Santa Clara Valley AVA

Santa Clara Valley AVA encompasses a broad historic valley and foothills extending south from San Francisco Bay. warm conditions moderated by bay air and Pacific influence through mountain gaps, alluvial loams on the floor and gravelly, well-drained foothill soils, and varied exposures shape Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varieties, and Chardonnay.

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Overview

Santa Clara Valley AVA occupies a broad historic valley and foothills extending south from San Francisco Bay. Its vineyards vary by elevation, slope, and distance from marine influence. Warm conditions moderated by bay air and Pacific influence through mountain gaps guide ripening, while alluvial loams on the floor and gravelly, well-drained foothill soils influence drainage and vigor. Its clearest wine identity is Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varieties, and Chardonnay; linked vineyards and nested areas provide deeper specificity.

Geography & Climate

The AVA encompasses a broad historic valley and foothills extending south from San Francisco Bay, with slopes, elevations, and exposures creating important variation.

Soils

Alluvial loams on the floor and gravelly, well-drained foothill soils influence water retention, drainage, rooting depth, and vigor.

Wine Styles

The area is best represented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Rhône and Italian varieties, and Chardonnay.