareous silt.
Growing season of 190 to 220 days, with annual rainfall averaging 12.5 inches (32 cm) per year.

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Columbia Valley, Washington AVA

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Established 1984
Washington's largest viticultural region, covering almost 11 million acres (4,451,700 hectares) which represents a full third of Washington State's land mass.
The Columbia Valley contains 99% of wine grapes grown in Washington State - 40,050 acres (16,207 hectares).
6,851 vineyard acres (2,772.7 hectares) of wine grapes are planted in the Columbia Valley AVA and not included in any other sub-AVAs in Washington.
Columbia Valley's vast size allows for a number of meso- and micro-climates.
Vineyards are planted on predominately south-facing slopes, increasing solar radiation in summer and promoting air drainage in winter.
Riesling, Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most widely planted varietals.
Growing season of 180-200 days with annual rainfall averaging 6 to 8 inches (15-20 cm).
The Columbia Valley contains the American Viticultural Regions of Red Mountain, Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys, Wahluke Slope, Rattlesnake Hills, Horse Heaven Hills, Snipes Mountain, and Lake Chelan within its borders.

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Puget Sound, Washington AVA

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Established 1995
69 vineyard acres (28 hectares) of vinifera grapes planted.
There are approximately 45 wineries located within the greater Puget Sound region.
The temperate climate rarely suffers from prolonged freezes in winter and enjoys long mild and dry summers.
The core area of this appellation has a growing season that is drier and sunnier than many classic wine grape growing regions in Europe.
Semi-permeable cemented subsoil allows the deep-rooted vinifera vines to survive the late summer soil water deficit.
Precipitation averages 15 inches (38cm) to 30 inches per year, mostly falling in the winter dormant season, with a growing season of over 180 days.
Madeleine Angevine, Siegerebbe and Muller-Thurgau are the predominant varietals.
Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir also show promise in this appellation.

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Red Mountain, Washington AVA

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Established in 2001, located on the eastern edge of the Yakima Valley
Not necessarily a mountain, more of a steep slope, which faces Southwest near the Yakima River
Over 1,199 vineyard acres currently planted in the 4,000+ acre area
More than 15 wineries are located in the Red Mountain AVA, with many additional Washington wineries sourcing grapes from Red Mountain's premiere growers
Primary grape varieties planted include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Sangiovese, Malbec, and Petit Verdot
The area has a desert climate with average yearly rainfall of five inches per year. During the growing season daytime temperatures average 90 °F (32 °C) with night time temperatures dropping below 50 °F (10 °C).

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Columbia Gorge, Washington AVA

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Established in 2004
Includes areas in Washington State and Oregon with more than 20 wineries.
Area of Columbia Gorge AVA is 191,000 acres, approximately 300 square miles.
Approximately 500 planted acres of vinifera.
Located within a National Scenic Area, sixty miles east of Portland/Vancouver.
The Columbia Gorge wine region is defined by the Columbia River Gorge, a narrow passage that marks the dramatic transition from eastern desert to cool maritime climate as the Columbia River cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
The region encompasses the corridor flanking the river in both Washington and Oregon and includes the Columbia Gorge and the southwestern part of the Columbia Valley American Viticultural Areas (AVAs).
Within the compact area of the Columbia Gorge lays an extraordinary combination of climate, soil and geology creating distinctly different “micro-climates” perfect for growing premium grapes of almost every variety from Albarino to Zinfandel.
Passing through the Columbia Gorge from west to east, the rainfall diminishes at almost an inch per mile while sunshine increases dramatically.
Western vineyards have a cool, marine influenced climate where it rains 40 inches a year -- ideal for cool-weather loving varietals like Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Riesling.
Eastern vineyards have a continental high desert climate with just 10 inches of annual rainfall but plentiful sunshine to ripen hot-weather Bordeaux, Rhone and Italian varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel and Barbera.
Soils vary just as dramatically as the rain and sunshine; from red from old volcanic mudstone to gray showing fragments of basalt rock.
Vineyard altitudes vary from near sea level to close to 2000’.
Grape varieties grown in the Columbia Gorge include: Albarino, Aglianico, Barbera, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dolcetto, Gamay,Gewurtztraminer, Grenache, Gruner Vertliner, Lemberger, Malbec, Marsanne, Merlot, Mourvedre, Muscat, Nebbiolo, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Riesling, Roussanne, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier, White Riesling and Zinfandel.

