AVAs - scmwine/Wineries GitHub Wiki

American Viticultural Areas

The Santa Cruz Mountains region contains several distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with unique terroir, climate, and growing conditions.

Primary AVAs

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

Established: 1981 (one of California's first AVAs)

Size: Approximately 480,000 acres (about 1,500 acres planted to wine grapes)

Counties: Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo

Elevation: 400-3,000 feet (vineyards primarily 400-2,800 feet)

Climate: Cool maritime influence from Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, with significant variation by elevation and aspect. Mountain sites experience temperature inversions that create unique growing conditions.

Soils: Diverse including Franciscan shale, sandstone, limestone, and volcanic soils

Key Varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel

Notable Features:

  • One of the few AVAs defined by elevation and mountain geography rather than political boundaries
  • Crosses three county lines
  • Known for elegant, age-worthy wines with distinctive mountain character
  • Home to historic properties dating to the 1800s

Sub-AVAs:

Santa Clara Valley AVA

Established: 1989

Size: Approximately 335,000 acres

Counties: Santa Clara, San Benito

Elevation: Sea level to 800 feet

Climate: Warmer than Santa Cruz Mountains, with maritime influence decreasing as you move inland. Long growing season.

Soils: Alluvial valley floor soils, gravelly loam

Key Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Italian varietals (Barbera, Sangiovese)

Notable Features:

  • Historic Italian winemaking heritage dating to the 1800s
  • Includes the Hecker Pass area, known for family-owned wineries
  • Valley floor and gentle slopes
  • Warmer than mountain sites, suited to Bordeaux varietals and Italian grapes

Sub-AVAs:

Sub-AVAs

Ben Lomond Mountain AVA

Established: 1988

Parent AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

Location: Within Santa Cruz County, northwest portion of Santa Cruz Mountains

Size: Approximately 38,400 acres

Elevation: 400-2,600 feet

Climate: Cool, with heavy marine influence. Frequent fog and coastal breezes.

Soils: Ben Lomond soils (sandy loam), Scotts Creek sandy loam

Key Varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Rhône varietals

Notable Features:

  • Named after Ben Lomond Mountain (2,600 feet)
  • Bonny Doon area is particularly well-known
  • Cooler than other parts of Santa Cruz Mountains
  • Known for Rhône-style wines and elegant Pinot Noir

San Ysidro District AVA

Established: 2014

Parent AVA: Santa Cruz Mountains AVA

Location: South of Los Gatos, near the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains

Size: 2,340 acres (approximately 100 acres planted)

Elevation: 1,200-2,100 feet

Climate: Warm days, cool nights, with fog influence from both Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay

Soils: Franciscan shale and sandstone

Key Varietals: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Notable Features:

  • One of California's smallest AVAs by planted acreage
  • Historic area with vineyards dating to the 1850s
  • Known for exceptional Chardonnay
  • Temperature inversions create unique microclimate

Pacheco Pass AVA

Established: 1984

Parent AVA: Santa Clara Valley AVA

Location: Southeast Santa Clara County, extending into San Benito County

Size: Approximately 200,000 acres

Elevation: 1,000-2,200 feet

Climate: Warm days, cool nights. Somewhat isolated from marine influence by the Diablo Range.

Soils: Gravelly loam, volcanic soils

Key Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Zinfandel

Notable Features:

  • Named after the historic Pacheco Pass route through the Diablo Range
  • Higher elevation sites within the Santa Clara Valley AVA
  • Known for structured Bordeaux varietals
  • Long growing season with warm temperatures

Related Entries

  • Vineyards - Vineyard directory organized by location
  • Acreage - Planted acreage by county and varietal
  • Varietals - Wine grape varieties grown in the region

Sources