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
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Plantings280.9 hectares (694 acres)
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Crush/Production55,232.7 tons
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Price Per Ton of Fruit$1,1880.11
Chardonnay
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Plantings231.1 hectares (571 acres)
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Crush/Production86,903.6 tons
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Price Per Ton of Fruit$1,340.62
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Plantings168.3 hectares (416 acres)
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Crush/Production29,257.4 tons
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Price Per Ton of Fruit$1,338.25
Merlot
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Plantings83.8 hectares (207 acres)
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Crush/Production18,475.5 tons
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Price Per Ton of Fruit$981.41
Sauvignon Blanc
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Plantings33.2 hectares (82 acres)
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Crush/Production7,502.5 tons
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Price Per Ton of Fruit$1,191.29