Growing Appellations
The Regions Behind the Wines
What Is an AVA?
An American Viticultural Area is a federally recognized grape-growing region. Its climate, soil, elevation, or some combination of all three distinguish it from other areas, making it unique.
AVAs derive their meaning from terroir, or the unique interplay of soil, climate, and geography expressed in the character of the grapes grown there. A vineyard’s location is one of the most reliable indicators of what will end up in the glass.
By the Numbers
There are more than 200 AVAs in the United States. The smallest is a 60-acre patch nestled between the Russian River and the Anderson Valley.
California accounts for more than half of the nation’s AVAs, with vineyards in 46 of the state’s 58 counties and more than half a million acres devoted to wine grapes. If an AVA is listed on a wine label, at least 85% of the grapes were sourced from that region.
Sonoma County
Home to some of the most notable names in American Pinot Noir and sparkling wine, Sonoma County produces nearly twice the wine volume of Napa Valley. Its sub-AVAs range from fog-covered valleys to sunny hillsides, each producing distinctly different wine styles.
Russian River Valley
Situated in the geographical center of Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley’s rolling hills are custom-made for cool-climate grapes. Warm days tempered by reliable fog create ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We source from 16 vineyards here, including four of our own Estate vineyards, and we are proud to have been a part of the movement that brought worldwide attention to Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.
Sonoma Coast
A long growing season, higher than average rainfall, and shallow rocky soils distinguish this half-million-acre stretch of dramatic coastal land. Cool temperatures make for fruit of energetic acidity, while moderate vine stress produces depth of flavor. The Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays from this region are said to rival those of Burgundy.
Petaluma Gap
Named for a narrow opening in California’s Coastal Mountain Range, the Petaluma Gap runs from the ocean to San Pablo Bay. Wind and fog define its climate, keeping temperatures cool even when adjacent areas are not. Pinot Noir accounts for 75% of vineyard acreage here, and the region has been producing quality wine grapes for more than 150 years.
Mendocino
Within the northerly Mendocino AVA are coastal appellations suited to Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine production, as well as inland zones favoring Mediterranean climate varieties, like Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Zinfandel.
Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley has only recently joined the pantheon of America’s top Pinot Noir-growing regions, but the case is compelling. Hilly geography reminiscent of Burgundy, cooling ocean breezes, and a growing season a few weeks behind most other districts give the vines time to recover from unexpected heat events.
Yorkville Highlands
Situated between the cooler Anderson Valley and warmer Alexander Valley in Mendocino County, Yorkville Highlands occupies a climate sweet spot. Elevation brings chilly nights, gravelly subsoil provides drainage, and thin topsoil limits growth, concentrating flavor in the fruit.
Central Coast
Spanning six counties from Santa Barbara north to the San Francisco Bay Area, the Central Coast AVA encompasses roughly 100,000 planted acres. Pacific Ocean influence is the common thread across its many sub-appellations, with Chardonnay accounting for more than half the total plantings.
San Benito County
Despite its more southerly latitude, San Benito County’s higher altitude and gaps in the Gavilan Mountains usher in cold Pacific air, keeping temperatures cooler than much of Napa. Rolling hills, limestone soils, and a winemaking history dating to the mid-1800s give it a distinctly Burgundian character. We planted Vista Verde vineyard here with Pinot Noir and several aromatic whites, including Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, and Grüner Veltliner.
Napa Valley
Established in 1981 and considered one of the premier wine regions in the world, Napa Valley’s reputation was cemented by the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, which demonstrated that California could produce wines equal to the finest in the Old World. We source Cabernet Sauvignon from some of Napa’s most historic and revered vineyards.