Wine area
Red Hills Lake County AVA
Red Hills Lake County AVA is a designated wine appellation located within the California region of United States. Red Hills Lake County AVA encompasses rolling volcanic hills beside Clear Lake at the foot of Mount Konocti. high-elevation sunshine, warm days, and cool lake-moderated nights, deep red, iron-rich, rocky volcanic soils, and varied exposures shape structured Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Overview
Red Hills Lake County AVA occupies rolling volcanic hills beside Clear Lake at the foot of Mount Konocti. Its vineyards vary by elevation, slope, and exposure, producing meaningful internal differences. High-elevation sunshine, warm days, and cool lake-moderated nights guide ripening, while deep red, iron-rich, rocky volcanic soils influence drainage and vine vigor. The clearest wine identity is structured Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc; linked vineyards and producers provide deeper specificity.
History
Winegrowing preceded federal recognition of Red Hills Lake County AVA as a distinct American Viticultural Area. Its modern identity developed through closer matching of varieties to local growing conditions.
Geography
The AVA encompasses rolling volcanic hills beside Clear Lake at the foot of Mount Konocti, with slopes, elevations, and exposures creating important local variation.
Climate
High-elevation sunshine, warm days, and cool lake-moderated nights distinguish its growing season from neighboring areas.
Soils
Deep red, iron-rich, rocky volcanic soils influence water retention, drainage, rooting depth, and vigor.
Wine styles
The area is best represented by structured Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Notable features
The interaction of rolling volcanic hills beside Clear Lake at the foot of Mount Konocti, climate, and soils gives the AVA a recognizable place in California wine.
Producers
More public records will be added as coverage expands.