Wine area
Upper Lake Valley AVA
Upper Lake Valley AVA is a designated wine appellation located within the California region of United States. Upper Lake Valley AVA encompasses valleys and surrounding hills north of Clear Lake. warm high-elevation days moderated by the lake and cool afternoon breezes, alluvial valley soils with gravelly and volcanic upland material, and varied exposures shape Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.
Overview
Upper Lake Valley AVA occupies valleys and surrounding hills north of Clear Lake. Its vineyards vary by elevation, slope, and exposure, producing meaningful local differences. Warm high-elevation days moderated by the lake and cool afternoon breezes guide ripening, while alluvial valley soils with gravelly and volcanic upland material influence drainage and vigor. Its clearest wine identity is Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel; linked vineyards and producers provide deeper specificity.
History
Winegrowing preceded federal recognition of Upper Lake Valley AVA as a distinct American Viticultural Area. Its identity reflects the gradual matching of varieties to local conditions.
Geography
The AVA encompasses valleys and surrounding hills north of Clear Lake, with slopes, elevations, and exposures creating important variation.
Climate
Warm high-elevation days moderated by the lake and cool afternoon breezes distinguish its growing season from neighboring areas.
Soils
Alluvial valley soils with gravelly and volcanic upland material influence water retention, drainage, rooting depth, and vigor.
Wine styles
The area is best represented by Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Muscat, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.
Notable features
The interaction of valleys and surrounding hills north of Clear Lake, climate, and soils gives the AVA a memorable California identity.
Producers
More public records will be added as coverage expands.