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AVAs
The Santa Cruz Mountains region contains several distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), each with unique terroir, climate, and growing conditions.
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:
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:
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
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
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
- Vineyards - Vineyard directory organized by location
- Acreage - Planted acreage by county and varietal
- Varietals - Wine grape varieties grown in the region
- TTB AVA Database
- Wine Institute AVA Maps
- Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association