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Wahluke Slope, Washington AVA

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Established in 2006
Naturally bounded by the Columbia River to the west and south, by the Saddle Mountains on the north, and on the east by the Hanford Reach National Monument.
The Wahluke Slope AVA lies entirely within the established Columbia Valley appellation and is home to more than 20 vineyards and at least three wine production facilities.
The 81,000 acre (32,780 hectares) region features approximately 5,652 acres (approximately 2,100 hectares) of vineyards: nearly 15 percent of the total wine grape acreage in the state.
Top grape varieties: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc.
Wahluke Slope has one of the driest, warmest climates in the state, allowing nearly complete control of vine vigor and ripening through irrigation.

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Rattlesnake Hills, Washington AVA

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Established in 2006
Located approximately four miles southeast of Yakima, the 68,500 acre (27,721 hectares) appellation has 1,566 acres (634 hectares) under vines.
With 17 wineries and 29 vineyards, it provides many Washington producers with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Riesling.
Encompassing an expanse of hills running east to west along the northern point of the Yakima River and south of Moxee Valley, the Rattlesnake Hills AVA lies within both the established Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley appellations.
Beginning at an elevation of 850 feet and rising up to 3,085 feet, the viticultural area sits higher in elevation than the surrounding Yakima Valley region.
The first commercial vineyards in the region date back to 1968.
Vineyards are typically located on ridges and terraces and in areas with good air drainage to avoid late spring and early fall frost and winter kill.

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Snipes Mountain, Washington AVA

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Established 2009
In the 1850s a rancher named Ben Snipes built a house and settled his cattle operation on a Yakima Valley mountain north of the Yakima River, later known as Snipes Mountain.
In 2009 the Snipes Mountain AVA became Washington State’s 10th official viticultural area, named after its most prominent landmark, but also including eastern neighbor Harrison Hill.
Both slopes, encompassing 4,145 acres, share similar rocky soils and elevation levels and are planted with 759 acres of commercial grapes.
Snipes Mountain is the second smallest AVA in Washington, bigger only than Red Mountain, and home to six wineries. Its vineyards grow more than 30 different wine grape varieties and the fruit is used in more than 25 wineries.
Vineyards have been planted on Snipes Mountain and Harrison Hill since 1914, and Washington State’s second oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines have been producing grapes on Harrison Hill for more than 40 years.
While the Snipes Mountain AVA lies entirely within the boundaries of the Yakima Valley AVA its uniqueness comes from an elevated topography and unique soils not found elsewhere in the Yakima Valley AVA.

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Lake Chelan, Washington AVA

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Established 2009
Lake Chelan, one of Washington’s most sought after summer destinations, is now the 11th American Viticultural Area (AVA) officially recognized in the state.
It is encompassed completely within the larger Columbia Valley AVA, but Lake Chelan has a higher elevation and more temperate climate than the more southern AVAs also contained within the Columbia Valley.
The 24,040-acre Lake Chelan AVA includes the southern and eastern portions of land surrounding the lake and shares a northern border with the Columbia Valley AVA.
Due to the ice age glaciers that formed Lake Chelan, the soil surrounding it has distinctive properties such as coarse, sandy sediment with notable amounts of quartz and mica, and these result in grapes with discernable textures, minerals, and nutrients.
The AVA is also distinguished by a significant “lake effect” that creates mild and favorable temperatures for surrounding areas, resulting in a longer growing season and a reduced risk of frost.
Grapes have been grown in the Chelan Valley since before the turn of the 20th century by a few Native Americans and a group of Italian immigrants. In 1949, the area produced grapes from 154 vineyard acres.
Modern wine grape growing began more extensively at the turn of the 21st century, and the first winery was opened by the Kludt family in 2000. Now the area is home to 15 wineries and about 227 acres of planted grapes.
The leading varieties being produced in the new AVA include Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.