Signature Varieties

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the county’s leading varieties and are certainly its signature grapes, especially in the Chalone and Mt. Harlan AVAs. However, some of the most prized grapes barely register on acreage reports. These mainly include old-vine fruit: Mourvèdre from Enz Vineyard in the Lime Kiln AVA, Riesling from Wirz in Cienega Valley, and Chenin Blanc and Pinot Blanc in Chalone.

Pinot Noir

  • Plantings
    267.10 hectares (660 acres)

Chardonnay

  • Plantings
    233.10 hectares (576 acres)

Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Plantings
    151.76 hectares (375 acres)

Merlot

  • Plantings
    76.08 hectares (188 acres)

White Riesling

  • Plantings
    42.49 hectares (105 acres)

Sauvignon Blanc

  • Plantings
    33.18 hectares (82 acres)