Wine area
Dunnigan Hills AVA
Dunnigan Hills AVA is a designated wine appellation located within the California region of United States. Dunnigan Hills AVA encompasses rolling terraces and gravelly hills in northwestern Yolo County. hot Mediterranean summers with lower frost risk than the Sacramento Valley floor, gravelly loams and terrace soils, and varied exposures shape ripe Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Viognier.
Overview
Dunnigan Hills AVA occupies rolling terraces and gravelly hills in northwestern Yolo County. Elevation, slope, and inland exposure create meaningful local differences. Hot Mediterranean summers with lower frost risk than the Sacramento Valley floor guide ripening, while gravelly loams and terrace soils influence drainage and vigor. Its clearest identity is ripe Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Viognier; vineyard and producer links provide deeper specificity.
History
Winegrowing preceded federal recognition of Dunnigan Hills AVA as a distinct American Viticultural Area. Modern development increasingly matched varieties to its elevation and local climate.
Geography
The AVA encompasses rolling terraces and gravelly hills in northwestern Yolo County, with slopes, elevations, and exposures creating important variation.
Climate
Hot Mediterranean summers with lower frost risk than the Sacramento Valley floor distinguish its growing season from neighboring areas.
Soils
Gravelly loams and terrace soils influence water retention, drainage, rooting depth, and vigor.
Wine styles
The area is best represented by ripe Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and Viognier.
Notable features
The interaction of rolling terraces and gravelly hills in northwestern Yolo County, climate, and soils gives the AVA a memorable inland California identity.
Producers
More public records will be added as coverage expands.