California Grapes

Regions:

   

* Napa Valley (Oak Knoll District)

This district has been formally recognized as Napa's newest AVA (Appellation of Origin), approved by the Tobacco Tax & Trade Bureau. 

This 8300 acre viticulture area is located toward the southern end of Napa Valley at a relatively low elevation on the valley floor, making it accessible to the climate moderating effects of San Pablo Bay. 

This area boasts a growing season which can last up to eight months due to cooling breezes, coastal fog, and slow ripening. 

Napa Valley - Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot

Cabernet Franc
 

* Santa Cruz Mountain Region

The Santa Cruz Mountains, South of San Francisco are Favored for the cool and marine-influenced climate, great for Pinot Noir.

 

Santa Cruz Mountain Region - Varietals

Pinot Noir

 

 

* Alexander Valley (Sonoma)

Elegant Style Cabernet with upfront fruit characteristics and soft tannins.  Recommend blending with Napa Merlot.

 

Alexander Valley - Varietals

Cabernet Sauvignon

 

 

*Amador County (Sierra Foothills)

Amador County is by far the most significant region in the Sierra Foothills. Its plantings of Zinfandel alone exceed the total of the combined acreage of all varieties in four of the other surrounding counties. 

Amador is located just east of Sacramento among the sierra foothills. The elevation of the Amador Vineyards ranges from 250 feet in the western foothills to 2900 feet in the east.

Rocky soil and warm temperatures make Amador an ideal location to grow grapes. The soils vary somewhat from north to south, but are all of Valeonic origin, deriving principally from decomposed granite, deep to moderately deep sandy and gravely loam’s. The combination of controlled water, good soils, and small yields adds to the overall quality of the Amador grapes. 

Amador County Sierra Foothills - Varietals
Barbera
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Chardonnay
Merlot
Sangiovese / Brunello Clone
Syrah
Viognier
Zinfandel

Primitivo

 

 

*Lodi Region (Woodbridge District)

Lodi is on the edge of the Sacramento Delta central valley region of California. Just between Sacramento and Stockton on the way to the bay area.

Lodi leads the state in the top five premium varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. The Lodi area is now home to about 40 wineries.

Lodi has a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters. Located at the end of the Carguinez gap temperatures mimic upper Napa Valley. This cooling effect counter balances hot vintages. Morning summer fogs are common, while afternoon sea breezes prevent the temperature from climbing above 95 degrees Fahrenheit on the hottest day leading to a rapid drop in temperature between 4pm and 5pm most days. 

Sandy clay soils washed from the Sierra are ideal for growing fine wines. Lodi's viticulture also uses drip irrigation to better control excessive vigor. The combination of sandy soils and controlled water application is a major quality factor in regards to this wine region. 

 

Lodi Woodbridge District - Varietals
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Sauvignon
Charbono
Carignane - 50 yr. old vines
Chardonnay
Grenache
Malbec - limited quantities
Merlot
Mourvedre
Old Vine Zinfandel - 40 yr. old vines / limited quantities

Orange Muscat
Petite Sirah
Petite Verdot
Pinot Noir
Sangiovese
Syrah
Tempranillo - limited quantities
Viognier
White Muscat Canelli
Zinfandel